CM PORTFOLIO
Montessori School Sited in Staunton, VA, this complex contains a Montessori school along with single-family apartments. The school hopes to embody the values of Maria Montessori herself, where the students are encouraged to learn through freedom and self-motivation. The children have access to a library, multiple classrooms, a playroom, courtyard, and more. The apartments offer two different sizes and cater towards local professors at the University of Mary Baldwin.
Perforation The majority of the building's envelop is constructed with perforated CMU block, custom designed for privacy. Each square block is more open on the interior face to allow for better views, and more closed on the exterior for privacy.
Perch The school offers a cantilevered perch which allows the students to observe the stream that passes next to the site. Learning through observing and doing is a large part of the Montessori method.
Playroom The playroom has bays of smooth groin vaults as the ceiling, and has a feeling of openness and free passage between inside and outside. This is a space for the children to experience hands-on learning.
Courtyard The courtyard is shared between the school and the apartments. Mary Baldwin Professors who live in the residences will share the same "yard" as the Montessori students, which may enrich the learning of the students and liven up the feel of the shared space.
Plans The upper building pictured above is the apartment building, and the lower building is the Montessori school. The shared courtyard is represented by the green space between. The complex is surrounded by a perforated CMU wall.
First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
Sections + Site Building sections are shown on top, and the building's site context is shown on the bottom.
Section AA (Apartments)
Section BB (School)
Staunton, VA