Mather Architects
Architect/Designer, Carpenter

The design and carpentry work of this outdoor classroom was provided Pro Bono to Cub Run Elementary School. Built in a small niche between two wings of the existing school building, the outdoor garden/classroom provides a safe space for students to learn about, care for, and study outdoor flora and fauna.

The site contained a large stormwater grate directly in the center. We chose to pave a small area around it and incorporate the stormwater grate as the center location of a forced-perspective street art design.

The ‘Bird Nest’ structure was designed to provide a more intimate classroom space. The structure consists of a raised platform with canted walls. Old Virginia Creeper was woven into the railing to give the look and feel of an enlarged birds’ nest. In addition to the design, I provided my services as a carpenter and, along with a few parent volunteers, built the nest of a series of weekends.