Situated on 55 acres of serene woodlands and wetlands in rural New Jersey, Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart’s iconic design by architect John Labatut stands as a testament to timeless Modernism in the U.S.

Hone+Associates' collaboration with Stuart resulted in a transformative Facilities Master Plan to preserve the conceptual framework of the original building and maintain the integrity of Labatut’s design, while implementing significant alterations to enhance the school’s mission including a cutting-edge Student Center, dining facility, kitchen, enhanced circulation spaces, renovated Resource Rooms, Library, as well as significant upgrades to mechanical and electrical systems. All of the projects integrate vital life safety enhancements.

With meticulous planning in close collaboration with the school and construction managers, these projects were seamlessly phased over four summers with minimal disruption to the school's operations

The ‘Cor Cordis’ lies at the center of the school, both literally and figuratively, arranged around the existing central stairwell. “The Heart of Hearts” of the school is the home to the library, counseling offices, health center, and spirituality center, offering students a place to find and share comfort, support, and communion. The library was expanded by combining three adjacent spaces and unified by creating a ribbon of shelves that runs along the entire east wall. Nooks were built into the shelves for display as well as for students to read and study.

The newly renovated and expanded Stuart Student Center provides students with a versatile, state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility intentionally designed to meet the dining, socializing, teaching, and conferencing needs of students across every developmental stage. This new 7400 sq. ft. center (an increase of 2,300 from the existing dining area and kitchen) offers cafe-style seating, collaborative dining and classroom spaces, an amphitheater designed as a teaching kitchen, and a partitionable conference area.

Architect: Hone + Associates

Client:  Stuart Country Day School

Photography:  Todd Mason Photography, Stuart Country Day School