Indian Springs School

Located on 350 acres in the wooded hills south of Birmingham, Alabama, Indian Springs School is an independent day and boarding school serving grades 8–12. In 2012, the school engaged Lake Flato to design a master plan that would transform the campus, originally designed by the Olmsted brothers in 1950, and provide a new direction that addressed the transformation of learning modalities in the digital age. The master plan includes classrooms, visual arts studios, a dining hall, and administration offices, all part of the school’s  “Springs Eternal” campaign. Lake Flato oversaw the master plan’s implementation and first two phases of new buildings.

In collaboration with ArchitectureWorks.

Phase One integrates three new classroom buildings and a new administration building into landscape features, yielding a variety of dynamic and updated learning environments with myriad connections to the outdoors. Together, the buildings form several gathering areas and emphasize different vistas across the campus and its nearby lake.

The campus transformation centered on reorienting academic buildings toward the lake and enhancing the student experience. After selective demolition and careful site clearing, the placement of new structures frame long views from the entry to the lake and create a lawn that extends the educational environment outdoors. Preserved and protected wetlands exponentially increase the amount of educational space available for hands-on learning opportunities.

Porch ceilings and overhangs of crafted wood are natural frames of the surrounding environment. Roof monitors on the buildings provide daylighting for each classroom while high-performance glazing afford views along the covered walkways to the campus beyond.

Phase Two, the Kayser-Samford Community Commons, serves as the school’s new social hub and dining hall, providing a modern approach to food production and service with an intimate lakeside dining experience. The main dining hall offers seating for 150, a private dining room for 50, and covered porches and landscaped seating that provide al fresco dining for an additional 200 people. The approach to food service ensures choice and variety while supporting students’ health. Both phases of the project are LEED Silver certified.

This is a momentous occasion and an exciting new chapter in the life of the school. These facilities will give the next generation of our students a place to build enduring relationships and develop lifelong friendships. Scott Schamberger

Head of School