North Shore Country Day School Hall Library
Winnetka, Illinois
8,000 sf Hall Library; 1,100 sf Live+Serve Laboratory
After a burst water pipe flooded North Shore Country Day School’s Hall Library, Eckenhoff Saunders reimagined the damaged space as a contemporary learning commons serving students in junior kindergarten through 12th grade.
The renovated library provides collaborative and quiet study areas, flexible furniture, and a new lower school area with a theater-in-the-round and reading caves for younger students. It also houses the Live+Serve Laboratory, inspired by the school’s “Live and Serve” motto. Designed for hands-on, student-centered learning, the lab includes a small laser cutter, 3D printer, sewing machines, and a digital media space for audio and video production.
A wide stairway connects the library with the Conant Science Center above. In addition to creating a gathering and presentation space, the stair brings natural light from the science center’s skylights into the library. The science center also includes a new lower school science classroom, fulfilling the school’s vision of bringing science education for all grade levels together to encourage collaboration across ages.