When the
Frankford Friends School decided to add seventh and eighth grade to their traditional Pre-K-through-sixth enrollment, they needed more space. They embarked on an ambitious expansion of their historic campus on Orthodox Street in Frankford. Following years of work and a $2 million capital fund campaign, that addition officially opened in 2012. One school year later, the building's unique design and modern aesthetic are a huge hit.
"When people walk into the light-filled multipurpose room, they’re amazed," says Amy O’Leary, director of development and alumni relations at the school. "The design of the space is exactly what we needed."
The building was designed by renowned local architecture firm
DIGSAU. In addition to the large multipurpose room, the new 6,000-square-foot structure features a dedicated music room and three classrooms for grades seven and eight. The building also reduces energy use through a variety of innovative strategies and features teaching gardens on the southern side of the facility.
"Ultimately, we wanted to add something new and tie the existing buildings together," says James Unkefer with DIGSAU. "We wanted to reinforce the campus feel."
This was achieved by expressing the school's Quaker roots in modern ways -- they incorporated a generous amount of glass and steel, with an exposed wood skin.
Though striking, the new building isn't meant to stand out. "The design is simple and doesn’t compete with the neighboring Quaker meeting house," explains Unkefer. That traditional wood frame building is the centerpiece of the school's campus.
"The structure is also outward looking," adds Unkefer. "A lot of openness and natural light is utilized to make the space look and feel ‘social.'"
The school's 2012 enrollment of 142 students was the highest in its 179-year history. O’Leary says the new school has received so much buzz that enrollment is already up for next year. She is aware of a number of families that recently relocated to Frankford to be near the school.
Source: James Unkefer, DIGSAU; Amy O'Leary, Frankford Friends School
Writer:
Greg Meckstroth