Madera Unified School District had been preparing for this important project for over 15 years. Programming and design involved a series of  meetings with District leadership, community members, and staff and administration from the two existing high Schools in the District to help shape the vision and direction of the project. Matilda Torres High School consists of a collection of 10 Buildings totaling over 246,000 SF.  The main volumes of the buildings are clad in Manganese Iron Spot brick that serves as a modern interpretation of the Original campus architecture of Madera High. Large vertical window patterns, defined roof lines, and stepped concrete planters were also incorporated to reference the District’s architectural past. Other  contemporary materials, including metal panel, fiber cement, and corrugated metal siding were used as contrast to the more traditional brick volumes that anchor the composition of massing throughout the campus. This school project represents a decade of planning and effort, and will contribute tremendously to the educational opportunities offered in Madera Unified School District. [Images Courtesy of Giroux Glass, by Brian Peregrina]