Photo by Mary Mumbrue

The Daniel Burnham building that houses Chiaravalle Montessori School added a 21st-century wing this year, designed for learning and collaboration and built with sustainability in mind. Parents, staff, teachers and students explored the new rooms after the formal dedication on Sept. 8. From the green roof and photovoltaic panels on top to the below-ground geothermal heating system, the new addition has many sustainable elements: large windows that provide natural light, sensored faucets to make students aware of water usage and siding reinforced with rice-husk fiber.