The Two Rivers Public Charter School in Washington, D.C. expands a growing network of high-performing public charter schools dedicated to hands-on, project-based learning. Designed as a new standalone academic building positioned behind the existing elementary school, the addition maximizes a constrained urban site while allowing for future vertical expansion as enrollment grows.
The architecture creates bright, welcoming learning environments that foster collaboration, curiosity, and community. Natural materials play an important role throughout the building, bringing warmth and durability to spaces designed to support students for decades to come.
2021 12th Yuanye Cup International Architecture Award
The project incorporates AMITY European White Oak throughout the interior and CUSTOM acetylated modified wood for the exterior soffits, creating a cohesive material palette that extends from the building envelope into the learning spaces.
Inside, AMITY European White Oak flooring and wall cladding introduce warmth, texture, and biophilic character while providing a durable surface capable of withstanding the demands of a high-traffic educational environment. Prefinished with a UV matte polyurethane, the engineered flooring combines lasting performance with the timeless beauty of natural wood.
The exterior soffits feature CUSTOM acetylated modified wood , selected for its exceptional dimensional stability and long-term durability. For projects seeking a similar aesthetic, OLYTH offers a comparable appearance with the proven performance benefits of acetylated wood, including superior resistance to moisture, decay, and movement in exposed exterior applications.
The project required materials that balanced durability, sustainability, and architectural warmth across both interior and exterior applications. RESAWN supplied a coordinated wood package that supported the project’s design intent while providing high-performance solutions suited to educational environments and long-term building performance.
Studio Twenty Seven Architecture is a Washington, D.C.-based design practice known for creating distinctive architecture through a collaborative and research-driven process. Working across educational, civic, cultural, and residential sectors, the firm develops thoughtful design solutions that respond creatively to complex programmatic and site challenges while advancing the interests of its clients and communities.
