Montessori Retreat.
Ecological retreat and learning center for children
Healthy to the environment
This retreat was first developed for the Montessori school in Phoenix, Az as a nature get-away and educational tool for faculty, students and their parents. It was designed to be an example of off grid sustainable living using materials that have low carbon footprint as well as healthy to the environment. Composting toilets, papercrete countertops as well as a large photo-voltaic system creates a living environment that treads lightly on the property.
The Phoenix based Montessori school approached Sun Bear with the two story design concept. It incorporated a straw bale lower floor with a SIPS panel upper story. A box beam/versalam construction method was developed as a structural framework with straw bale infill walls. Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPS) were used on the second floor and roof panels. The roof panels were held up by a series of custom made log trusses. A compact yet open design was paramount so a metal spiral staircase was used to access the second floor and an open balcony to the main gathering room was utilized. A small kitchen space, a separate bedroom and upstairs children’s sleeping loft round out the design.
