Two years ago, Wauconda High School in Wauconda, Ill., was a one-story brown brick building that looked like a middle school. Today, the facility is 65 percent larger with a more mature metal, masonry and glass façade that shows a new image. The new building features more than 118,000 square feet (10,962 m2) of additions and 58,000 square feet
(5,388 m2) of renovations.
“Since the project was completed in fall 2007, it has improved learning and activity spaces and positively impacted every department, sport and club,” said Dr. Daniel J. Coles, district superintendent. “The results are improved school spirit, higher staff morale and, ultimately, increased student achievement.”
“From the beginning, every part of this project was programmed and designed with respect for students, community and education in mind,” said James McDonough, director of K-12 education at Legat Architects, Chicago. The additions increased student capacity from 1,066 to 1,600. A 407-foot- (124-m-) long concourse links the new auditorium and gymnasium to the rest of the school, while a 512-seat performance auditorium has become the community’s premiere performing arts venue.
The three-station, 2,000-seat competition gymnasium gives the school a place to host sectionals and additional practice space. Other additions include a two-story classroom wing that maximizes daylight and views, along with a curriculum/special education office addition. A new student commons and specialized resource center promotes choice and student independence.
“In the past, our district served as the cornerstone of our community,” Coles said. “After this project, it has become a gemstone shining its light on 21st century learning.”
A variety of metal wall panels were used for the project. Kingspan Benchmark, Columbus, Ohio, supplied 18,500 square feet (1,719 m2) of 2-inch
(51-mm) insulated panels, DW-2000H, in Copper for the classroom addition, auditorium, gymnasium, as well as a unifying element that connects the main entry, office addition and events entrance. Morin, Bristol, Conn., supplied 13,300 square feet (1,236 m2) of X-12 Integrity Series panels; 1,100 square feet (102 m2) of XC-16 Integrity Series panels; 9,000 square feet (836 m2) of BR9-28 wide-ribbed panels; and 4,300 square feet (400 m2) of C-29 7/8-inch
(22-mm) corrugated panels.
All Morin wall panels were done in Silver Smith. The X-12 panels were used on the classroom addition, in addition to various areas; the XC-16 panels were used in various areas; and the BR9-28 and C-29 panels were used on the gymnasium and in various areas. Mooresville, N.C.-based Alcan Composites USA Inc. provided 2,400 square feet (223 m2) of aluminum composite panels in Sunflower and 900 square feet (84 m2) in Champagne Metallic. The Sunflower panels were used as a unifying element, and the Champagne Metallic was used on the exterior soffit at the main concourse clerestory. Jones & Brown, Addison, Ill., was the fabricator and installer on the project. (Jones & Brown is no longer in business.)
Alcan Composites USA Inc.
Kingspan Benchmark
Morin
