Washington Episcopal School

Founded in 1986, in Bethesda, Maryland, Washington Episcopal School (WES) is a coed, private, Pre-K – 8th grade school with 295 students. The existing building is approximately 103,000 SF and was formerly used as a factory and office building prior to its conversion to a school.

Waldon Studio Architects was hired by WES to perform a feasibility study to determine whether, or what level of capital investment into a 8,600 SF space within the building would be in the best short- and long-term financial and operational interests of WES, students, school board, donors, future leadership and programs. The feasibility study served to help WES with a logistical approach to investing in long-term solutions that solve immediate issues; provide an understanding of the potential for expanding curriculum and programming for students in the space; and an exploration of how the back of the building at the MLS could provide a more welcoming and updated aesthetic appearance, that also includes sustainable and energy efficient building materials and finishes.

As a result of the study, WES determined that there was an immediate need for a new Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) Lab at the school. Embracing the building’s history as a factory, WSA designed the STEM Lab with concrete and painted steel finishes combined with engaging color accents.  Large new windows bring natural light into the lab and greatly enhance the learning environment. Extensive new casework provides worksurfaces as well as lots of storage space to accommodate the evolving STEM program.

• Location

  Bethesda, MD

• Client

  Washington Episcopal School

• Project Type

  Renovation

• Year Completed

  2020