VA St. John Outpatient Clinic

Additional Info

Award Winner : ModSpace

Architectural Excellence : The Louisiana VA needed a permanent, high-quality, multi-functional modular facility to replace the former VA Outpatient Clinic destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. The new modular clinic, which is comprised of 19 permanently assembled modular units, spans 9,195 square feet and features nine exam rooms, three counseling offices, a waiting room, administrative offices, and training space. The building also features two entrance canopies, including a 23’x32’ canopy for the main vestibule entrance supported by steel reinforced beams. A large paved parking area finished the site providing ample handicap parking out front for visiting veterans.

Cost Energy Effectiveness : Throughout the process, the overriding goal was to provide veterans and healthcare professionals with the highest quality space that could be achieved within the VA’s budget. The comfort of the veterans was accommodated with 8-ton HVAC units installed on the roof to supply ample heating and cooling. By carefully positioning the building on site and securing it with 114 piles, we were able to design the building and the site in anticipation of the next severe weather event. The result was a facility that exceeded the VA’s quality standards from functional, clinical, and maintenance standpoints—not to mention being completed on time and on budget.

Occupied Date : 4/2/2008

Production Start Date : 11/5/2007

Project Location City : Reserve

Project Location State Name : LA

Technical Innovation : The Louisiana VA had to ensure the new modular facility could withstand severe weather conditions of up to 130 mile per hour winds. It was determined to protect the building it should stand 4’ above existing grade which is above the local floodplain. Due to the soft, loose soils at the site, 114 piles were driven 50 feet into the ground. This deep foundation system provides assurance that the building will be supported while resisting the wind and flooding conditions. Concrete pile caps and perimeter foundation wall were constructed and the 19 modules were set with a crane along with the roof top A/C units. Each module was set adjacent to each other and welded to the embedded steel plates in the foundation. The gaps in the roof were sealed with single ply roofing material while gaps in the floor were later filled with concrete and the flooring installed. The roof is covered with a single ply membrane (EPDM). The new facility was assembled and watertight in less than 5 days.

Total Square Feet : 9195