As project architect with WRNS Studio Joel Baumgardner coordinated all aspects of the design of this net positive energy Grange and Studios for Sonoma Academy, a high school of 275 students.  The master plan included planning approval for the Grange and Studios building as well as a future performing arts center.

The Grange and Studios building includes a dining room, an all-electric kitchen serving breakfast and lunch to the entire school, a teaching kitchen, student counseling offices and 3 maker spaces.  Maker spaces have rooms for electronics, metal work, wood work and digital media production which includes a sound and video studio with an adjoining control room.  Exterior facilities include a green roof, outdoor teaching areas, gardens for farm to table instruction, storm water treatment, greywater treatment and a rain water collection system, all of which are on display as teaching elements.

The project is seeking LEED Platinum certification, Living Building Challenge certification and is participating in a Well Building Standard Certification pilot program for schools.

Energy use is planned to be Net Positive, a difficult goal with a commercial kitchen.  The facility will include variable refrigerant volume radiant heating, ground source heat pump and PV generation.

All images courtesy of WRNS Studio