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Deforest Intermediate School

PROJECT BRIEF

In collaboration with EUA.

For the DeForest Area School District, we designed a new intermediate school for fourth through sixth grade students that feels open, connected, and deeply rooted in its surroundings.

Transparency became the guiding principle. Rather than enclosing learning, we allowed it to unfold—opening classrooms to one another and layering in expansive windows that draw daylight deep into the building. The result is a school that feels bright, breathable, and alive throughout the day.

Set on a former farm with access to a nearby creek, the site itself became an extension of the classroom. Outdoor learning environments invite exploration, while carefully framed views keep students visually connected to the surrounding landscape—grounding their daily experience in nature.

Each grade level is organized into its own “neighborhood”—a flexible ecosystem of classrooms, gathering areas, and sensory spaces that support a range of learning styles and moments throughout the day. Support services are thoughtfully embedded within these neighborhoods, ensuring accessibility while reinforcing a sense of belonging and inclusion.

The result is a school that doesn’t just house education—it fosters curiosity, connection, and well-being at every scale.

Let’s talk.

We start simple with a conversation -  what are you hoping to do? Why are you hoping to do it? We’ll talk about your site, your goals, your timeline, and your budget. This is where we decide if we’re the right fit for each other. If we are not the right fit, I’m happy to make a referral.