Any renovation project requires an understanding of the spirit of the original design combined with updates that take into account both the site and the current residents, particularly if the structure is older with an important history to the community.
A educational facility in Takoma Park, Maryland is one such place. For more than 80 years it has been a fixture in the neighborhood. So when local business WAK TOK architects had set out to redefine the former residence, the key was to keep its residential charm intact. “When we were asked to modernize the school house, a beloved bungalow originally built in the 1920s, we felt it was necessary to honor this heritage,” says Wakako Tokunaga, founder of WAK TOK architects.
Indeed, as an outdoor nursery, the landscape itself becomes a center of learning, surrounded by open skies and trees. The new design strengthens the relationship between each child and the environment, letting the outside in. A section of the first floor was removed to convert a neglected basement into a double-height sunroom for full integration.
The mudroom is a focal point, the first point of entry where outdoor exploration moves easily indoors. A glass wall opens to create a seamless indoor-outdoor threshold. Kids gather here and can put objects on counters or perfectly sized buttons.
Classrooms now have expansive views that offer an immersive experience to students as they watch the seasons change. Careful placement of stairs, windows and transition spaces encourages engagement aligned with the curriculum, which includes an emphasis on ecological awareness.
The all-natural non-toxic elements were selected with health and sustainability in mind. An oak finish adds an organic feel to each zone. Concrete floors and sinks are durable and easy to maintain, even with wet coats and muddy boots scattered about. Raised platforms used for rest or play are finished with carpet made from recycled and organic materials. Improved insulation and a high-efficiency HVAC system have reduced overall energy use and increased occupant well-being.
With teaching not confined to four walls, learning is effortless, wherever it takes place. “School always felt like an extension of home, both physically and emotionally,” notes Tokunaga. “Our goal was to preserve the warmth, the sense of wonder and the connection with nature.”
To explore more of the studio’s portfolio, visit wak-tok.com.
Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg
