Village School
Royalston, Massachusetts

The Village School has developed an unique curriculum emphasizing direct contact with the natural world. Black River Architects’ design gives expression to the school’s vision, utilizing natural materials and direct access to the out of doors from each classroom. The building plan is conceived of as a “village” of classrooms connected by a corridor with views to the woods and focused on a common room for community activities.

The siting and efficient floor plan will minimize the impact on the landscape, leaving as much of the large site undisturbed as possible. As expression of the school’s connection to the natural environment, a high efficiency heating system and local and recycled materials will be used to reduce the building’s carbon footprint. Construction cost: $1,500,000 (est.)