San Francisco School    San Francisco, California

Miller Company has provided master planning, design, and construction for the San Francisco School, an independent K-8 school located in the southeastern section of the city. We have been involved with the redesign of the central core of the campus, renovations to the two preschool yards, and the development of new sport court and play areas.  

The Adventure Garden, on a terraced hillside on the eastern side of campus, integrates the values of recycling and reuse into the materials of the landscape. The terraces are built from recycled concrete taken from a basketball court that was demolished to make way for the new classroom building. Mulch materials used on site were chipped from existing trees that were removed to create the new sports turf area. Wooden palettes destined for the trash heap have been made into fencing. The hillside features a curving, 50-foot-long slide that is a favorite play place for students. The Adventure Garden includes a bird and butterfly garden, a native plant garden, an organic food garden, a composting center, and a growing area for plants that are integrated into the school's art program. Recent graduates of the school were hired on as summer workers to help build the outdoor areas for current students.   

In the North Class Preschool Yard, we created a tiered river from recycled stones, and a play shipwreck marooned between rocks and sand. A custom play structure reiterates the wave them in its detailing. A wooden deck for art projects, a swing area, and a fantasy platform for performances all contribute to the rich play environment.   

Most recently, Miller Company designed new stormwater management features to accommodate expansions to the Pre-K building. The stormwater features include an inflow planter, a dry well to capture overflow from the planter during heavy storm events, and permeable pavers for courtyard hardscape.

Architect (new classroom building): Turnbull Griffin Haesloop
Architect (building renovations): Huang Iboshi Architecture
Owner: San Francisco School