The Eureka Springs School of the Arts is a non-profit organization that endeavors to provide art education in a unique environment of beauty and creativity. Our firm has provided the School with Masterplan that establishes programmatically and physically the various studio structures that serve as workshops for instruction in the various artistic mediums. We are dealing with fairly rugged terrain so the placement of structures had to deal with some sensitivity to the site limitations. By analyzing infrastructure requirements, exposure to prevailing winds, and solar exposure building were located minimize energy requirements.
Two buildings have been completed at this time and another three are in the design phase. One of the completed buildings is a good example of the overriding design principles that guide the design process. The “Heavy Metal Studio” is used for blacksmithing classes as well as metal fabrication. Simple fireproof walls of concrete block extend up 8ft. from the concrete floor. Above that, translucent panels allow abundant light deep into the workshop space. Tilt- up shop doors on both sides open up to provide much needed cross ventilation. Rainwater harvested from the roof provides water for both the shop needs and landscape irrigation.