US Forest Service, New Headquarters Building

Project Overview:

Along with design-build partner, Neagley and Chase Construction Company, Beardsley Architects + Engineers provided design services for a new, sustainable 14,500 SF office building to accommodate 65 permanent and seasonal personnel. In addition to the office building, the project also included an approximately 3,400 square foot unheated vehicle garage and storage building. Total construction cost for the project was $7,594,398.

Building Layout:

The first floor of the building includes spaces for public relations staff, law enforcement including dedicated offices for a special investigator and patrol Captain, break room, mechanical rooms, storage areas, restrooms, and shower facilities. A large lobby with public restrooms and reception area is located at the front of the building for access by the general public. The second floor of the building includes open office space, enclosed team rooms for collaboration, copy and file rooms, restrooms, lactation room, and enclosed phone booths for staff to take calls privately away from the office area.

Mechanical Systems:

The mechanical design balances sustainability requirements with optimized project budget, energy performance, and long-term operations and maintenance. An all-electric variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system was provided with two outdoor condensing units piped to two interior branch selector boxes, which were then in turn piped to indoor fan coil units. Building ventilation was provided by three separate energy recovery systems for optimum efficiency.

Plumbing Systems:

The design team engineered plumbing systems for energy efficiency, reliable operation, and easy maintenance, incorporating a well water treatment system and low-flow fixtures.

Electrical Systems and Technology:

The design team engineered the electrical system to maximize energy savings, minimize maintenance, and ensure long service life. They achieved maximum energy savings by specifying LED lighting, implementing targeted lighting controls, selecting energy-efficient equipment, and optimizing power distribution. A complete structured cabling and pathway telecommunications distribution system (TDS) was provided in accordance with ANSI/BICSI and TIA standards.

Sustainability:

The US Forest Service sought to provide a durable and environmentally sustainable facility that provides efficient operations and can serve as an example to the community, In order to do so, and to remain in compliance with the Guiding Principle for Sustainable Federal Buildings, the design and construction team incorporated sustainable design elements such as energy efficient mechanical and electrical systems, building system controls, water use reduction, daylighting, indoor air quality measures during construction, and low-emitting building materials.