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Waring Forum

The Project

Started in 1971 as a home school, Waring has grown to 150 students.  Based on a rigorous academic program, the School had emphasized the arts and humanities, and wanted to expand its focus in the sciences. As part of a Master Plan commissioned in 1998, the new science building replaced small and outmoded facilities and includes laboratories, seminar rooms and a 50-person lecture hall, providing a science facility unequaled on the North Shore.

The Process

Retained as Owner’s Representative, Mr. St. John worked closely with the Building Committee throughout the planning, design and construction process. He managed a design process that provided a live tree as part of the structure and incorporated student stained glass and ceramics in permanent exhibitions. The organic nature of much of the detailing required a regular presence on site, and Mr. St. John was able to help the School successfully translate its culture into built form.

Mr. St. John oversaw incorporation of a number of green strategies, including the use of natural convective cooling, use of recycled materials and zero-VOC materials to optimize air quality, durable finishes, daylighting and lighting controls to reduce electrical use, and high-efficiency mechanical and electrical equipment.