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The Lake Forest College science center was a series of three buildings originally constructed in the 1960s. Following an addition in the 1990s, the buildings remained untouched. The resulting design unifies the buildings in one cohesive structure and modernizes the facility and equipment to today's standards.

This is the largest project that the College has completed. Pepper was brought on board early in the renovation process to assist with preconstruction planning. The new space has allowed the college to expand its instructional curriculum. Work included the following:

  • Phased construction that included demolition of a building and connector bridge, followed by construction of an infill building between two existing buildings that encapsulates the space, all without interrupting teaching
  • Also included a complete interior renovation
  • Sustainable features include lighting controls, occupancy sensors, LED lighting, high efficiency mechanical systems, low VOC finishes and a green roof
  • A rain garden storm water detention area was added, and the college is growing wetland plants for experiments in teaching
  • Fully coordinated with BIM
  • Houses chemistry, biology and physics departments; added environmental studies and psychology, as well as some masters and doctoral programs
Team
Owner
Lake Forest College
Architect
Stantec
Project Location
Lake Forest, Illinois
Size
124,000 SF