Focused on hands-on, project-based learning, Two Rivers is a network of public charter schools in Washington, D.C., fostering curiosity, character, and a deep engagement with education and communication. The school wanted to expand its elementary school campus with a middle school by renovating a portion of its historic school building and adding an addition. To do so, Two Rivers tapped local design firm, Studio Twenty Seven Architecture, to renovate over 14,000 square feet of the existing building and add a 28,687 square-foot addition to create the new Two Rivers Middle School. These two schools make a single educational campus serving elementary and middle school students. The renovation included a new connecting bridge, gymnasium improvements, breakout spaces, a wellness room, and a music room alongside the adjacent outdoor multipurpose area. Even though it is connected to the elementary school, the new Two Rivers Middle School gives its 300 students a sense of identity and a separate community unique from the elementary program from which they graduated.
With community at its heart, Two Rivers’ primary goal with the new middle school was to have a central gathering space for students to come together and build their community separate from the elementary school. The design team created the main entrance to be open and inviting, with spaces for students to gather before and between classes. Within the main corridor, a central light monitor washes down over the main circulation stair and gathering space, illuminating the school at its core. Classroom spaces and corridors are organized around this volume of light, bringing the outside world into the heart of the building.
With numerous gathering spaces throughout the middle school outfitted with hard finishes, Studio Twenty Seven Architecture knew acoustics would be vital to the occupant experience in this project, especially within the open, two-story tall entrance area. The team also wanted to include a visually appealing centerpiece in the entrance to entice students into the space further. The design team worked with acoustic solution manufacturer Kirei to improve the corridor’s sound quality and add a beautiful design element to the area. Kirei’s numerous color options and unique product styles drew the design team to choose its Geometry tiles.
The Geometry tiles allowed the studio to create an eye-catching and playful pattern while reducing noise reverberation in the space. The tiles also enable students to connect easily, without any acoustic stress. The design team installed the tiles at the top of the stairs so occupants could get close to the tiles and see the geometric design up close. Typically, acoustic panels can easily be damaged when in reach of people, but the durable PET felt of Kirei’s products allows the ability to interact with the tiles without damaging them. Kirei’s sustainability initiatives also helped Studio Twenty Seven Architecture achieve a LEED Gold certification for the Two Rivers Middle School. Kirei’s 12mm PET products are made from over 60% recycled content, helping to divert hundreds of millions of plastic water bottles away from global landfills and waterways.
Studio Twenty Seven Architecture created a captivating and modern middle school for Two Rivers public charter schools. Kirei’s acoustic tiles help create an excellent occupant experience so students can create their own community within the middle school by minimizing noise distractions and discomfort while adding color and joy to the central gathering space.
