CBS Preschool Alteration
A contemporary and thriving San Francisco preschool occupying a skillfully designed, albeit dated, building (originally created by notable architects, Marquis and Stoller) desired a more welcoming and secure entry sequence and a stronger connection between indoors and outdoors to foster experienced-based learning.
Existing ground floor classrooms arrayed around a central courtyard, but accessed through a landlocked and windowless corridor, are enlarged and given in-classroom restrooms, diaper-changing stations and teacher work areas by eliminating the corridor and accessing classrooms directly through the new courtyard. This outdoor space is layered with natural materials and landscape features including: a hollowed log for water play, a pebble pool, mud kitchen, and climbing mounds and stepping logs.
A secured entry garden, glassy entry and flex space welcomes parents and young children and blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, creating a bright and lively space for parents to gather and linger before and after drop-off and pick-up and a space for students to gather and play outside of their classrooms.
A teaching kitchen lends a warm great room vibe to the entry and offers a space for parents to schmooze over coffee after drop-off and learning space for students to hone early baking skills. The kitchen opens directly onto an outdoor farm space where children cultivate herbs, fruits and vegetables prepared around the kitchen island for meals and snacks.
Reimagined classrooms include folding glass walls, linking classrooms to the Central Garden for indoor-outdoor learning and play. Classrooms are finished in natural materials with Zero VOCs and include filtering HVAC systems for healthy indoor air quality. Playful millwork and cubbies invite children to explore and discover an array of supplies and resources. Perforated sunshades create an ever-changing dappled light that marks the passage of time.
