Children's Day School Preschool

The new preschool at Children’s Day School merges into the tight urban fabric of San Francisco's historic Mission neighborhood while preserving and enhancing outdoor spaces. Located in the middle of a dense city block, the new single-story school maximizes open areas by elevating its play space onto the roof, and redesigning its adjacent play yard. The site’s two beloved elm trees are retained, shaping the school’s programmatic arrangement with a courtyard that weaves around the largest tree.

The building’s exposed mass timber structure provides strength, efficiency, and a natural palette while addressing the project’s sustainability goals. Inside, honest, sustainable, and natural materials promote a calm and comfortable environment for students to do their best learning. The exposed mass timber structure, along with the acoustic panels, tempers sound, light, and temperature to create a serene environment filled with natural light.