John Hopkins University Homewood Early Learning Center

Additional Info

Award Winner : Mark Line Industries, Inc.

Architectural Excellence : Johns Hopkins University identified the need for an immediate and short term solution to the child care needs of their faculty, researchers, and students while a longer term plan continues to be developed. The Homewood Early Learning Center (ELC) accommodates children, ages 10 weeks through preschool, in a new modular building that is specifically designed for the unique needs of young children.
The main circulation space connecting all areas of the building is designed to provide a welcoming, unifying and engaging environment. Angled wall sections varying in length and orientation define spaces of different character throughout the center and their playful geometry provides a contrast with the simple, right angles of the exterior. This layout creates alcoves ideal for conversations, small impromptu gatherings, and expands the play opportunities beyond the classroom.
The facade uses an aesthetic grid with bright colors to appeal to the children the facility is designed to serve.

Cost Energy Effectiveness : Mark Line and Whiting-Turner partnered on the project to provide a cost-effective solution to the end user. In the case of this project, cost-effectiveness was broadly defined to look at the entire life cycle of the building rather than merely the construction hard costs. Efficient systems, materials, and insulating practices were utilized and provided to reduce the overall operating costs of the facility overtime. From a smart and adaptable climate control system, to high-efficiency HVAC, to LED lighting and enhanced insulation, the design and performance specification was created to balance upfront costs with reduction in operating costs. Wherever possible, creative usage of cost effective materials was undertaken such as at the facade where an inexpensive cladding was detailed to create an aesthetic grid and bright color was utilized to create visual appeal.

Design Firm Name : D.W. Arthur Associates Architecture, Inc.

Green Building Description : The building was designed and constructed to achieve Baltimore City Green Building Standard (BCGBS) certification which is very similar to USGBC LEED Silver rating.
The lighting control system with daylight sensors and use of LED light fixtures throughout the interior and exterior of the building greatly reduce energy consumption required for artificial lighting. The highly efficient HVAC system further contributes to lower energy costs and utilizes a thermostat capable of “learning” occupancy trends within the building and adjusting temperature settings accordingly. Point-of-Use water heaters reduce both energy and water consumption by providing instantaneous hot water at the numerous lavatories and sinks located throughout the building.

Occupied Date : 8/3/2015

Owner Firm Name : John Hopkins University

Production Start Date : 3/2/2015

Project Location City : Baltimore

Project Location State Name : Maryland

Technical Innovation : The Homewood ELC is designed to achieve Baltimore City Green Building Standard certification which is very similar to the USGBC LEED Silver rating. Some of the more notable materials and methods used to achieve this rating include; flooding the classrooms with natural daylight using 36”x72” Triple Glazed Windows, .060 White EPDM roofing with a high SRI rating, an automated LED lighting system complete with daylight sensors and automatic dimming controls, HVAC system consisting of step capacity heat pumps with dehumidification and a “smart” thermostat capable of measuring temperature, humidity, CO2 and occupancy. As part of Mark Line's commitment to "Building Green" in our controlled production environment, off-fall is retained and re-used and excess material down to packaging and pallets are recycled, substantially diverting waste away from landfills and to either re-use or a more productive use.

Total Square Feet : 11336