The power of place underpins the vision for a 500 student high school on a 5.7 acre site located between an existing middle school and a nature reserve. The new net-zero energy high school fuses landscape and architecture to expand the nature reserve and create an environmentally responsive framework for project based learning.

The light-filled two story building is organized around a series of concrete and copper clad walls that reference the natural context and create continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces. The sequence of views to activities and nature beyond encourages curiosity and strengthens the sense of a schoolwide community of interests. The sheltering overhead canopy’s photovoltaic panels provide needed shade while generating power that contributes to the net-zero energy ambition.

Zoom workshops held through the pandemic engaged students, community, and faculty in the determination of siting, building configuration, and layout. Students wanted a variety of places to get together, faculty wanted space to inspire, and the community at large wanted a low scale sustainable design that reflected Malibu's unique identity.

Reinstating the natural topography was the starting point. The strategy not only restored the hillside, but also, minimized the need for expensive retaining walls. An accessible pedestrian path meanders up the hill to connect to existing buildings shared with the neighboring middle school. The path doubles as a fire-lane for emergency and service vehicles, while the addition of a perimeter road releases the maximum area for secure, car free, student-use. The two story school is set back from the street and screened by trees planted at a safe distance to support fire resiliency.

The program is organized in “sets” comprising a variety of general purpose classrooms anchored by science labs (including Marine Biology), maker programs or visual arts studios. Each set is organized around a collaboration space to encourage students and teachers alike to make cross-disciplinary connections key to project-based learning. Dispersed faculty workrooms create hubs within a set to promote student/teacher exchange.

The double-height commons is where students will gather. It’s a flexible and inclusive space that flows to the outside. Seating is organized to support social connection, dining, collaboration, and private study. There is plenty of room to display student work and glimpses beyond to student activities in action.