The new Cabin Branch Elementary School is a neighborhood hub situated in the heart of the expanding Cabin Branch community. This 95,328 sf, Pre-K through Grade 5 school represents the sixth iteration of an elementary school prototype designed as part of the MCPS master plan.
The building accommodates 721 students and includes a range of instructional spaces such as PEP Pre-K and autism programs, a media center, maker space, gymnasium, multi-purpose room with a stage, music rooms, and an educational outdoor courtyard.
The academic areas are organized around the courtyard to maximize natural daylighting in the classrooms and enhance interior circulation. This version of the prototype revised the gym’s massing and orientation to improve after-hours community access, allow north-facing light into the interior, and create a welcoming entrance for the Cabin Branch community.
Designed to blend with its context, the school creates a unique version of the prototype that is tailored to its neighborhood. The surrounding residences and commercial buildings feature brick, stone, and wood accents.
The exterior facades are constructed with a utility-sized brick blend, manufactured building stone, cast stone, playful glazed brick accents, wood-look aluminum metal panel accents, and corrugated metal panels.
The colorful glazed brick is used in the kindergarten classroom wing overlooking the adjacent park and coordinates with the playful concrete bollards at the main entrance.
The school was designed with an emphasis on sustainability and maintainability, achieving two globes in the Green Globes Certification and following the IgCC 2012 standards with a focus on high-performance building strategies, NZE-ready design, and occupant health and wellness. This included comprehensive building envelope commissioning and testing.
Closing Thoughts
Cabin Branch Elementary School is a sustainable, community-focused, and daylight-filled learning hub that reimagines a proven prototype to reflect the unique character of its growing neighborhood.
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