A Campus Connected Through Thoughtful Design Friends Seminary
Friends Seminary provides education to students from kindergarten through twelfth grade, guided by the values of the Religious Society of Friends. The school aims to foster a diverse community where students are encouraged to explore their curiosity and imagination, developing as scholars, artists, and athletes. Since its opening in 1998, the Annex building had become outdated and no longer matched the school's vibrant spirit. This realization led to a partnership with Denham Wolf's Project Management team to oversee a complete renovation.
Originally constructed as a Germanic Masonic Temple, the Annex is a narrow five-story building housing the Upper School’s science and math classrooms, a black-box theater, and a communal teachers' office. Despite its lively student body, the facility felt dark and utilitarian. Friends aimed to create unity between the Annex and the main campus buildings by incorporating school colors, light wood, and open spaces to enhance flow, ultimately creating a more inspiring learning environment for students and teachers.
With no alternative classroom space available during construction, Denham Wolf was tasked with executing a complete gut renovation within a 10-week timeframe during summer break. Midway through the design process, critical long-lead items were identified, allowing for the pre-purchase of materials and equipment to ensure readiness for an expedited renovation.
Working closely with the school’s architects, Tinmouth Chang, and the construction management team at Taurino Construction Management, Denham Wolf outlined a detailed schedule to meet the required occupancy deadline. The sequencing of work was carefully orchestrated, often overlapping and employing innovative methodologies to ensure on-time completion.
The project team set out to transform the Annex into a modern, dynamic learning hub. Collaborating with WBG, the science laboratories, classrooms, and common spaces were enhanced with custom furniture and millwork, including bespoke cabinetry and built-in seating areas. The shared teacher's office features custom desks and a private meeting room, dubbed the Nucleus as a nod to the building’s function as a place of scientific learning.
The building’s circulation stairs were opened up with transparent glass partitions and painted walls to brighten the halls. Partnering with 4wall, a theatrical lighting design group, the black-box theater was upgraded with a state-of-the-art control booth and advanced lighting system.
Thoughtful design elements established cohesion between the Annex and the main campus, such as the terrazzo lobby floor, inlaid with the school emblem and phrases embodying the school's values. The renovation not only revitalized the building but also improved the educational experience for students and faculty. Completed on schedule, the upgraded Annex welcomed its students back to school in a new environment that represents the mission and values of Friends Seminary.
“By working closely with the school and our project partners, we were able to align design, construction, and logistics to deliver a unified and purposeful space that better serves the needs of the school community.”
—Jessica Stander, Director of Design at Denham Wolf
“With ten weeks to complete the full renovation, our team had to be strategic and remain committed to the school's vision. We are proud to have delivered a space that not only fulfills the educational and functional needs of students and faculty but also reflects the spirit of Friends Seminary.”
—Ronzard J. Innocent, Principal | Managing Director of Project Management Services at Denham Wolf