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September 24, 2018
in
by John W

Dahlgren Chapel Renovation

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Georgetown University Washington, DC Award of Excellence in Historic Architecture, AIA Northern Virginia   For more than a century, the Dahlgren Chapel of the Sacred Heart has been a place of worship, reflection and celebration for Georgetown University. Surrounded on three sides by Georgetown’s oldest buildings to form Dahlgren Quadrangle, it is not only one of the campus’s most iconic structures but also a historic local landmark.   The chapel, constructed in 1893 in the style of 13th century English cathedrals, is the spiritual heart of the Georgetown community. In this sacred space, generations of students, faculty, staff and alumni have attended Mass, weddings, baptisms or simply stole a quiet moment of reflection. Therefore, preservation of its architectural character was a top priority. The University needed to update the space, but the renovated space still needed to feel like home.   This preservation project included renovation of the chapel interior and improvements to the exterior quadrangle. The interior...

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September 23, 2018
in
by John W

Milton North Campus Expansion

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School Washington, DC   Originally constructed in 1950 and located on a steeply sloped site across from Rock Creek Park, the existing building had been home to the Jewish Day School since 2002.  A primary driver for the project was expansion of the school’s academic program to include middle school.   GBR’s design retained and renovated the original classroom wing on 16th Street N.W.  The existing gymnasium and core areas were removed to allow for a properly sized and equipped gymnasium for middle school students; including a turf recreational field on the roof.  The middle school (grades 6 through 8) occupies a new third floor level.  A new classroom wing located on the north east edge of the site provides shared space for Art and Music classrooms.  The renovation includes upgrades to all building systems and has been designed to achieve LEED® silver certification   Contextually, the building aesthetics are intended to quietly...

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September 22, 2018
in
by natasha

Riverside Baptist Church

23[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Riverside Baptist Church Washington, DC   The new Riverside Baptist Church replaces the church’s third location in the city.  A longstanding institution of DC’s Southwest neighborhood the new church remains a centerpiece of a reimagined waterfront district.  Strategically located at a major gateway into the SW neighborhood it will provide a link to the redeveloping waterfront.  This location delivers a primary project objective to achieve a significant and expressive structure.   The overall building form clearly expresses the three elements of a place of worship; a visible entrance, its identity as a church and clarity in the presence of a worship space.  The transparent corner at 7th Street and Maine Avenue visually connects to The Wharf development.  The bell tower, a clear and common reference to a Christian church, anchors the corner and is topped by another symbol and identity reference, a cross.  The worship space is represented by a wall of glass formed to...

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September 21, 2018
in
by sean

Gonzaga Stadium & Eye Street Plaza

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Gonzaga College High School Washington, DC   As the oldest all-boys school in Washington, DC, Gonzaga College High School is proud of its rich history and maintains a deep commitment to its inner-city location. The school’s iconic main façade fronts the first block of I Street, NW. Years ago, the school had acquired the street from the city to use as parking and service access.   Facing a series of concerns common for an urban campus – outdoor space for students, athletic fields, appropriate parking, and perimeter security, the school recognized the need to reimagine and redevelop Eye Street along with its football field to create a new campus front door and arrival sequence. The challenge was to resolve these issues while enhancing Gonzaga’s strong sense of tradition.   The solution creates a new 1,300-person stadium facility above a 300 car below-grade parking garage. This allowed for redevelopment of Eye Street into a student-focused pedestrian mall. The...

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September 18, 2018
in
by sean

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...

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September 17, 2018
in
by John W

Montgomery County Humane Society Campus

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Montgomery County Humane Society Aspen Hill, Maryland   GBR Architects is currently working on the Master Plan and architectural design for the new Montgomery County Humane Society headquarters located in the historic Aspen Hill Memorial Park in Montgomery County, Maryland. The site includes two historic properties, listed with the Maryland Historic Trust.  These existing buildings will be fully rehabilitated along with new buildings arranged around an open courtyard added to house additional programmatic elements. The new structures are modern in design using the vernacular aesthetic of rural Maryland while remaining respectful of the two existing historic buildings and their historic view shed.   The new 16,000 sf headquarters will provide adoption, pet education and a community services clinic at the site. It will also be open for a number of community events and will also provide an inviting park accessible to the public. The historic pet cemetery will be fully restored with new interpretive paths...

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September 15, 2018
in
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...

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September 14, 2018
in
by John W

Sheehy Theater Renovation

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Gonzaga College High School Washington, DC [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="16px"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Originally constructed in 1896, this historic building has the distinction of being the longest, continually operating theater in Washington, DC. In fact, this major renovation project was completed within a nine-month construction time-frame to allow the continuous string of annual performances to remain intact.   To respect the historic character of the space, the theater’s impressive proscenium arch and plaster ceiling detailing were carefully preserved while the space was completely gutted and all systems modernized. The comprehensive renovation included new HVAC, AV, theater lighting and rigging systems, improved acoustics, and updated finishes throughout. A new light and sound booth was inserted at the rear of the balcony and over 800 new seats were installed.   On the exterior, the historic terra cotta and brick facade was rehabilitated. A new plaza, entry doors and lighting were added to give the theater a stronger presence on the campus.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

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September 12, 2018
in
by sean

BJC Headquarters Renovation

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Baptist Joint Committee Washington, DC   The design of this 5,000 sf office was developed to reinforce the owner's desire for an open and collaborative work area and reflect their mission as a education and advocacy organization. Modular wall systems with large areas of glazing are used to bring daylight deep into the interior and preserve visual connections within the office suite. Perimeter offices are organized around central, flexible common work areas.   This approach replaced a dated, traditional layout with a central corridor flanked by secretarial work areas and enclosed offices. The new Baptist Joint Committee headquarters now reflects a professional work environment and achieves a strategic goal to be visually connected to the U.S. Capitol and the nearby Supreme Court.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]...

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September 12, 2018
in
by sean

Quaker Welcome Center

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] FCNL Education Fund Washington, DC   Located across the street from the U.S. Capitol, the Friends Committee for National Legislation had acquired the 1860s townhouse immediately adjacent to their headquarters. This three story brick building, in the Capitol Hill Historic District, had been modified and expanded over the years; most recently in the 1980s when it was converted into four residential rental units.   The program called for creation of a new flexible meeting space on the ground floor while maintaining four rental units on the upper floors.  The mission for the new Welcome Center is to provide a peaceful place for dialogue and the promotion of peace, justice, and environmental sustainability.   The GBR design preserved the original historic structure fronting C Street N.E.  The original first floor parlor was renovated to create a living room style space for small gatherings.  The rear addition was removed and re-imagined as a larger flexible meeting space that flows...

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