Sustainable Modular SEED Classroom
Boyds, MD
The Challenge
Montgomery Parks sought to develop an environmentally responsible educational facility at Black Hill Regional Park that would not only provide a healthy learning environment but also serve as a practical teaching tool about sustainable building practices. The challenge was to create a structure that demonstrated energy efficiency and innovative environmental design while complying with local regulations and accommodating up to 25 students and teachers.
The Solution
The SEED Classroom, a 1,000 sq. ft. modular building, was designed and constructed to meet these needs. Inspired by the Living Building Challenge, it features net-zero annual energy consumption achieved through rooftop solar panels, allowing 24-hour data monitoring of energy use. The building incorporates healthy materials, including low VOC paints and adhesives, and recycled content such as carpet with 45% post-consumer plastic bottle content. Water balance is maintained by utilizing rainwater for the green wall display and a compostable toilet. The classroom includes an Energy Recovery Ventilator to ensure healthy air and employs biophilic design with unique leaf-patterned carpet tiles. Serving as a teaching tool, the building exposes all systems to view, educating students on the construction and function of sustainable buildings. Additional features include energy-efficient windows and doors, a solar tube for natural light in the toilet room, and visible HVAC airflow. The SEED Classroom, classified under Business Use with an IBC educational use factor, is situated on previously developed land, minimizing its environmental impact.
Building Features
- Inspired by the Living Building Challenge
- Net-Zero annual energy consumption – rooftop solar panels will produce 100% of energy needs. User has 24-hour access to monitor the data
- Commitment to using healthy, non-toxic building materials, such as low VOC paints and adhesives
- Recycled content building materials – 45% post-consumer plastic bottle content in carpet
- Water Balance – rainwater is collected and utilized for the green wall display and flushing compostable toilet
- Healthy Air – an Energy Recovery Ventilator that transfers heat between exhaust air and fresh air intake
- Biophilic Design – carpet tile will create unique leaf patterns in the classroom space
- Building as a Teaching Tool – connects students and teachers to every component of its constriction by exposing all systems to view
- A solar tube in the toilet room – brings maximum natural light, is high energy efficient, and reduces the use of electricity
- Composting toilet
- Plywood interior finishes
- Energy efficient windows and doors
