Oak Ridge National Library

Ft. Lauderdale, FL
741,000 SF
Corporate Interiors, Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Management

The Department of Energy (DOE) complex at Oak Ridge required the creation of a large-scale, state-of-the-art secure science and technology facility to provide the appropriate infrastructure and environment to integrate and consolidate multidisciplinary scientific capabilities for defense and homeland security activities. Our team designed and constructed the Multi-Program Research Facility (MPRF), providing facilities for research and development activities in non-proliferation research, training and operations, cyber security research and development, geospatial analysis, inorganic membrane research and prototyping, and a myriad of other activities.

Energy efficiency is but one hallmark. The buildings also highlight sustainable site development, water savings, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. Some of the five-million-gallon annual water savings is a result of interior features such as low-flow plumbing fixtures and exterior landscaping choices. Outside water conservation measures incorporate native plants that are self-irrigated by rainwater channeled and collected from sloped grading. The team's accomplishments include:

• Working with a difficult site to reduce its heat island
• Using innovative energy conservative technologies developed at Oak Ridge itself
• Identifying local and recycled materials for use in the building
• Maximizing recycling in an area where this concept is not well known, even going so far as to help create a market for recycled construction waste
• Overcoming obstacles posed by some of the security aspects of the building, such as the requirement for minimal windows