Just before Thanksgiving, the Hayground School in Bridgehampton held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Arts & Science Center, following the school’s annual Feast of Remembrance gathering, which paid tribute to all members of the school’s community, both past and present.
Current and former students, members of the Shinnecock Nation, Hayground faculty and board members, and local community members all gathered at the educational institution on Mitchell Lane to commemorate the beginning of the fast approaching next chapter for the school.
The newly erected center will include include 2,200 square-feet of new classroom space as well as an underground library measuring 1,000 square-feet. (Renderings courtesy of David Berridge, Architect)
“The center will integrate the Arts & Science in one building…a cornerstone of Hayground’s approach to education,” says Hayground founder and faculty chair Marcelle Langendal. “Our annual exhibition in the Parrish Art Museum’s school show has reflected this merger of art and science for decades. And, in keeping with our philosophy, the new center will be built using eco-conscious design and materials and include a science lab on the lower, semi-underground level with the art studios above and topped with a teaching roof garden and solar array.”
Estimated to cost about $3.5 million, the facility is designed by architect David Berridge and constructed by John Barrows of P3 Builders. Currently $2.4 million has been pledged, including donations from New York-based nonprofits the Riggio Foundation and Rodney L. White Foundation as well as the Charlottesville Area Foundation based in Virginia.
Slated to feature two teaching levels with science laboratories on the lower floor and art studios above, complete with a rooftop teaching garden and solar array, construction will be completed by late 2025 or early 2026, according to Langendal. The state-of-the-art facility will feature 2,200 square-feet of new classroom space in addition to a 1,000 square foot underground library.
(Photos by R.J. Partington III)
Sustainability and environmental consciousness are top priorities at the core of this custom design, according to a press release from Hayground, focusing on reducing both operational and construction-related carbon costs. Key features include a geothermal climate control system, rooftop solar panels and construction utilizing select materials to minimize embedded greenhouse gas emissions.
“The new library will be entirely underground for further energy efficiency,” Langendal says. “And speaking of energy efficiency, the building will be heated and cooled using the latest geothermal technology, augmented by the solar power on the roof.”
An outdoor amphitheater is also included in the construction and will offer new spaces for local gatherings and performances for both Hayground students and campers. “Its amphitheater will be used both for school performances, like our annual Shakespeare performance, as well as by other community organizations,” Langendal says.
Since 1996, the Hayground model has been an individualized, mentor-based, student-led approach that integrates academics with hands-on work. With a mission to provide diverse, inclusive education, the school’s long been a melting pot of teachers, artists, scholars and scientists.
“This center will not only benefit our students but also serve as a hub for community events and performances, says Tony Hitchock, treasurer for Hayground School and Camp. “We’re grateful for the overwhelming support we’ve received and are confident will reach our fundraising goal.”
