CAW Architects (CAW) has been at the forefront of reshaping California education through its award-winning educational portfolio for decades. Committed to enhancing the educational lives of children and young adults, the firm’s wide-ranging educational portfolio, which spans elementary, secondary, and university campus work, reflects its belief that all students deserve equal access and inclusion.

To date, the firm has designed the first two LEED Platinum K-12 public school buildings in the Bay Area, a Net-Zero Energy Master Plan for a comprehensive public high school in Oakland, and substantial campus revitalizations at Stanford University with an established goal of becoming carbon neutral and utilizing 100% renewable energy. It has been well documented that there is a clear link between increased student performance and the environmental quality of the built environment.

Strategically sited to leverage Monterey Bay’s stunning vistas, the new two-story, 12,500 SF campus addition integrates outdoor plazas at both the top and bottom of the steep site, offering outdoor learning spaces throughout. Despite its modest size, the addition significantly impacts the gathering and circulation spaces, introducing ramps and an interior elevator to navigate the steep grades. Furthermore, the building is uniquely perched to create commanding views over the football fields and ocean, creating a striking presence.

The first floor seamlessly opens to outdoor plazas on either side through large folding doors, transforming into an indoor-outdoor community space for school events, while functioning as a classroom on regular school days. Beyond the primary goal of adding four classrooms, the project contributes new outdoor and gathering spaces, enhanced security boundaries, accessible site circulation, a community gathering space, and even a skybox overlooking the stadium.

Emphasizing durability, the exterior features fiber cement panels, concrete, and large windows. Windows are thoughtfully organized in clusters, providing diffuse natural light to the majority of the north-oriented classrooms. The design received appreciation from MPUSD leadership, led by Superintendent PK Diffenbaugh, who supported the team’s innovative thinking. Notably, the project evolved from the initial idea of adding a building at the rear of the campus to a comprehensive solution addressing broader campus planning challenges. The proposal to demolish a small single classroom building further garnered support from the school district, leading to the successful realization of the project. Principal Tom Newton’s advocacy for CAW Architects’ work adds an extra layer of satisfaction to the accomplishment.

Design: CAW Architects
Photography: Bruce Damonte