Hearts Gathered Waterfall School

COMMUNITY — EDUCATION DESIGN — early learning

Colville Reservation near Omak, Washington

Hearts Gathered works to revitalize Okanogan Salish (nsəlxcin) by operating the Waterfall School, a language immersion Montessori school located on the Colville Reservation near Omak, Washington. With this new building, the Waterfall School will expand to serve children from birth through 12th grade with programs that include both traditional practices and STEAM curriculum.

The rural site in a high valley north of Omak Lake is beautiful, but the climate can be harsh. Summer and winter temperatures can be extreme; strong winds blow up valley off the lake most days. The building uses economical building forms to create a series of sheltered microclimates, maximizing the ability to use outdoor spaces for learning and play. The central courtyard serves as the heart of the school community, a protected sanctuary whose rounded form evokes traditional gathering spaces.

Finding a design language that reflects the modern and traditional identities of the people of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation is an important goal of the project. Vertical sunshades inspired by basketwork are an important visual element; the school will incorporate both site-specific artwork and display spaces for traditional crafts.

The school is organized into two wings, allowing it to be built in phases. The north wing houses five generous classrooms, each opening directly to the landscape. The south wing houses a multi-purpose room and kitchen, administration space, and a combined lobby/library that acts as the school community’s living room.