North Grove Elementary School Sycamore, Illinois New Construction Project of Distinction FGM Architects Inc. 2011 Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture.

North Grove Elementary School

Sycamore, IllinoisNew Construction

Project of DistinctionFGM Architects Inc.

2011 Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture

North Grove Elementary School

North Grove Elementary School

A School by and for the CommunityPlanning Process:

District-wide master planning engaged the community to address: rapid population growth, facility equity, and adequacy of space to meet educational program. This new school was identified as the first phase of that master plan and an Educational Specification was developed in a collaborative process with administrators, teachers, staff, parents, students, and community members.

Student Street and Small Learning CommunityPlanning Process: Continued…

The same engagement workshop process was used to develop the design of the building to address the vision, values, and community aspirations identified in the Master Plan and the educational program needs articulated in the Educational Specifications.

Cafetorium / Community RoomLearning Environment:

The sustainably-designed 91,600 SF, 468-student school has six vibrant grade-level learning communities in three two-story wings. The east-west wings intersect a gently arched north-south “student street” and pull the visitor experience from the front through the building into the landscape framing outdoor learning areas. As the wings cross to the front of the “student street” they become one-story and house more public and shared functions - student services, administration and fine arts.

Sun-Filled Library / Learning CenterLearning Environment: Continued…

The wings’ linear masonry walls with punched openings frame “outdoor” rooms on the east and west sides of the “student street” which become enclosed two-story public spaces of the school – library, cafetorium, and gymnasium to the east and large group rooms shared by learning communities to the west.

Large Group Classrooms Shared by Small Learning CommunitiesPhysical Environment:

The classroom wing walls were extended to frame indoor and outdoor community spaces. Morning sun floods the entrances each day with the east facing front. North and south facing classrooms promote day-lighting to reduce energy costs throughout the school.

Windows Located by Building Orientation for DaylightingPhysical Environment: Continued…

The natural light is controlled by roof overhangs, vertical fins and Solera glass. Indirect lighting was used in classrooms and community spaces with higher ceiling providing more even coverage/ less contrast for better eye function. Operable windows provide natural ventilation in classrooms and gathering spaces.

Views Out and Daylight InLearning Communities and Student StreetCommunity Environment:

Beyond the state of the art classrooms, this elementary school also features a parent volunteer room adjacent to the main entrance, a cafetorium with a small stage, a library with a recessed story time area, and a gymnasium designed acoustically for full school assemblies.

Planning a Community SchoolCommunity Environment: Continued…

These communal spaces also have secure access for community use in the evening and on the weekends. In addition, restrooms on the exterior of the building adjacent to the gym are available for community use.

Floor plan

Floor plan

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2011 Project Data

Submitting Firm : FGM Architects Inc.Project Role ArchitectProject Contact Jim Woods, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, REFPTitle Principal in Charge, Executive Vice PresidentAddress 1211 W. 22nd StreetCity, State or Province, Country Oak Brook, Illinois, USAPhone 630.574.8300

Joint Partner Firm: N/AProject Role N/AProject Contact N/ATitle N/AAddress N/ACity, State or Province, Country N/APhone N/A

Other Firm: N/AProject Role N/AProject Contact N/ATitle N/AAddress N/ACity, State or Province, Country N/APhone N/A

Construction Firm: Shales McNutt ConstructionProject Role Construction ManagementProject Contact John McNuttTitle PartnerAddress 425 Renner DriveCity, State or Province, Country Elgin, Illinois, USAPhone 847.622.1214

Exhibition of School Planning and Architecture 2011 Project Details

Project Name  North Grove Elementary School

City Sycamore

State Illinois

District Name  Sycamore CUSD 427

Supt/President  Dr. Wayne Riesen, Superintendent

Occupancy Date  August 2009

Grades Housed K-5

Capacity (Students)  468 Students

Site Size (acres)  15.743 Acres

Gross Area (sq. ft.)  91,666 SF

Per Occupant (pupil)  195.87 gsf/student

gross/net please indicate  

Design and Build?  No

If yes, Total Cost:  N/A

Includes:  N/A

If no,  

Site Development:  $1,391,777.05

Building Construction:  $16,805,543.01

Fixed Equipment:  $290,293.39

Other:  

Total:  $18,487,613.45

Front Entrance at Night