Presidio Knolls School

San Francisco, CA

Presidio Knolls School is a progressive Mandarin-immersion school serving students from Pre-K through 8th grade in San Francisco’s SoMa district. Following the renovation of two historic campus structures, the new U-Wing Building represents the penultimate phase of the school’s master plan, marking a significant milestone in its growth and transformation.

The all-electric U-Wing Building serves as the main entrance to the campus, establishing a prominent public identity for the school. The most distinctive element of the façade is a perforated metal screen featuring a pattern inspired by a Chinese ice-ray design that was a common motif in wood lattice windows during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Upon entering the front gate, students are greeted by a light-filled courtyard that is surrounded by classrooms and shielded from the bustling urban environment.

The facility’s sustainable features achieve a LEED Silver-equivalent rating through energy-efficient, all-electric building systems, a solar-ready roof, and deep canopies that minimize solar heat gain. Additionally, the courtyard and outdoor circulation pathways forge a strong indoor-outdoor relationship, creating a dynamic variety of spaces for students to gather and learn.

Photography (Street Facade): Ken Gutmaker

Photography (Courtyard): Kevin Quach