Scuola Vita Nuova Charter School

Kansas City, Missouri 

Click link for video tour of Scuola Vita Nuova

Scuola Vita Nuovaís classroom addition was instituted around education and the environment. The design style and materials utilized were integrated with this focus in mind. Stained southern pine was used throughout the facility including 2x6 tongue and grove wood flooring, an all wood framed staircase, exposed roof trusses and columns. Other elements and materials following the inspiration of nature included brick and stone from the existing building and large UV-rated windows for natural daylight. HarenLaughlin coordinated with the Missouri Department of Conservation to install grassy berms around a Koi pond to enhance the classroom learning environment. A water reclamation system and fountain were installed in the pond and rain barrels were placed at the bottom of the facilityís down spouts to promote an eco-friendly environment.

"I recommended to the owner that we negotiate this project with HarenLaughlin because I was very concerned about how it went together. I didn't want just anybody doing my building."

— Vince LaTona

LaTona Architects