Any renovation project needs an understanding of the spirit of the preliminary design stabilized with updates that consider both the website and existing residents, particularly if the structure is an older one with a meaningful history to the neighborhood.
An educational center in Takoma Park, Maryland is one such location. For more than 80 years it has been a component in the community. So when local firm WAK TOK designers was set to reimagine the previous house, the secret was to keep its domestic charm intact. “When we were asked to modernize the schoolhouse, a cherished bungalow initially built in the 1920s, we felt it was essential to honor that legacy,” says Wakako Tokunaga, creator of WAK TOK architects.
Indeed, as an outdoor nursery school, the landscape itself ends up being a center for knowing, surrounded by open skies and trees. The brand-new scheme enhances the relationship in between each child and the environment, letting the outside in. A portion of the first flooring was removed to change an overlooked basement into a sun-filled, double-height space for complete integration.
The mudroom is a central spot, the first point of entry where alfresco exploration easily transfers to the interior.
A glass wall opens to develop a seamless indoor-outdoor threshold. Kids gather here and can put products on completely sized benches or cubbies. Classrooms now have expansive views that supply an immersive experience for the trainees as they witness the modification of seasons.
The thoughtful placement of actions, windows, and transitional areas promotes engagement that aligns with the curriculum, that includes a focus on environmental awareness.< img src ="https://design-milk.com/images/2026/04/Community-Outdoor-In-School-WAK-Tok-Architects-08-810x540.jpg" alt="Modern home with large floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a small raised deck, surrounded by trees with fall foliage."width=" 810"height ="540"/ > Natural non-toxic components were chosen with health and sustainability in mind. An oak surface adds an organic feel throughout every zone. Rubbed concrete floors and sinks are resilient and easy to preserve, even when damp coats and muddy boots are scattered about. Raised platforms used for rest or play are completed with carpet made from recycled and bio-based products. Enhanced insulation and a high-efficiency a/c system have lowered general energy use and increased resident wellness.
With direction not limited to 4 walls, discovering is uncomplicated, wherever it unfolds. “The school has always felt like an extension of the home, both physically and emotionally,” Tokunaga notes. “Our objective was to protect the heat, sense of wonder, and connection to nature.”
To explore more of studio’s portfolio, visit wak-tok. com.
Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Anna Zappia is a New York City-based author and editor with a passion for fabrics, and she can typically be discovered at a style exhibition or shopping for more books. Anna composes the Friday Five column, along with industrial material.