Project Description
The old dining hall was small and noisy with inadequate servery areas and it could no longer accommodate the whole school for formal dinners. The ad hoc additions built to make room for the growing school detracted from the small-scale grace of the original structure.
The concept for the new dining hall grew out of the 2012 Student Life Master Plan by VMA. Forming a new exterior court directly behind the current dining room, the new 400-seat hall has a large central volume with side aisles. It is light and airy, quiet, and architecturally expressive of the school’s mission and identity.
A glazed gallery and cupola over the main entry connect the original dining hall with the new while forming a focal point for the court. The original dining room has been transformed into the campus living room and is used to host faculty and trustees' meetings, special dinners and other events. The courtyard is for outdoor dining.
The school’s farm-to-table food service operation, reflects their overall commitment to sustainability. Environmental initiatives are also reflected through the materials palette, incorporation of ample daylighting, and installation of geothermal systems. Views to the north, intentionally visible through the open kitchen. include the school's organic gardens and further emphasize the farm-to-table program.
The kitchen has been sized to accommodate cooking instruction, and features freezers large enough accommodate locally and seasonally sourced vegetables in bulk.