Government – GBR Architects

September 18, 2018

DOE Program Review Center

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Department of Energy, Forrestal Building Washington, DC GBR was engaged to renovate and modernize this space that serves the Secretary and executive level staff at Department of Energy. The existing furniture and finishes were worn out, technology was outdated, and the room was not suited for high level meetings due to excessive noise from the adjacent Mechanical Penthouse. A primary design challenge was to isolate the conference area from this structure-born noise. This was accomplished by designing a secondary sound isolating ceiling above the finish ceiling as well as isolation brackets in the furred wall construction. GBR worked with our Mechanical Engineering and Acoustical Consultants to solve the problem of the disruptive mechanical equipment noise and achieve DOE’s aggressive sound level requirements. We also integrated new mechanical controls with base building system to accommodate DOE’s requirements for monitoring and control points and coordination of infrastructure in the ceiling plenum. The project involved renovation and space...

September 16, 2018

by John W

U.S. FDA Headquarters Master Plan

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] United States Food and Drug Administration, Federal Research Center Silver Spring, Maryland The new Master Plan will provide a guide for development to accommodate a total of 18,000 FDA employees and support staff at the 130-acre FDA Headquarters at the Federal Research Center (FRC) in Silver Spring, Maryland. The plan will steer the planning, design, and construction of new buildings; improvements to roadways, utilities, and other infrastructure; and the protection of natural areas. Preceding the Master Plan, a Land Use Feasibility Study was prepared that studied multiple development strategies within the FRC and a Draft Master Plan that developed three Master Plan Alternatives. The purpose of the plan is to support consolidation of FDA employees and projected growth at the headquarters campus. The implementation of the Master Plan includes development of an additional 1,550,000 GSF of office space and 280,000 to 350,000 GSF of special use space to support FDA’s mission. Anticipating the...

September 15, 2018

by John W

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Federal Republic of Germany Washington, DC The German Embassy in Washington has undergone a comprehensive, multiple building renovation that includes the architecturally significant Chancery and Consular buildings designed by German architect Egon Eiermann in the 1960’s. Recognized as landmark historic buildings, both for their architectural quality and their political significance. Primary project goals for the renovation were the removal of hazardous materials, upgrades for life-safety and security, and integration of high-performance building systems for heating, cooling and lighting while respecting the original exterior and interior design of this mid-century icon. Sustainable design features include a grey water system, radiant heating and cooling, a central plant with cogeneration, photovoltaic panels, and LED lighting throughout. As the U.S. partner in support of HPP Architekten GmbH, GBR Architects coordinated the design requirements of the German Government and the German architects with the regulations of the U.S. Department of State and local governing agencies. GBR’s services included preparation...

September 12, 2018

by John W

DOI Strategic Workplace Planning

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Department of Interior, Main Interior Building Washington, DC Designed in the Stripped Classical Style, the Main Interior Building (MIB) was construction in 1936 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The scope of the project involved evaluating the MIB to determine the appropriate level of alterations necessary to accommodate additional personnel and to understand the architectural and programmatic implications on the DOI’s housing strategy. The primary objective of this study was to increase efﬁciency in occupancy of the MIB while minimizing any impact on the building’s historic fabric. The ultimate goal was to articulate an end-state occupancy plan for the MIB that included consolidation of staff from commercial leased space over a seven-year period. To accomplish this objective, GBR developed a Program of Requirements for bureaus currently housed in leased space. GBR also developed concept designs for workplace prototypes within a typical half-wing at the MIB. In addition to creating...

September 10, 2018

by John W

Embassy of the Republic of Hungary

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Republic of Hungary Washington, DC In collaboration with the Hungarian design architects of A+D Studio, GBR was the Architect of Record for the renovation and addition to the existing Chancery and new Consulate building for the Hungarian Embassy in Washington, DC. The existing chancery building is a 1970s structure with exposed cast-in-place concrete beams, precast concrete exterior panels and dark interiors. The intent of the work is to give a new and appropriate presence to the embassy, while respectfully relating to the surrounding residential neighborhood and the environmentally sensitive adjacent Rock Creek Park. In an effort to limit the project scope and costs, a decision was made to retain the existing chancery building and alter its architectural character through new cladding combined with additions at the public entry area. The existing facade is re-clad through a combination of pre-patinated copper and large-format porcelain wall panels. The additions help form and emphasize a ceremonial...

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DOE Program Review Center

U.S. FDA Headquarters Master Plan

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany

DOI Strategic Workplace Planning

Embassy of the Republic of Hungary

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