Riversdale Visitors' Center

Additional Info

Award Winner : Modular Genius, Inc.

Architectural Excellence : Riversdale Visitors’ Center was designed as the permanent Visitor’s Center for the Riversdale Mansion, a National Historic Landmark. The major portion of the building includes a welcoming station, library, archeology and archives room.
Due to the historic significance of the site, the exterior had to “blend in” with the campus, but not deviate from the mansion’s presence. This was accomplished with an EIFS finish on the exterior that was similar to the mansion’s finish. Modern upgraded materials were used, including a 3/12 pitched asphalt shingled roof, modern windows & doors. These subtle attributes enabled the guest to differentiate between the buildings.
Most impressive is the 18’-0” high vaulted/raised ceiling. Pendant lights suspend down to “greet” guest as they enter the building. The windows in the vaulted ceiling walls allow natural light into the open areas. The design creates a warm, welcome area that optimizes space to display the display the many artifacts.

Cost Energy Effectiveness : Since this was a “sensitive” historical site, the building was designed such that ninety percent of the building was factory-built, including majority of the mechanical system. Leaving minimal only minor finish work to be completed after the building was set at site. This proved to be a major project cost and time savings. The shipment of only four modules (two on an extended frame system) also helped to reduce the over project cost and project installation process.
Energy efficiency has accomplished by constructing the building with (a) R-19 Insulation and 30 gauge galvanized bottom board in the floor, (b) R-19 Insulation in the exterior walls, (c) R-22 Insulation in the roof, (d) High performance Low E-Clear Windows, (e) Programmable Thermostats, and (f) upgraded crawlspace fans with a central programmable thermostat. Additionally, the exterior EIFS/Stucco siding finish added approximately R-5 to the exterior insulation, giving the exterior an overall R-24 insulation value.

Occupied Date : 6/1/2007

Production Start Date : 12/18/2006

Project Location City : Riverdale Park

Project Location State Name : MD

Technical Innovation : This building ceiling design was very technical and uncommon to the modular industry; whereas the center section was designed as a vaulted ceiling with a height of over 18’-0”, within a 12’ x 33’ area. The remaining 12’ x 47’ area is attic space which houses the HVAC split system air handlers and other mechanical components. From this area, the supply duct runs out to the 12’ x 33’ open display area and is specified as 8” galvanized spiral supply duct work.
Unique to the industry, the entire vaulted/raised ceiling module was built in the factory. Additionally, the entire vaulted ceiling was shipped on an extended frame with one of the other “standard” modules. Upon delivery, both modules were separated and installed individually at site.
Due to a limited area at site and the need to increase the interior space, the building was designed with an exterior electrical panel. This eliminated the need for an electrical room within the building; which in turn allowed the occupant to

Total Square Feet : 2256