Tahoe Exhibition Academy
Lake Tahoe, California
Tahoe Expedition Academy (TEA) provides a non-traditional, adventure-based educational program for students pre-K to grade 12. Faulkner Architects collaborated with Olson Kundig on the update of a master plan that clarifies the arrangement of campus buildings and establishes a clear organizational system to inform the campus expansion. Surrounded by forested hills and mountains, the high alpine desert site slopes gently to the south and is sparsely inhabited by second-growth pine trees. The winter climate is harsh, with below-zero temperatures and fierce storms.
Built forms are oriented to respond to the natural context, following the sloping campus topography and maximizing views of the valley and Mt. Pluto. The master plan defines the spaces between buildings and embeds programmable outdoor areas in the natural landscape. Design concepts for a completely pre-manufactured campus—including an outdoor stage and canopy, amphitheater, black box performing arts and “maker” space, learning spaces, and a central café and dining space—support a wide range of uses and experiences.
Movable walls and custom furniture transform learning spaces to meet the needs of student groups that are diverse in both age and number. Mobile “huts” can be used as small-group breakout spaces within the learning spaces or outdoors, providing flexibility for a range of activities year-round. Large roof overhangs provide protection from weather and further maximize opportunities for indoor/outdoor learning.
A kit of part approach allows the learning space to be quickly and easily replicated as TEA’s student population grows. Weathering steel cladding, CLT, and a steel framework establishes a rugged architectural language appropriate to the site and climate, as well as the school’s boundary-pushing curriculum. Sustainability strategies include efficient integrated systems, natural ventilation, geothermal mechanical system, and photovoltaic arrays. TEA’s mission to foster a sense of environmental stewardship and advocacy in its students is supported by the construction technology of the built environment.
Team
Greg Faulkner
Tom Kundig
(Who else?)