The Branson School in Ross, California is an independent high school occupying seventeen acres of hilly terrain with buildings dating back to the 1920’s. The new student commons building houses dining and lounge spaces that open onto a sunny terrace and lawn in the midst of the main path of student travel. The client requested that the new facilities be designed to achieve a LEED Platinum certification. The buildings employ many sustainable strategies including: a living roof, radiant heating, natural ventilation, photovoltaic panels, and pervious paving. The project includes a new fine arts building that is sited in conjunction with a renovated facility to form a courtyard around a mature oak tree for outdoor performances and teaching. Construction began in June 2008.