Westmark School

Encino, CA

One in five children have learning differences. Yet most schools are not designed with neurodiversity in mind, which hinders learning for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. The design of the Lower School campus of Westmark School—which supports students with language-based learning differences—creates an inclusive, welcoming and nature-infused environment, featuring mass timber and other natural materials.

Gathered around a grand California Sycamore tree and designed to be net zero, the project aligns the architectural vision to the highly specialized education and individualized instructional model of Westmark School. This includes physical accommodations for right-sized classrooms and learning environments that provide flexibility, healthy daylight and air quality, as well as movement, proper sound attenuation and shaded open space with opportunities for outdoor learning.

Features

The project applies the latest in neurodiversity insights to provide comfortable, choice-driven learning environments while increasing student well-being. This includes offering students and teachers additional choices to reduce stress. For instance, a variety of paths, nooks and hubs each address the need for respite and connection. In addition, the indoor and outdoor classrooms become oases of calm via garden-like environments.

The project set an early target of ILFI Zero Carbon design and is tracking LEED Gold certification, which closely aligns with the school’s mission to educate future leaders to be stewards of our world. Beyond these environmental measures, the project’s sustainability features create multiple spaces that support the education of children with learning differences. Examples include the warmth of the exposed mass timber elements, rooftop gardens that provide access to nature, and deep roof overhangs that shade openings while creating a soft natural light that is comfortable for children with visual impairments.

Project Details

Client Name
Westmark

Square Footage
15,500 SF

Program
Classrooms, resource rooms, multi-purpose theater space, occupational therapy room, counselor office, teachers’ lounge

Services
Architectural design, interior design, lighting design

Phase
Construction
Sustainability
Targeting ILFI Zero Carbon Certification and LEED Gold