METAL CLADDING CHECKS ALL THE BOXES FOR NET-ZERO D.C. SCHOOL ADDITION

As an historic landmark originally built in the 1920s, Washington D.C.’s Raymond Elementary School was more than ready for an update.

So after the decision was made to demolish a 1966 school wing and replace it with a 50,000 square-foot addition, Studios Architecture was tasked with meeting a long list of school board objectives.

The new building had to present a modern appearance while blending with into the local urban context. The district wanted to achieve net-zero and LEED Gold certification while preserving the school’s historic significance. And the façade materials had to be low maintenance and durable enough to withstand the cold D.C. weather.

Blending with the historic red brick cladding, the architects went with ALUCOBOND PLUS aluminum composite material in Olivine Metallic. Located above a new entry vestibule, the cladding encircles an angled high-performance curtainwall bringing daylight into the entry space. Metal cladding and glazed windows were designed for the addition’s northwest elevation, facing a new courtyard in the interior of the campus.

The muted green, metallic color, subtle sheen and textured surface presented by the thin vertical panels achieves that contemporary refresh the school was seeking. And the neutral color compliments the historic brick and blends with townhouses across the street.