Project:
Desert Son-Shine Preschool and Kindergarten
Project Description:
As an early childhood development center for under-privileged children in Palm Springs, this project utilizes several innovative ideas, which help it, perform as an energy surplus producer and carbon neutral building. Solar water heating and photometric panels are used to shade the structure, which is partially set into the topography of the site, insulating the windward side of the building. Cooling and heating demand is thus reduced, while also creating a livable yet dramatic engagement with the natural beauty of the existing site and views. Careful site placement and treatment, native landscaping and a broad design priority for environmental positive selection and use of building materials, combined with precise design detailing to minimize construction waste and site impact all work to set a precedent for a school in the desert with a very light impact on the land or our resources.