Oyster Adams Bilingual School
Project Location:
Washington, DC
Project Type:
– Education
– Renovation
89,000-square-foot modernization and expansion of the historic Oyster-Adams school.
The Project
The design fully modernizes the 1928 building by providing a new welcome center, dedicated gymnasium, science and technology labs, discovery commons spaces, a library, and additional classrooms. This all was included while still maintaining the street-facing façade and incorporating historic details, such as exposing original cornices at the interior of the new addition. This was more than a rennovation, it’s a reinvention- where history, sustainability, and educational excellence converge to create a landmark that will serve and inspire for generations.
Structural Features
The 89,000-square-foot building unlocks new space in unexpected places. A fully occupied floor is added within the original attic by means of a reconfiguration of the rear half of existing roof and the addition of a new framed floor. A new entry level at street elevation was excavated and carved into the existing basement space providing improved accessibility from the exterior along with connectivity to the new addition. Challenges were met head on with extensive coordination among the design and construction teams, including complex underpinning, temporary shoring, and the addition traversing a dramatic 40-foot grade change across the site. The school also integrates high-performance systems and sustainable strategies throughout by a green roof and stormwater bioretention system being incorporated.
