The historic New Trier High School undertook a large-scale, two-phase renovation and addition project, resulting in the demolition of three aging buildings on the west side of campus, as a brand-new energy efficient and ADA compliant 268,000 square foot structure was built in their place. The school’s $100 million renovation aimed to address infrastructure issues on site, making the best use of increased space and creating a state-of-the-art facility that would keep up with modern learning and evolving education needs. In addition to housing new classrooms, labs, lobby, and cafeteria, the school’s exterior improvements included an extensively landscaped quad, streetscape, and two green roof decks.

The designers, Pamela Self Landscape Architecture and Wight & Company, used Unilock Eco-Promenade with Series finish and Eco-Priora with Smooth Premier finish for the surrounding landscaping. A new driveway entrance connects the facility with the neighboring community, mitigating traffic and creating a safe drop-off zone for parents and students. Surrounded by an outdoor amphitheater and ornamental grass garden, the paved entrance offers a contemporary linear design and sustainability features, as the permeable pavers aid with storm water management on site, creating a beautiful and flexible space around the newly built facility.