Barrington School District 220’s ambitious bond projects, totaling an impressive $147 million spread across four years, reflect a visionary commitment to enhance the educational experience for all students. Part of the district鈥檚 educational facilities master plan led by our team, this extensive endeavor encompasses 12 schools, including one high school, two middle schools, eight elementary schools, and one early education center with construction phasing over three summers to avoid the disruption of student learning.
A large addition at Station Middle School accommodates further enrollment growth and eliminates temporary portable classrooms that had been on campus for over 10 years. The 18,600-SF classroom wing addition includes nine classrooms, small and medium group rooms, shared collaboration spaces, and open collaboration zones. Our design emphasizes flexibility, allowing classrooms to adapt to various teaching and learning styles and gives large teams the ability to collaborate harmoniously within these educational spaces.
Flexibility is achieved through glass garage doors, sliding markerboard doors, and glass operable walls. These elements give students the freedom to work where they feel most comfortable by offering connectivity between main learning spaces and adjacent breakout spaces, as well as collaboration corridors. Movable, soft seating options further emphasize choice in learning. The addition’s exterior pays homage to the existing structure’s textured tan brick and corten steel panels. Our application of brick, metal panel accents, and translucent panels and skylights provide a modern design aesthetic and flood interior spaces with natural light.