East Aurora High School in Aurora, IL needed to improve circulation and alleviate a cramped, outdated layout in the building’s nucleus. To reduce bottlenecks at the school’s integral corridors and create better flow for the growing 3,800-strong study body, a renovation with a brand-new addition was launched. This new expansion included an atrium, several new classrooms, and a fine arts wing.
“As one of the largest high schools in Illinois, East Aurora High School would benefit from ample circulation as well as new learning spaces like those found in the new atrium,” said Cayce Horton, designer with Cordogan, Clark & Associates.
The new atrium addition would serve as the central hub of the high school. For this reason, the space needed wall protection that would be durable enough to withstand heavy foot traffic and frequent impact while remaining in place. To foster an inspiring, comfortable learning environment for East Aurora’s student body, the wall protection artwork needed to incorporate refreshing and welcoming design elements. Construction Specialties’ Acrovyn® Wall Panels were selected for the atrium’s installation because of the panels’ protective functionality and design versatility. Designers knew the wall panels’ woodgrain pattern options would tie the entire space together.
“We were looking for warmer tones in the lobby to contrast the concrete stairs and stonework,” said Horton. “We knew we wanted the wooden look, but we also needed something that would stand up to potential damage and be resistant to possible vandalism.”
Acrovyn Wall Panels provided design dimension and movement to the cool-toned masonry walls that flank the new atrium. The functionality of the simulated Chameleon™ woodgrain finish, as well as the option to remove, repair or replace the panels with the SureSnap™ mounting system, was key in designing an easily maintained, durable space. As the new student entry and nexus of activity, this lively new corridor greets students with enthusiasm and energy.
“The installation process went incredibly smoothly,” said Michael Perez, project architect with Cordogan, Clark & Associates who worked closely with contractors. “The material acclimated properly to the environment and has a very clean, neat look.”
The school board and staff loved the wall panels’ design versatility and how easy the product was to work with. Designers had the freedom to veer outside of traditional panel design and embed diagonal lines that travel across the panel, subtly pushing traffic in and out of the atrium. The wall panels protect against heavy foot traffic and visually integrate into the space like pieces of art.
“It opened up the entire school,” added John Cordogan, principal at Cordogan, Clark and Associates. “The addition brought this open and welcoming feeling that changed the school’s entire dynamic.”
“It was important to create a space where students wanted to be and felt safe. I think we accomplished that here,” added Cordogan. “When kids have an exciting, beautiful learning environment, you’ll see them embracing the school day-in and day-out, feeling like they have a place to call their own.”
For more information, visit www.c-sgroup.com.
Related Stories
| Jun 11, 2014
Koolhaas’ OMA teams with chemical company to study link between color and economy
Dutch company AkzoNobel is partnering with Rem Koolhaas' firm OMA to study how the application of colorful paints and coatings can affect a city's economic development.
Sponsored | | Mar 25, 2014
Johns Hopkins chooses SLENDERWALL for a critical medical facility reconstruction
After decades of wear, the hand-laid brick envelope of the Johns Hopkins nine-story Nelson/Harvey inpatient facility began failing. SLENDERWALL met the requirements for renovation.
| Mar 20, 2014
Common EIFS failures, and how to prevent them
Poor workmanship, impact damage, building movement, and incompatible or unsound substrate are among the major culprits of EIFS problems.
| Mar 7, 2014
Thom Mayne's high-tech Emerson College LA campus opens in Hollywood [slideshow]
The $85 million, 10-story vertical campus takes the shape of a massive, shimmering aircraft hangar, housing a sculptural, glass-and-aluminum base building.
| Mar 4, 2014
How EIFS came to America
Design experts from Hoffmann Architects offer a brief history of exterior insulation and finish systems in the U.S.
| Feb 5, 2014
CENTRIA Redefines Coating System with Versacor® Elite
The Versacor Elite Coating System is a premium metal coating system that provides the highest level of protection in the harshest climatic or environmental conditions.
| Jan 13, 2014
Custom exterior fabricator A. Zahner unveils free façade design software for architects
The web-based tool uses the company's factory floor like "a massive rapid prototype machine,” allowing designers to manipulate designs on the fly based on cost and other factors, according to CEO/President Bill Zahner.
| Jan 7, 2014
Concrete solutions: 9 innovations for a construction essential
BD+C editors offer a roundup of new products and case studies that represent the latest breakthroughs in concrete technology.
| Dec 10, 2013
16 great solutions for architects, engineers, and contractors
From a crowd-funded smart shovel to a why-didn’t-someone-do-this-sooner scheme for managing traffic in public restrooms, these ideas are noteworthy for creative problem-solving. Here are some of the most intriguing innovations the BD+C community has brought to our attention this year.
| Nov 27, 2013
Wonder walls: 13 choices for the building envelope
BD+C editors present a roundup of the latest technologies and applications in exterior wall systems, from a tapered metal wall installation in Oklahoma to a textured precast concrete solution in North Carolina.