Alexandria, VA
Douglas MacArthur Elementary School
Scope/Solutions
Needing to accommodate its growing student population, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) undertook a project to replace the existing elementary school with one that could accommodate expansion and modern education practices in an inspiring, sustainable facility. Working with the project team, including Skanska, DLR Group, and ACPS, SGH provided hands-on construction phase support to help them implement the design and navigate field challenges.
SGH consulted on below-grade waterproofing, brick veneer and metal panel wall assemblies, thermal insulation, storefront and fiberglass sandwich panel fenestration systems, and roofing. Highlights of our work include the following:
- Reviewing the proposed design and recommending strategies and details to construct a reliable enclosure
- Participating in detailed mockup review of the exterior wall assembly and applying lessons learned from the mockup to key project decisions during construction
- Advising the project team during the development and installation of complex fenestration perimeter detailing
- Reviewing building enclosure submittals and providing technical advice to assist the construction team in preparing requests for information
- Witnessing field performance verification testing of the building enclosure and helping the construction team identify potential air leakage paths and thermal discontinuities to support the project’s sustainability goal
- Providing enhanced construction monitoring services to support the construction team’s day-to-day quality control activities and helping them address field conditions during construction
Project Summary
Solutions
New Construction
Services
Building Enclosures
Markets
Education
Client(s)
Skanska
Specialized Capabilities
Roofing & Waterproofing
Key team members
Additional Projects
Mid-Atlantic
Fluvanna County High School, Stormwater Detention System
The new Fluvanna County High School included four buried, stackable crate-type, stormwater detention systems under deep cover. Shortly after installation in 2010, the contractor observed that the backfill material over two of the detention systems had settled. SGH investigated the cause of failure.
Mid-Atlantic
Lawrence E. Boone Elementary School
With student enrollment exceeding the capacity of the existing 1974 school building, DC Public Schools undertook a project to replace the school with one that could accommodate future growth and modern education practices in an inspiring, sustainable facility.



