A renovation of a 1939 building, George Mason Elementary School creates safe, healthy, and high-performing learning environments that leverage the entire building and site as educational tools. The design supports evolving teaching methods through flexible, simple, and durable spaces. For the community, the school preserves the historic Cameron Mills Road frontage, respects the scale and materials of the surrounding context, and provides opportunities for shared use.

The school embodies the “open heart” concept, placing outdoor spaces at the center of its design. Circulation is designed as two interconnected loops: an internal loop facing the courtyard, and an outer loop extending toward the parl. Two-story classroom wings border the central courtyard, with gym and dining areas adjacent to outdoor spaces for ease of access and secure play. A central two-story library links classrooms and communal spaces while allowing for visibility and supervision throughout the campus.

The building’s net-zero energy operations, LEED Gold certification, and minimal embodied carbon reflect a long-term investment in sustainability and environmental stewardship. Lightweight structural systems, a compact but comfortable floor-to-floor height, and optimized solar orientation contribute to an economic and high-performing design solution. A leaf-inspired exterior sunshade draws from dappled light patterns to reduce heat gain and glare, creating a visually engaging library space with expansive views to the courtyard.