Expansion and Renovation Completed at Byron Nelson HS in North Texas

An expansion and renovation of Byron Nelson High School in Trophy Club, Texas was recently completed. The three-story, 75,000 square-foot expansion and renovation of the campus provides added capacity to a rapidly growing population in the Northwest Independent School District. The project was headed by Perkins & Will.

Byron Nelson High School. Courtesy of Perkins and Will.

The design emphasizes ‘learning on display’ with visibility to programs such as the school’s new Engineering Lab, a combination robotics and shop space; the Architecture Studio, which serves as a model making area; and the Biomedical Science program. The course areas are located near main hallways with glass walls to offer direct views inside so students, parents and visitors can observe classes.

Byron Nelson High School. Courtesy of Perkins and Will.

In addition, the Culinary Arts program was expanded and moved near the school’s bistro, which allows students to receive practicum experience, showcase their skills, and provide a service to students, staff and community.

Byron Nelson High School. Courtesy of Perkins and Will.

The expansion and renovation includes:

  • Collaboration areas to encourage one-on-one and small-group learning sessions.
  • All classrooms and labs have windows for natural light and views.
  • A reconfigured lobby to provide a secure entrance.
  • Renovated orchestra and band halls.
  • Renovated athletic locker and shower facilities.
  • Added athletic support spaces including PE lockers and restrooms, laundry facilities, a conference room, athletic offices.
  • A monumental staircase overlooking an outdoor space.

Hallway messaging and graphics showcase the school’s values, mascot, history, and the story of professional golfer and namesake Byron Nelson.

Perkins and Will took steps to make the project, collaborative, and environmentally friendly, according to a design brief. “Other sustainable steps taken include the school’s flooring, a no-wax solution of Forbo linoleum, which is bio-based and biodegradable, made with renewable and recycled ingredients, has CO2-neutral production, is naturally antimicrobial, and wax-free,” the design brief continues. “Non-VOC paint was also specified, as well as energy-friendly lighting, and high-efficiency HVAC systems were designed for this project.”

About the Author

Yvonne Marquez is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Embry-Riddle Completes Construction on Research, Lab Facility

    Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Daytona Beach, Fla., recently announced the end of construction on a new research and lab facility on campus. The Center for Aerospace Engineering II (CAT II) will support aerospace research and technology development and broke ground last summer.

  • Designing the Bridge Between Inclusivity and Independence in K–12 Schools

    Fostering independence is fundamental to learning and development for K–12 students. It offers many proven benefits, such as enhanced confidence, problem-solving, decision-making, and social skills. However, this foundational objective loses its impact if it’s not accessible and adaptable to all students. Inclusivity plays a critical role in cultivating independence and healthy autonomy for students, fostering positive student learning outcomes by uniting pedagogy with the physical learning environment.

  • Year-Round Schools Require Year-Round Indoor Air Quality Planning

    While many schools are out for the summer, year-round schools follow a more “balanced” schedule with shorter, more frequent breaks spaced throughout the school year. Even though this offers educational benefits, these facilities have less downtime for building maintenance. This can become an issue when facilities managers overlook the importance of routine HVAC maintenance and air duct cleaning services.

  • Planning with Clarity: Using AI to Make Better Campus Decisions, Not Just Better Designs

    Higher education leaders are being asked to make increasingly high-stakes decisions about campus facilities amid greater uncertainty than ever before. Social and economic pressures, shifting enrollment, and evolving learning models compete with growing deferred maintenance needs to strain even the most robust infrastructure budgets.