As prime architect-engineer (A-E) contractor, we provided design for a new administrative and training facility with direct airfield access for the Special Operations Forces (SOF) 22nd Special Tactics Squadron (STS). The two-story, 97,500-square-foot operations facility includes maintenance and storage space, a drying tower for parachutes, simulator rooms, classrooms, medical facilities, and secure sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF) planning rooms.
A 10,000-square-foot warehouse accommodates vehicles and equipment for special tactics forces, while also consolidating units from four separate facilities. The facility provides space for training of members of the 22nd STS team; storage, maintenance and issuance of support equipment and clothing for each squadron member; and storage of team vehicles and boats, all in support of national defense objectives.
The final design complies with Unified Facilities Criteria, and the facility has been certified LEED Gold. Sustainability features contributing to the certification included: energy and water conservation and efficiency; use of recovered and recycled materials; waste reduction; reduction or elimination of toxic and harmful substances; efficiency in resource and materials utilization; and development of healthy, safe and productive work environments.
Planning: The project started with a design charrette, providing an open forum for ideas to develop project requirements. User input led to preliminary floor plans and a concept plan showing campus development, existing facility demolition and site demarcations.
Site layout and stormwater management: Our scope included the site layout to provide access between the facility, equipment storage and parking, as well as access roads, sidewalks and landscaping. We also developed plans for cathodic protection, the water distribution system, sanitary wastewater, fire water, natural gas, and electrical and communication ductbanks. Stormwater management design incorporates swales, infiltration areas and below-grade piping network to convey stormwater to a large infiltration basin. An alternative downspout infiltration trench system carries runoff from roof downspouts and gutters.