Thacher School Dining Hall
Ojai, Calif.
Best Project
Owner: The Thacher School
Contractor: The PENTA Building Group
Lead Design Firm: Blackbird Architects Inc.
Structural Engineer: Taylor & Syfan Consulting Engineering
Civil Engineer: Jensen Design & Survey
MEP Engineer: Mechanical Engineering Consultants
Subcontractors: Damar Construction; Gordon Fiano Construction; West Coast Power Solutions; Earthscapes; Sierra Commercial Plumbing; Shoreline Construction; American Concrete Polishing; Victory Woodworks; Pacific Interiors; Mark Beamish Waterproofing; Pacific Metal Works
This location of the school offers incredible views but also created challenging construction terrain. When crews began digging foundation footings, they immediately hit rock. Working with local geologists, the team studied the area’s rocks, trees, root mat and dirt.
The team could then navigate the landscape using a special custom bucket that enabled the earthwork subcontractor to screen large rocks out of the soil without handling the material multiple times.
This LEED Gold project is replete with green features. Responsibly sourced, high-performance natural wood siding is cradle-to-cradle Gold and Forest Stewardship Council certified.
The corrugated weather steel roof and walls are low maintenance, and their natural patina helps resist decay. Integrated daylight and natural ventilation systems benefit users and save energy. Long southern roof overhangs allow solar heat gain in the winter months and shade window glass in the summer. The green roof is filled with living plants and grass.
