# Greenhouse Schoolhouses The Branson School Student Commons is a Breath of Fresh Air By Amelia Roblin | Published 2011-02-06 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/branson-school-student-commons References: [contemporist](http://www.contemporist.com/2011/02/05/branson-school-student-commons-by-turnbull-griffin-haesloop/) & [tgharchitects](http://www.tgharchitects.com/projects/schools/bransonstudent/) Institutional structures have a reputation for being dark and stuffy, but the Branson School Student Commons breaks that stale architectural tradition. Located in Ross, California within the center of the college campus, this [splendid shed](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-house) provides all the light and fresh air necessary for expanding minds. Turnbull Griffin Haesloop designed the Branson School Student Commons as a community environment open to nature. With [floor-to-ceiling window walls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-de-vidrio) that open to the outdoors, a [living roof and solar panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-educational-architecture), this LEED-certified institution sets an ideal standard. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 59% | Activity: 29% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Green Architecture:** Incorporating sustainable materials and technologies in building design to reduce environmental impact and improve energy efficiency. - **Biophilic Design:** Integrating natural elements (plants, sunlight, water) into interior spaces to enhance well-being and increase productivity of people occupying them. - **LEED Certification:** Achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification to indicate high standards of sustainability in building design and operation. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture:** Opportunity to create sustainable and modern designs that prioritize the well-being of building occupants and reduce environmental impact. - **Education:** Opportunity to create green school buildings that promote student learning and engagement through biophilic design and sustainable features, such as solar panels and living roofs. - **Construction:** Opportunity to incorporate sustainable materials, technologies, and practices in building construction to meet the growing demand for sustainable and energy-efficient structures. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Nature-Promoting School Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/primary-school-1.md) - [Dome-Style School Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/al-fanar.md) - [Modern Blue-Accented Academic Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marie-esther-pavilion.md) - [Leaf-Shaped Rooftop Schools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shiv-nader-school.md) - [Updated School Innovation Wings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rosalind-franklin-wing.md) - [Expansive School Bamboo Canopies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/talaricheruvu-rural-school.md) - [Traditional Sustainable School Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/universidad-ean-1.md) - [Educational Storage Shed Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/big-roof.md) - [Sustainable Educational Architecture Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-educational-architecture.md)