In 2023, a bold vision to unite two separate schools, Homer Junior High and Hadley Middle School, on a shared campus in Illinois sparked one of the most exciting and innovative K-12 renovation projects in the state. The result: a newly constructed shared cafeteria space, anchored by a record-breaking installation, the largest Skyfold wall in Illinois, measuring an incredible 116 feet long by 18 feet 5 inches high.
Before the renovation, the two schools sat adjacent on a common plot of land, oriented in an “L” shape but with no direct connection. As part of the district’s larger goal to foster a more cohesive campus environment, the schools were joined through a new central addition that created one large, multi-purpose cafeteria.
That’s where Skyfold came in.
Working closely with Tria Architecture, who had previously specified Skyfold walls in other K-12 settings, the design team integrated a custom Skyfold vertical operable wall into the heart of the new cafeteria. This cutting-edge solution now allows the cafeteria to be quickly and quietly divided into two fully functional dining spaces, one for Homer Junior High, the other for Hadley Middle School.
The wall’s impact extends far beyond lunchtime logistics. When retracted into the ceiling, the Skyfold disappears completely, opening the space for larger gatherings such as after-hours movie nights, cheerleading competitions, and district-wide events.
There were challenges along the way, especially when it came to supporting a wall of this size. At over 116 feet long, ensuring proper structural support required careful collaboration between the architect, engineers, and our installation team. But the result was worth every effort: a system that performs flawlessly while integrating seamlessly into the architecture.
The district chose Skyfold not just for its functionality, but because of previous success with the product in other buildings. Its high acoustic rating (STC) ensures that activities on one side of the wall don’t disrupt those on the other. The wall panels are also easy to clean—an appreciated detail in a space frequented by hundreds of students every day.
Feedback from the school has been overwhelmingly positive. Administrators love how the wall transforms the space based on their needs, giving them flexibility without compromising comfort or aesthetics.
The Homer D33C project stands as a testament to how thoughtful design and innovative technology can reshape educational environments. With the largest Skyfold wall in Illinois now proudly in place, this space is not only functional, it’s future-ready.