Teton County Children’s Learning Center Brings Sustainable Design to Jackson, Wyoming

Many children's make believe adventures revolve around wooden forts in the mountains; the new <a href="http://www.wardblake.com/projects.php?project_id=31">Teton County Children's Learning Center</a> by <a href="http://www.wardblake.com/index.php">Ward+Blake Architects </a>and D.W. Arthur Associates Architecture has captured this dream in the wilds of Jackson, Wyoming. This children’s daycare facility reflects the rustic decor of the Teton region, while achieving LEED Gold certification with an energy-efficient, low-impact design.

The exterior of the building celebrates the regional vernacular ranch style of the local neighborhood, and it incorporates many natural materials in its skin.

Various shed roofs allow for natural light to penetrate deep into the building through angled clerestory windows. Also, many of these shed roofs are covered with sod in order to control storm water runoff.

Beaver slide-like enclosures and other slatted fences help to break up the exterior of the building, while creating shading devices for the building.

Made from rammed earth, cedar wood, weathered wood, glass and steel, this 12,000 square-foot facility rises and falls almost as if mimicking the surrounding mountains.

Exterior play areas are designed to include experiential areas where children can interact with streams and natural materials.

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The design of the building really is a reminder of why Ward+Blake Architects received the Firm of the Year award for 2011 in Wyoming.

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Creatively named “The Ranch”, the Rafter J Childcare facility was designed by the team of architects to achieve three objectives: to fit into the ranch-like neighborhood, experientially stimulate the children, and achieve LEED Silver certification.

As the children enter the building they are met with a “family-room” concept corridor where gently curving walls help to create interactive spaces that lead to private rooms

The interior classroom spaces are designed with stained concrete, bright colored walls, and floating cloud-like ceiling tiles that help to capture the children’s imagination.

Other sustainable features include an onsite geothermal system that provides for 50 percent or more of the building’s energy.

The 12,000 square foot facility is designed into individual buildings. The one story building are ready to expand to a second floor as the facility grows.