Two Rivers Middle School
The new Two Rivers Middle school is an addition to an existing historic school in Northeast Washington, DC. The existing school is serving an elementary school population and the new, two-story, 28,687 square foot addition will serve 300 middle school students. The goal was to create a single educational campus but to also provide a sense of identity and separate community for the older middle school students, unique from the elementary program from which they have just graduated
Awards | Press
2021 12th Yuanye Cup International Architecture Award
2022 AIA DC Award for Excellence in Interior Architecture
All photos copyright Hoachlander Davis Photography
Two Rivers is a network of public charter schools centered on hands-on, project-based learning – fostering curiosity, character, and deep engagement with learning and with one another. In 2015, the Two Rivers Learning Institute was created, offering courses, workshops, and customized professional development for educators seeking information about deeper learning instruction, access course offerings, and explore opportunities for customized professional development.
Community is at the heart of the Two Rivers curriculum. The new middle school addition expresses community through the architectural feature of a central light monitor that washes down over the main circulation stair and gathering space, illuminating the school at its core. The classroom spaces and corridors are organized around this volume of light bringing the outside world into the heart of the building.
A 14,400 square foot renovation to the existing elementary school was also included in the scope of work, and included the new connecting bridge, gymnasium improvements, breakout spaces, wellness room, and music room alongside the adjacent outdoor multipurpose area.
