Established in 1998, The Ecology School is an innovative environmental education program for young people. After leasing space at Ferry Beach for a number of years, the School purchased Riverbend Farm in Saco, a 105-acre organic farm, with diverse ecosystems in order to expand the depth and breadth of its programs. Hiring three Portland architecture firms to work together to develop a campus plan for the property and then to design the dormitories and dining commons was unusual and yet reflective of the school’s collaborative approach. The Living Building Challenge guidelines are shaping the design and providing the architectural team an opportunity to learn much more about this rigorous green design performance standard that requires buildings to be both self-sufficient and beautiful. SA is designing the 7,000 SF Dining Commons building, which includes a kitchen, dining space, a small office, and nurse’s station.

Client  |  The Ecology School

Location  |  Saco, Maine

Team  |  Simons Architects, Kaplan Thompson Architects, Briburn

Contractor  |  Zachau Construction

Awards  |  2022 AIA Maine Honor Award