T.C. Martin Elementary School

Bryantown, MD

Details
Collaborative learning areas, media center, classrooms
Gymnasium, cafetorium, administrative areas
Outdoor courtyards
Sustainable design features
Owner
Charles County Public Schools
Services
Educational Specifications, Sustainable Design, Interior Design, Full Design Services, Construction Administration, Building Information Modeling
Before
Before

Built in 1967, T.C. Martin Elementary School was in need of a modernization and expansion to better serve current and future generations of students. The design for the renovation and addition blurs the boundaries between the indoors and out and creates a seamless composition that combines the transformation of dreary classrooms void of natural light with new learning spaces that support modern pedagogy. Improvements to building systems, including mechanical with a new geothermal system, electrical, security, and acoustical, will support the building well into the future.

An infill addition creates a new, welcoming entry featuring a light-filled lobby clad in natural materials that greets students with views directly through the media center to one of three courtyards.

New classroom and gymnasium additions provide a more efficient interior organization, daylighting in all classrooms, and new centrally-located collaboration spaces for each grade level. Each collaboration space features views to nature and doors that open out onto an exterior learning garden along with its own nature-inspired color, improving wayfinding and creating an identity for each grade level.

Sustainable strategies were evaluated throughout the design process with a focus on biophilic design principles, natural daylighting in educational spaces, and providing programmed areas for outdoor education. Other strategies include the reuse of existing materials, low-emitting materials, water-efficient fixtures, LED lighting, and an energy efficient geothermal mechanical system.

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