VA Medical Center

Additional Info

Award Winner : Satellite Shelters, Inc.

Architectural Excellence : The project was provided on a design build basis with a limited site area. The government communicated that they did not want the building to look like trailers due to the proximity to the main entrance to the Hospital.

Satellite recommended that exterior finishes and colors similar to the existing building were provided for aesthetic compatibility. Brick and the EIFS color were selected to match the existing building finishes. Interior finishes and colors were identical to the existing Hospital to provide continuity as veterans and staff moved between buildings.

The building was designed to allow handicap accessibility to all areas with a perimeter corridor provided with hospital grade railings and corner guards. A commercial accordion wall was installed in the large therapy room to provide the ability to assemble two smaller groups. Training rooms with kitchen appliances and computer stations were provided to train and rehabilitate disabled veterans.

Cost Energy Effectiveness : The climate in Minnesota required upgraded building specifications with 2”x6” exterior wall studs with a continuous air infiltration barrier and R-19 insulation. The roof system was provided with a vapor barrier and R-38 insulation.

A commercial roof top heating and air-conditioning system with digital controls was installed with on site balancing to provide an efficient and comfortable climate in all areas of the building.

All windows and door openings received the Aqua Flash system as recommended by Dryvit before the final finish was installed. The system adds to energy efficiency and protects against water intrusion around the windows and door openings.

The brick and EIFS exterior with commercial grade aluminum framed thermal pane windows will provide years of maintenance free use for the government

Design Firm Name : Whitley Manufacturing Co., Inc.

Occupied Date : 5/12/2008

Production Start Date : 2/1/2008

Project Location City : Minneapolis

Project Location State Name : MN

Technical Innovation : The building structure was comprised of (7) 14’x70’ modules with a custom floor plan to meet the government needs for office space combined with therapy rooms for disabled veterans. This configuration of modules maximized the space allowed in the confined area next to the hospital.

In the building pad area an existing ground storm drain was in place for drainage in this corner of the Hospital. Due to site constraints the drain could not be moved nor could the ground water be re-routed. A civil engineered drainage system was provided to grade the site around the new building to two grates on the South and West sides of the building. The grates divert the ground water through piping through the poured wall foundation and to the existing storm drain.

Communication between both buildings was a necessity. Low voltage systems including phone, data, and fire alarm were connected underground by core drilling through the utility tunnel that exists between both buildings.

Total Square Feet : 6860

Category : Permanent: Healthcare: under 5,000 sq. ft.