Introducing a modern science lab building to a historic campus.

The McIlroy Center enables science instruction via both its seven lab classrooms and students’ direct experiences with the facility’s many sustainable systems. This LEED Gold-certified project exemplifies high-performance and green design, while harmonizing architecturally with the colonial-style buildings on the surrounding Shady Side Academy Senior School campus.

The U-shaped structure is clad with red brick and has punched windows on the outward facing facades, relating to historic campus buildings. In contrast, the courtyard elevations feature sleek, double-height curtain walls, which allow plenty of natural light to bathe the corridors and labs encircling the space.

Abundant natural light, views to the natural surroundings, maple paneling, and cheery colors imbue the interior spaces with a liveliness not often associated with science lab facilities. Interior spaces are geared toward students’ comfort, health, and wellness, incorporating materials with low and zero emissions of volatile organic compounds.

Throughout the site and building, sustainable features demonstrate sustainability concepts to students. Students enter the facility by crossing a black locust bridge over a rain garden planted with lush native flora. Interior lighting is efficiently controlled by sunlight sensors, which also automatically adjust motorized shades to limit glare and heat gain, boosting comfort and reducing energy use. Nearly the entire roof is covered by advanced bifacial photovoltaic solar panels, generating large portions of the building’s electrical power needs. Students can get a direct look at these panels by accessing a rooftop patio.

Click here to see additional photos of this project.

Project Manager/Project Architect

[with Strada]