Students spend a lot of time moving between classes. The stairs and hallways, they move through are important spaces. At the Griffin School the two hallways are vibrant functional social spaces. Read more about the school here.
The hallway contains exhibition space for the student’s artwork as well as the lockers. Acoustics are controlled by a layered ceiling system that contains concealed acoustic insulation and lighting while also concealing the supply air diffusers.
First Floor Hallway
On the first floor the hallway is single-loaded, meaning the functional spaces the hallway serves, like classrooms, are on one side.
Douglas Fir Hallway Window Wall
The other side is a window wall built from exposed Douglas Fir wood studs which looks out on the outdoor courtyard and porch area. The large shaded south facing windows connect the hallway with the outdoor space and bring in abundant natural light.
Section diagram showing the relationship between the first and second floor hallways
On the second floor the hallway widens to become a student lounge and informal work area. The second floor lounge area overhangs the south facing courtyard creating a porch space on the first floor next to the hallway shading both the porch area and the large hallway windows.
A Griffin School teaching taking a break in the second floor lounge
Second Floor Plan showing wide Hallway/Lounge Area
A deep recessed operable window in the 2nd floor lounge allows views out across the neighborhood and into the trees.
Night View showing both first and second floor hallways visible from the courtyard