BIOSHELTER FOR THE HERSHEY MONTESSORI FARM SCHOOL.

Interior View

Interior Detail

Exterior near entry

Description:

Structure is separated by an agrarian valley from the main building of the Hershey Montessori Farm School, a model learning environment, the first complete actualization of Maria Montessori's theories of education for the adolescent in the US. This, 'bioshelter,' nearly energy self-sufficient, is a combination of classroom, indoor horticulture center, and demonstration garden.

PROJECT SPECS

LOCATION

Huntsburg, Ohio

STATUS

Completed-
Spring 2004

MATERIALS

Concrete masonry, galvanized steel greenhouse structure from pre-fab kit, translucent polycarbonate skin, insulated panels..

LINKS

See www.montessorifarm.org for more information on the Farm School.

ENERGY STRATEGY

Building to be heated by geothermal source, distributed via radaint floor water coils. A photovoltaic array and wind power generator reduce energy dependance. In summer, structure cooled by natural cross-ventilation.