University of Maryland, College Park
Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center
The Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center represents a milestone in academic facility design at the University of Maryland, College Park—a seamless fusion of historic preservation and modern innovation. Combining the renovation of 27,400 square feet of the 1930-built Holzapfel Hall with 160,000 square feet of new construction, this transformative project delivers a vibrant, high-performance hub dedicated entirely to teaching and learning.
As the first building on campus in five decades designed solely for classroom and laboratory instruction, the Center redefines the student experience with technology-rich learning spaces that accommodate more than 12,000 students daily.
Engineering for Collaboration and Performance
In collaboration with Ayers Saint Gross, Mueller Associates provided comprehensive mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering design services, integrating advanced systems to support the university’s forward-looking vision for flexible and interactive learning environments.
The facility includes:
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Eleven technology-enhanced classrooms
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Nine chemistry laboratories
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Seven glass-enclosed huddle rooms for team collaboration
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Four cafés and multiple student lounges that encourage connection and community
Behind these spaces, Mueller’s engineering design ensures precision, reliability, and energy efficiency—delivering comfort and control in one of the university’s most heavily utilized buildings.
Sustainability and Smart Building Systems
The Edward St. John Center embodies the University of Maryland’s commitment to sustainable design and operational efficiency. Key features of Mueller’s engineering systems include:
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Air-to-air energy recovery for all central air handling units
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Demand-controlled ventilation based on occupancy and CO₂ levels
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High-efficiency, variable-speed chillers and pumps for optimized energy use
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Flash steam heat recovery to reclaim thermal energy
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Condensate recovery from air conditioning systems for reuse in cooling tower makeup water
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Water-conserving plumbing fixtures throughout
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Daylight-responsive lighting and occupancy controls
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Enhanced building automation systems with real-time energy metering and monitoring
These interconnected systems reduce energy consumption, conserve resources, and provide the university with advanced tools for long-term building performance management.
Integrating Past and Future
By combining historic renovation with new construction, the Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center honors the architectural legacy of Holzapfel Hall while embodying the next generation of sustainable academic environments. The result is a dynamic, energy-efficient facility that reflects the University of Maryland’s enduring commitment to innovation, stewardship, and student success.
Sustainability
LEED Gold
Consulting Services
- Central Plants
- Electrical Power
- HVAC Systems
- Life Cycle Cost Analyses
- Lighting Design
- Plumbing Systems
- Revit
- Sustainable Design
- Value Engineering
Architect
Ayers Saint Gross
Client History
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2022
Replace Underground Steam Piping
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2021
HJ Patterson Hall Wing 2 Mech Equipment Rm 0242
"This signature building is destined to be one of the most popular and heavily used on campus and it is a dramatic step forward educationally."Wallace D. Loh33rd President, University of Maryland
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