About Indian Hill Elementary School Project

Embracing Innovation: How Indian Hill Elementary School Transformed Learning Spaces with Modernfold’s Acousti-Clear Glass Wall

Discover how Principal Whitney Buell’s vision brought natural light, flexibility, and enhanced safety to the heart of Indian Hill Elementary School, setting a new standard for educational environments.

Project Overview:

Principal Whitney Buell of Indian Hill Elementary School saw an operable glass wall while on a tour of nearby Xavier University and knew that she wanted to include one in the ongoing renovation of her building. Now, in the heart of the school, nestled between The Dorothy Koch I-Lab and the STEM corridor, known as “The Park,” stands a Modernfold Acousti-Clear operable glass wall.

Once the installation at her school was complete, Principal Buell invited the school board to demonstrate the benefits of this innovative addition. The Acousti-Clear glass wall floods the interior corridor with natural daylight, dividing the expansive area into two flexible spaces. The wall features an innovative seal system, which automatically sets both top and bottom seals by simply advancing each panel forward into the adjoining panel with no cranks to turn or buttons to push. The Acousti-Clear enhances the educational experience of the teachers and young students at this grade 3 – 5 elementary school.

This Modernfold operable glass wall boasts a Sound Transmission Class (STC) 45 rating. Students needing to be in a quieter space could hear raised speech in adjacent rooms, but they could not understand the conversation. This glass wall also serves as a window to creativity; passersby can see inside the I-Lab and see student creators at one of the various stations, such as the 3D printers or the drafting tables.

The field-applied hexagon-shaped decals match the ceiling tiles and lighting inside the I-Lab. This design was a feature the creator of the space, MSA Design, intentionally incorporated.

The Product

The safety features of this Acousti-Clear glass operable wall provide peace of mind to the school community. Equipped with double-pane tempered glass, a pass door for egress, and secure locking mechanisms, the wall ensures durability and accessibility. Together, these features create a reliable and functional environment, contributing to the overall well-being of students and staff.

By embracing innovation and investing in technology that enhances the learning environment, Indian Hill Elementary School has set a new standard for education. The Acousti-Clear glass operable wall, with its STC 45 rating, is more than just a physical addition. It’s a symbol of progress and a commitment to the future of education at the school.

Indian Hill Schools | https://www.indianhillschools.org/es.aspx

MSA Design | https://www.msaarch.com/

Your space should be as flexible and innovative as you are. CIH Space Management Division, in partnership with Modernfold, strives to provide our customers with the best-automated panel systems and striking glass wall systems on the market today. To explore all of the possibilities, contact us at https://www.cih-inc.com/solutions/smd/ or https://www.modernfold.com/en-US.

Case study content and photos by Stephanie Henderson