Malibu, California, USA
Located in a city famous for its coastline, canyons, surf, and sun; Malibu High School’s new Classroom, Library, and Administration building by HMC Architects celebrates the local landscape to create a harmony of environment and education and transform the campus.
The modern facility’s flexible spaces, with sea breezes and views of the surrounding mountains, aim to improve the student experience and support them in reaching their fullest potential.
The project has been awarded an Honorable Mention at the 2023 American Architecture Awards from The Chicago Athenaeum and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
The design of the stepping two-story building extends along the entire street front, seamlessly integrating with the natural topography of the school’s hillside location.
This architectural approach allows the building to harmonize with its surroundings, taking advantage of the slope to minimize visual impact and blend with the landscape.
The building’s strategic placement and design serve to establish a new and much-needed facade for the campus, presenting a modern and inviting entrance that enhances the school’s identity and connection with the community.
This thoughtful integration of structure with the environment not only addresses practical needs but also contributes to the aesthetic and functional improvement of the campus’s overall appearance and accessibility.
The library’s placement at the northwest corner frames a secondary campus entry with the existing theater building, reinforcing the shared public use of these two programs.
New classrooms and labs are located on the courtyard and upper level along with a demonstration roof garden that functions as an educational space for student and community use.
The design integrates sustainable strategies that optimize learning environments while reducing reliance on mechanical and electrical systems.
Abundant glazing throughout the building is protected by exterior circulation arcades with extensive sunshades, promoting outdoor physical and visual connections for students and staff.
The dynamic yet functional design features generous daylighting, highly visible photovoltaic canopies, expansive sunshade devices, and angular roof elements, connecting students and staff with their surroundings.
The revitalized student courtyard improves stormwater management, creates a variety of scaled-use opportunities for students, and supports outdoor teaching environments highly suitable to the Malibu climate.
Project: Malibu High School – Classroom Library & Administrative Building
Architects: HMC Architects
General Contractor: McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.
Client: Malibu Unified School District
Photographers: Dave Fennema, HMC Architects