The Sacramento area is noted for its native oaks and vernal pools. The proposed project looked at building on this sensitive California landscape, highlighting the site's natural ecosystems and dramatic landforms and incorporating this unique ecosystem into the school's curriculum.

The landscape concept weaves natural systems and built systems together, creating an interesting interplay of orthogonal development with the natural watershed and vernal pools. The phased implementation plan preserves the watershed and allows the native vernal pools to be integrated into the everyday life of the campus. As part of the school's natural science curriculum, it reinforces the idea that vast, intact vernal pool landscapes are a necessary component of health at all scales.

Architect: Cannon Design