Rosemont Forest Elementary School
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Overview
Rosemont Forest Elementary School underwent a comprehensive HVAC modernization centered on converting the existing conventional condenser-water system to geothermal. The project included a new geothermal wellfield and hydronic distribution system, replacement of packaged rooftop and classroom air-conditioning units, a VRF system serving the Administration area, electrical modifications, and a full kitchen renovation supporting Virginia Beach City Public Schools’ scratch-cooking initiatives. The design balanced energy efficiency, initial cost, maintenance access, and long-term system performance while strategically reusing existing infrastructure. Classroom systems incorporated integral outside air and energy recovery, while equipment selections and system configurations were designed to simplify maintenance and minimize disruption to the occupied school.
Challenges
- Completing a complex geothermal and HVAC renovation within the limited construction windows available at an operating K-12 school.
- Phasing the geothermal wellfield, condenser-water piping replacement, rooftop equipment, and classroom units across multiple construction periods while maintaining building operation.
- Coordinating new HVAC, ventilation, structural, architectural, and electrical requirements while strategically reusing existing infrastructure.
Goals
- Improve long-term energy performance through geothermal and high-efficiency HVAC system integration.
- Enhance indoor air quality and occupant comfort with modern ventilation and control systems.
- Extend the useful life of the facility through sustainable upgrades and strategic reuse of existing infrastructure.
Project Team
- Owner: Virginia Beach City Public Schools
- Architect: HBA Architecture and Interior Design
- Structural Engineer: Speight Marshall Francis
- Civil Engineer: Timmons Group
- Environmental Services: Applied Laboratory Services
- Environmental, Geotechnical and Materials Testing: GET Solutions
- Geo-Environmental Resources: GER
- Contractor: D.E. Kirby, Inc.
Results
- Designed the building to operate at an EUI below 25, positioning Rosemont Forest Elementary School to be net-zero ready with the anticipated future addition of a solar photovoltaic array.
- Improved long-term maintainability through accessible classroom equipment and a dedicated outbuilding that allows the geothermal pumps and condenser-loop components to be serviced without disturbing building occupants.
- Leveraged federal geothermal tax credits to significantly offset construction costs, bringing initial costs closer to those of a traditional condenser system while reducing anticipated life-cycle costs.
