Acquired in 2021 from Georgetown Day School, MacArthur High School in Washington, DC, was transformed to enhance the educational offerings within the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). The renovation involved updates to the existing building and the addition of vital spaces such as classrooms and academic support areas.
Sustainability was a key focus in the design, featuring elements like bioswales and permeable pavement to manage stormwater runoff effectively. The project also aimed to minimize light trespass into the surrounding residential area while incorporating outdoor recreational spaces. A green roof was added to mitigate the heat island effect and enhance biodiversity, along with expanded bicycle storage options, including both outdoor racks and an indoor storage room.
Baumann Consulting is providing LEED consulting and energy modeling services, including simple box modeling. The team meticulously coordinated the renovation requirements for the existing structure and the new additions, evaluating the building’s envelope and mechanical systems to meet the ambitious energy efficiency goal. Baumann created an energy model to ensure code compliance and GBAC hearing while testing various mechanical alternatives. Additionally, the team created a separate model for the LEED certification.
Due to the phased nature of the project, there was careful coordination to ensure that sustainability requirements were applied throughout, from materials selected in the existing building renovation to those used in the new addition. This way, all spaces meet requirements for LEED criteria, including the use of low-VOC products to improve indoor air quality. Additionally, the efficient water fixtures installed in the new addition were also integrated into the renovation of the existing building. Consequently, these initiatives have positioned the new addition to aim for LEED Gold certification.
