February 10, 2025

Best in State - Gold Award: Social, Economic and Sustainable Design Considerations

Photo from ACEC Washington [enlarge]

The massing and saw-tooth roofs of Green Hill School’s new recreation building reflect local architectural styles and landforms.

DLR Group

Green Hill School Wellness & Recreation Center

Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families

The original recreation building at Green Hill School in Chehalis, built in the 1960s, was designed for a different population and no longer met the needs of its current residents. While other campus buildings were updated or replaced over the years, the recreation building remained outdated, with safety concerns including poor sight lines, deteriorating materials and structural issues. These factors led to the decision to replace the facility with a new, purpose-built structure.

The new Green Hill School Wellness & Recreation Center is now the heart of the campus, transforming the overall campus experience. It supports the state-mandated daily physical activity for youth while offering a crucial space for staff respite. The center enhances the environment for youth, staff and visitors, serving as a hub for wellness and connection.

The design incorporates natural materials and processes to create a welcoming and harmonious environment. The building’s massing and saw-tooth roofs reflect local architectural styles and landforms, while strategically placed wood finishes invite touch and engagement. To maximize natural light and ventilation in the large open spaces, the design team incorporated clerestories and carefully engineered roof trusses that create large openings without compromising the visual lightness of the steel structure.

The new Wellness & Recreation Center stands as a modern, functional and aesthetically pleasing facility that enhances the campus experience.

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