Potomac Elementary School

When Montgomery County evaluated Potomac Elementary School, they confronted a challenge in aging school infrastructure. Original sections of the building dated to the 1930s, and multiple additions had created spaces that no longer served students effectively. After analyzing renovation options and alternate locations, Moseley's feasibility study concluded that replacing the building on its existing site would best serve the established neighborhood.

‍

Planning Through Collaboration

Multiple planning sessions brought together Montgomery County Public Schools officials, teachers, staff members, and neighborhood representatives. Their discussions shaped every aspect of the facility, from classroom configurations to building security features, to create spaces serving both educational and community needs.

‍

Learning Environments

The 86,550-square-foot building divides into public and academic zones, enabling community access to the cafeteria and gymnasium during after-hours events while securing the learning areas. Administrative offices at intersection corners provide clear, unobstructed supervision throughout the building.

Natural light fills the entrance lobby, where curated displays showcase student artwork. An open central staircase leads to collaborative learning spaces. The interior combines school colors with warm wood textures and tones to create engaging learning environments.

A central courtyard brings daylight to interior classrooms while offering a secure outdoor learning environment. Seven shell classroom spaces include complete infrastructure to accommodate future enrollment growth.

‍

Building Systems

A water source heat pump system works with cooling towers and boilers to manage heating and cooling. Plate and frame heat exchangers transfer heat between water loops, while high-efficiency condensing boilers maintain optimal loop temperatures. Rooftop water source heat pump units provide conditioned outside air, complemented by vertical terminal units in mechanical rooms throughout the building. The administrative wing uses an independent variable refrigerant flow system for climate control.

This design reduces energy consumption by 33.5 percent, lowering energy costs by 31 percent and saving $26,000 annually. Water conservation measures prevent waste of 863,000 gallons each year.

‍

Construction and Materials

The project emphasized sustainable materials: 34 percent came from within 500 miles of the site, while 21 percent contained recycled content. The construction team diverted 91 percent of waste from landfills.

Material selection prioritized indoor air quality. All adhesives, sealants, paints, and coatings meet specified volatile organic compound limits. Flooring materials carry Floorscore certification, and composite wood products contain no added urea formaldehyde. Individual lighting and thermal controls give occupants command over their immediate environment.

‍

Site Integration

The design preserves 4.5 acres of vegetated open space while managing stormwater to both LEED standards and Maryland's "Woods in Good Condition" guidelines. The parking area includes spaces for low-emission and fuel-efficient vehicles.

During construction, students relocated to temporary facilities while the building team managed significant infrastructure challenges, including replacing a 66-inch water line serving three million people. The completed building operates under Montgomery County Public Schools' sustainability principles, implemented through a green housekeeping plan.

‍