Wellsprings Friends School

A PAssive House Certified Residence in the rolling hills of the oregon high desert

Location  |  Eugene, Oregon
Project Type  |  Grade-School Campus
Size  |  9,700 SF, (new school building and prefab craft studio)
Completion  |  Unbuilt

Architecture | Jan Fillinger, design principal Interior Design | Studio.e Architecture Lighting Design | Studio.e Architecture Landscape Architecture | Lovinger Robertson Landscape Architects

An independent, alternative high school with a focus on creating lifelong learners, Wellsprings is committed to the academic and socio-emotional growth of its students. The school fills a niche in educational offerings that is unique, as the one theme its students have in common is that their prior educational experience was not fulfilling their needs, academically, socially or emotionally.

Working closely with school staff and leadership, Studio.e developed a new building and master plan that designed to exceed the highest code standards for energy efficiency, with a goal of one-fifth the energy use for buildings of similar type and size. The project reinforces a strong and positive identity as
a community beacon for extraordinary sustainable education and environmental principles. The design integrates construction strategies for exceptional energy efficiency, healthy and non-toxic indoor and
outdoor environments, and outstanding earth stewardship goals. Construction assemblies comprise low-maintenance materials and building systems that combine great functionality with outstanding durability, operational and maintenance characteristics.

With 5 daylit classrooms, a library, a large teaching kitchen, an expansive cylindrical community space, administrative offices, all connected with intentional social space hallways and foyers, the new building embodies comfort, function, and sustainability. An existing modular building will be co-located with a new crafts shop building to complement and enhance the outdoor environments. The project would aim for Passive House Passive House certification and LEED Platinum certification. The facility also serves as a worship center for the Mennonite Church. (The project is on hold, pending fundraising)