Hearst Elementary School Case Study
The Hearst Elementary School is a public school located in Washington, DC. It is focused on providing a rigorous curriculum integrated with exposure to the arts and prides itself on reaching a diverse audience of students. Wilmot Modular, featured in MBI member profiles, was hired to consult and provide what was originally a two-story classroom expansion project. The school district wanted the building to match nearby buildings on the campus, and fit in a steeply graded, small site. There were also budget constraints that had to be managed.
Wilmot worked with the District’s design team to design and furnish a one-story modular building that met all the District’s needs. The building was completed as a design-build project to save both time and money - reducing approximately 18 months from the original two-story project schedule.
The building includes six 32-person classrooms and restroom facilities. Due to the siting and construction of the building, the requirement for fire sprinklers was waived, saving the District about $100,000. Sprinklers may be required in new structures for a variety of reasons. Because of the new building’s proximity to existing structures, a 1HR fire-rated assembly was needed on the left and right elevations and a main corridor. A historic building was within close proximity to the new structure that could not be moved or modified. Its consideration was taken into account and instrumental to meet code requirements.
The modular structure is designed specifically to fit in with the rest of the campus, both in architectural style and technologically. Exterior color and
material selections aesthetically blend with surrounding buildings and interior tech ensures that the classrooms remain connected to the school’s infrastructure.
Architecture and Design
Due to site size constraints and the topography of the land, Wilmot revised the District’s plan for a two-story building to a one-story modular building,
saving the District approximately $400,000 and about 18 months of construction time. A two-story building would have required too much disturbance to the school’s operations, as well as cost significantly more. The resulting modular building was designed to match nearby buildings and fit in with the overall campus. To address the extreme slope of the site (about 12 feet of elevation change sloping down from front to back), the foundations utilized poured concrete footings and formed piers with steel reinforcement to minimize site disturbance. A traditional foundation would have cost the District significantly more in concrete and excavation costs.
The exterior design included Hardipanel siding, recessed entries, and seamless gutters and downspouts to give the building a permanent look. In addition, metal canopies and ADA ramps were included at both entry points, with a central corridor for efficient access to classrooms and facilities.
The interior finishes included site-installed Corlon flooring, vinyl gypsum wallboard, and acoustical T-grid ceilings with LED lighting. Security cameras and card readers were installed for added security, and integrated with the school’s existing systems.
Technical Innovation
The Hearst Elementary classroom building was designed with an exterior envelope that was energy efficient to meet both code and District requirements. Measures included a reflective white membrane roof and low-E tinted windows to help prevent solar heat gain and prevent glare.
The design included state-of-the-art technology, including digital communication, IT, and security/access controls. The building systems were integrated with the main school building and adjacent classrooms, including smart boards, ensuring that teachers had access to the necessary resources and technology for modern learning. The design included high-quality HEPA filtration in the restrooms, in addition to touchless sanitary items as per COVID-19/school guidelines. The lighting system is made up of high-efficiency LED fixtures with adjustable controls, conserving energy and providing natural lighting when possible.
Estimated Savings
- Site and stormwater management improvements that weren’t required due to building siting - $80,000
- Fire rated exterior walls, removing the need for a fire sprinkler system - $100,000
- Value engineering two-story plan to one-story - $400,000 + 18 months from schedule
More from Modular Advantage
Celebrating the Winners of MBI’s 2025 Awards of Distinction
MBI’s Awards of Distinction are presented annually, traditionally on the final evening of its North American World of Modular conference and tradeshow. This year’s Awards were presented in a variety of categories, including several each for permanent modular construction projects and relocatable buildings. Excellence in “green” modular construction and marketing were also recognized.
MBI Welcomes R.I. Group Founder & President Salvatore Tafuro to the Industry’s Hall of Fame
In 1973, Salvatore Tafuro, only in his twenties and already supporting a family of three children, set out to realize his entrepreneurial dream. From a humble garage in Leverano, in the heart of Salento, he began producing metal structures and aluminum fixtures for the construction industry.
The Best-Kept Secret in Housing
What can we do to right the ship, overcome these circumstances, capitalize on the opportunity, and address this epidemic in the housing sector? It’s easier than you might think.
The Blueprint for Accountability: How Mastery, Autonomy, and Purpose Drive Performance in Construction & Manufacturing
Accountability is one of the most critical elements of a thriving organization, yet many leaders in the construction and manufacturing industries struggle to create a culture where it truly thrives. High-performance teams require more than just technical skills and efficiency—they need strong accountability, alignment with the company’s vision, and a deep sense of ownership.
AI, Faster Sets, and Automation: The Future of Modular is at World of Modular
While the modular building industry has long known that it can be an effective solution to increase affordable housing, the word is slowly spreading to more mainstream audiences. Three presentations at this year’s World of Modular in Las Vegas hope to provide insight and direction for those seeking a real solution to the crisis.
An Insider’s Guide to the 2025 World of Modular
The Modular Building Institute is bringing its global World of Modular (WOM) event back to Las Vegas, and with it comes some of the industry’s best opportunities for networking, business development, and education. Over the course of the conference’s four days, there will be numerous opportunities for attendees to connect, learn, and leverage event resources to get the most out of the conference.
Affordable Housing Now: The Industry’s Best Bring New Solutions to World of Modular
While the modular building industry has long known that it can be an effective solution to increase affordable housing, the word is slowly spreading to more mainstream audiences. Three presentations at this year’s World of Modular in Las Vegas hope to provide insight and direction for those seeking a real solution to the crisis.
Opportunities for Innovation in Modular Offsite Construction
Modular Offsite Construction has already shattered the myth that it only produces uninspired, box-like designs. Architectural innovations in module geometry, configurations, materials, and products make it possible to create visually stunning buildings without sacrificing functionality or efficiency.
Safe Modular Construction with Aerofilm Air Caster Transport
In collaboration with Aerofilm Systems, Heijmans developed innovative skids using air caster technology for moving modules easily and safely. These pallets are equipped with an auto-flow system, making operation extremely simple.
Miles, Modules, and Memes: Building a Modular Network One Flight at a Time
At the end of the day, social media is just another tool for building connections, and like any other tool, needs to be used skillfully to work properly. Use social media thoughtfully, and it will open doors to real opportunities and relationships you didn’t even see coming.