Under an Indefinite Delivery Contract, the Buchart Horn Dewberry Joint Venture LLC (BHD JV) designed alterations and repairs for approximately 131,500 SF of Building 1A. Building 1A is 348,500 SF on two floors within Tobyhanna Army Depot’s 1,159,879-SF Building 1 or Mission Operations Facility (MOF). The renovation project had three main components: Administrative space, the Electronics Enclosure, and the Cafeteria.
The Administrative space was designed based on programming documents prepared by BH under a previous contract. Three directorates were affected by the renovations. The renovation gives the Mission Directorate the ability to logically redistribute its workforce into a new configuration that increases efficiency and productivity. The tenant fit-up included private offices, conference rooms, and support spaces, such as copy rooms, break and mail areas, and toilets. Three large conference rooms were designed which will accommodate video teleconferencing for approximately 50 people.
The new corridors were designed to match the north corridor design/build project that had recently been completed. BH prepared the scoping documents for the design/build project. The original concrete monumental stair was retained and incorporated into the design. Two elevators were replaced and one new elevator was incorporated into the space. One of the elevators provides access at the roof.
Additional space was gained at the second floor as a result of an infill. The existing second floor portions of the building were constructed at two differing finished floor elevations. The infill needed to be designed to bridge the uneven floor conditions. Other structural modifications included reinforcement of the girder and truss roof framing and the installation of new columns to support the new rooftop mechanical equipment.
The 67,900-SF Electronics Enclosure, in the center of Building 1A, consists of electronic production space, a locker room, and administrative support. The Electronics Enclosure was designed with flexibility in mind. The administrative support spaces are constructed of modular walls. The partition components can readily be readapted to new room layouts. Workbenches in the production space accommodate more than 200 people. The clear floor-to-floor height of the production space is limited, so it was decided to leave the structure exposed, while introducing acoustical treatments to the underside of the deck above instead of a traditional lay-in acoustic ceiling. The workbench space was reconfigured to support new missions. The power, telecommunications, and data receptacles were organized in a grid pattern within the low-profile floor systems so the work benches can be easily reconfigured. The HVAC, lighting, and special systems were designed in an equally spaced patterns of grilles and diffusers, lights and speakers to accommodate the adaptable space.
The new 12,000-SF Cafeteria replaces an existing second floor cafeteria that will be displaced by the Administration fit-up. The BHD JV provided programming and construction documents for a new 300-seat dining area and kitchen. The seating area is located in Building 1A, while the kitchen is located in Building 1B. The design includes a warming kitchen, walk-in refrigeration/freezer units, a serving area, prep areas, and dish wash area. A portion of the existing loading dock will be infilled to be used as storage, while a new dock will be constructed to facilitate the delivery of food and supplies. Modifications to the water and sanitary systems, including a new grease trap, are required to support the cafeteria functions.
Building 1A has exterior exposure on the north and south sides of the building. In order to meet the spirit of LEED, the façade was reconstructed to incorporate windows to allow daylighting and views in the Administrative space and Cafeteria. The façade modifications were designed to meet ATFP requirements and conform to the design standards at the Depot. In addition, the entire roof will be replaced. The new roofing system will contain insulation that meets the current building codes. The roof will be light in color to reduce the heat island effect and reduce heat transfer to the interior of the building.
The project was bid as a single solicitation and included demolition; abatement; architectural; civil; structural; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; plumbing; fire protection (sprinkler) design; electrical service; power; lighting; telecommunications; data; mass notification; and fire alarm. However, it was not certain if all the funding would be in place when the project contract was awarded, so the project was designed as a phased project. There were five project phases. In addition, a separate solicitation document package was provided for the furniture, furnishings, and equipment. Project deliverables included a fly-through rendering of the space.
The BHD JV provided support during solicitation by responding to requests for information and preparing responses used by the Depot in addenda.
The project is complete through bidding, with construction having begun in 2015 and will run through 2019. During construction, a BH representative will be on-site to assist the Depot. This individual will review submittals, perform site visits, and offer technical assistance. The office staff will assist the on-site representative as required.
Architecture
