Enhancing Now Envisioning Futures
High Schools

Sustainability

STR is dedicated to designing energy-efficient, healthy, and sustainable schools. Several of our projects are LEED® certified, including the first LEED Platinum-certified public high school in Illinois. Our designs range from green roofs and rainwater harvesting stations to energy-efficient lighting, daylight harvesting, and renewable building materials. With more than 20 LEED-certified professionals in our office, we strive to design schools to meet or exceed U.S. Green Building Council goals.

Sarah E. Goode STEM Academy

  • Chicago Public Schools
  • Chicago, IL
  • First LEED® Platinum-certified public high school in Illinois
  • Vegetated roof using adaptive and native species, targeted for 50% of roof
  • Rainwater harvesting through rain gardens and cistern
  • Ground-source heat exchange for building climate control
  • Green screen shading west-facing, 3-story curtainwall

Calmeca Dual Academy of Language & Fine Arts

  • Chicago Public Schools
  • Chicago, IL
  • 105,000-sf New Building
  • LEED® Gold Certified
  • High-energy efficiency
  • Green roof
  • Bike path and parking for low-emitting vehicles
  • Long-lasting materials, including terrazzo, structural glaze tiles, ground-faced concrete masonry units, and brick
  • Restoration of natural habitat through landscaping
  • Nature trail

Calumet Middle School

  • Calumet SD 132
  • Calumet Park, IL
  • LEED® Gold Certified
  • Partial green roof accessible to science lab
  • Energy efficiency optimized by 20%
  • Green power purchased by district
  • Minimum of 75% of construction waste diverted from landfills
  • Use of recycled and regional materials

W.A. Johnson Elementary School

  • Bensenville ESD 2
  • Bensenville, IL
  • Reduction in site and roof heat island effect
  • Water-efficient landscaping
  • Efficient building envelope
  • Energy-efficient mechanical systems
  • Thermal comfort
  • Certified wood
  • Recycled materials

Illinois Department of Agriculture, Administrative Building

  • Springfield, IL
  • 94,000-sf roof replacement
  • Modified bitumen roofing and insulation with PVC roofing system
  • 23,000-sf green vegetative roof system
  • Lighting protection system

Buffalo Grove High School Natatorium

  • THSD 214
  • Buffalo Grove, IL
  • LEED® Silver Certified
  • Abundant natural lighting
  • Energy-efficient mechanical systems

Prospect High School

  • THSD 214
  • Mount Prospect, IL
  • 8-Lane, 25-Yard Competitive Swimming Pool
  • Two, 1-Meter Diving Boards
  • One, 3-Meter Diving Board
  • 500-Person Spectator Area
  • Moveable Bulkhead
  • LEED® Silver Certified

Robert J. Richardson Middle School

  • Chicago Public Schools
  • Chicago, IL
  • 135,000 sf New School
  • 1,500 Students
  • LEED® Gold Certified