Located on a site with a steep wooded hill, the design of the new Bennett Elementary School takes advantage of existing topography to integrate the building with its natural setting, creating a user experience that operates on a cozy, intimate level. The building is stepped up the slope, organized into three distinct terraces. This allows each floor to form the perception of a smaller scale, and creates tiered learning areas that connect classrooms to nature. Organizing the building this way allowed a large stand of trees on the site to be preserved, which was an important goal of the Bennett community. Walking trails through the forest were created to provide opportunities for exploration and discovery.