KMA-Designed Vandenberg Education Center Allows for Expanded Course Offerings & Improved Well-Being

Designs are underway for Vandenberg Air Force Base's new Education Center
 
Aug. 8, 2012 - PRLog -- SAN DIEGO - KMA Architecture & Engineering (KMA) announced that designs are underway for the Education Center at Vandenberg Air Force Base near Lompoc, Calif.  The project, designed in partnership with Teehee Straub, A Joint Venture design-build team, will pursue LEED® Silver certification from the USGBC.  Construction is expected to begin in late summer 2012, with estimated completion in 2013.

“Vandenberg is the third largest U.S. Air Force Base in the United States, and this new educational facility plans to serve more than 1,360 personnel daily, with an average of 600 students annually via distance learning,” said Heather Mertes, Project Manager and Associate at KMA.  “Our goal is to design an indoor and outdoor environment that enhances occupant well-being and performance.”

At approximately 38,000 square feet, the new two-story Education Center will allow the Base, along with five local colleges and universities, to provide extension courses to the Base population.  It will also allow the Base to expand its offerings to include required Air Force developmental classes.  The two-story steel-framed structure will house administrative spaces, an 80-seat auditorium, classrooms, distance learning rooms, training rooms and testing rooms.

In order to ensure improved occupant well-being, there will be a focus on core design elements such as acoustical mitigation and ways to maximize natural day-lighting.  The KMA team is also looking at an efficient building envelope and MEP systems that are aimed at improving energy efficiency by 30 percent and reducing potable water usage by 40 percent.  In conjunction with these elements, KMA has proposed sustainable design features including:

•   Solar shades above windows and deep roof overhangs;
•   The use of drought tolerant and native plant species for landscaping, permeable pavers, and  an efficient temporary irrigation system;
•   Designated parking for low-emission and carpool vehicles, as well as bike storage; and
•   The use of FSC-Certified wood as well as locally sourced/manufactured materials with low-voc content and recycled content

The KMA team includes Don Blair, Principal; Liz Fisher, Project Architect; Rich Guerena, Project Architect; Jay Janda, BIM Manager; Heather Mertes, Project Manager and LEED AP BD+C; and Howard Wang, Designer.  Structural engineering services are provided by SMR; civil engineering services are provided by CTE; electrical engineering services are provided by Sparling; mechanical and plumbing engineering services are provided by M.A. Engineering; landscape architecture design services are provided by RPA; interior consultation services are provided by Young + Co; fire life and safety services are provided by Veltre Engineering; and general contracting services are provided by Teehee Straub, A Joint Venture with key team members including Simon Pollard, Design Manager and Bryce Brown, Construction Project Manager.

About KMA

Headquartered in San Diego, KMA has provided integrated architectural, engineering and planning services throughout Southern California and the Western United States since 1973. The company's services include site selection assistance, land planning, programming, scheduling, project design, field supervision and construction administration. KMA also offers Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED®) Accredited Professionals with expertise in the development of sustainable, high-performance buildings. For more information, please call 619-276-7710, visit www.kma-ae.com or connect with us on Twitter and Facebook.
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Tags:Kma, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Air Force, Education, Leed
Industry:Defense, Architecture
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