Ford Architects has partnered with Land+Shelter Architecture and Planning (Architect of Record) and RDG Planning & Design (ECE Interiors Specialist) to expand the beloved Little Red Schoolhouse in Snowmass Village, Colorado. This thoughtfully designed early childhood education center addresses the community’s growing demand for full-time care and learning opportunities for children from infancy through age five.

Rooted in a commitment to nature-based learning and outdoor play, the project includes a new 5,600-square-foot building that will house four classrooms, serve approximately 65 children, and connect seamlessly to the existing early education program. The expansion honors the charm and presence of the original schoolhouse, which will remain in operation during construction and is envisioned for future renovation as a gross motor room and multi-use space.

The site—nestled into a steep slope and shared with a public park, playground, and community garden—presented a unique challenge: how to add new facilities without overshadowing the iconic schoolhouse. The design team responded with humility, careful siting, and a low-profile massing that preserves the school’s foreground presence while enhancing the overall campus.

Design strategies emphasize flexibility, connection to nature, and environmental responsibility. Each classroom includes direct access to outdoor play, supporting free movement between indoor and natural learning environments. North-facing dormers bring balanced daylight deep into the building, while interior materials prioritize wellness, low-toxicity, and acoustic comfort. The architecture echoes the character of the original schoolhouse while quietly modernizing it for the next generation.

Sustainability was a core focus from day one. The building features super-insulated walls, triple-glazed high-performance windows, and a fully electric heating and cooling system powered by heat pumps. These strategies, paired with site-responsive landscaping and shared parking infrastructure, contribute to a low-impact, climate-appropriate solution for this high-alpine setting.

The project is the result of a strong collaborative effort—building on past success among the three firms. Ford Architects led the design vision, RDG shaped the interiors to meet early learning best practices, and Land+Shelter oversaw site integration and architectural execution. The team conducted teacher interviews, parent surveys, and received valuable input through public presentations and reviews with the Town Council.

Snowmass Little Red Schoolhouse stands as a model for how small communities can invest in their future through smart, sustainable early childhood design that puts kids—and nature—at the center.