03_Architectural Narrative.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS VA PROJECT NO. 589A7-21-132

ROBERT J. DOLE VAMC CENTRALIZED EMERGENCY POWER SYSTEM

WICHITA, KANSAS 100% CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS: 03/18/2026

MILLER-REMICK LLC 3-1 CHERRY HILL, NEW JERSEY

CHAPTER 3

ARCHITECTURAL

1. GENERAL

The project scope is a new fully enclosed, blast-resistant building to house and protect new emergency backup generators and associated systems at the Robert J. Dole VAMC in Wichita, Kansas. The Proposed new building will comply with all current local codes and regulations in addition to the applicable VA design guidelines, standards, and executive orders. Local architectural compatibility and quality of design, as well as the campus historic preservation reports, have been considered so that the facility will be a harmonious development that will improve the overall campus function and remain aesthetically consistent with the maintenance/utility campus core.

2. SCOPE OF WORK

A. Systems to Be Altered

1) Project is new construction. No existing Architectural systems are being altered.

B. Applicable Codes and Standards:

• VA Physical Security and Resiliency Design Manual

• 2024International Building Code

• 2024 International Fuel Gas Code

• 2024 International Mechanical Code

• 2024 International Plumbing Code

• 2022 NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers

• 2025 NFPA 13, Standard for Installation of Sprinkler System

• 2023 NFPA 70,

• 2024 National Electrical Code (NEC)

• 2024 NFPA NATIONAL FIRE CODE (EXCEPTION OF NFPA 5000 AND

NFPA 900)

• ANSI ASHRAE 90.1-2021

• 2017 ICC/ANSI A117.1 Accessible and usable Buildings and Facilities

• ABAAS - Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standard

• Energy Policy Act Of 2005 (EPACT)

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• Federal Leadership In High Performance And Sustainable Buildings:

Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU)

• Executive Order 13423: Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management

• The Provisions for Construction and Safety Signage

• Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality - ASHRAE STANDARD 62.1 -

• Occupational, Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards

• Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABAAS)

• Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC 3-540-01) Engine Generator Systems for Prime and Standby Power Applications.

3. DESIGN APPROACH

A. Occupancy And Construction Type

1) The occupancy classification for this use, in accordance with the 2024 International Building Code, shall be a Moderate Hazzard/Industrial (F-1) occupancy with a corresponding construction classification of ‘IBC: Type II-B’ or ‘NFPA 101: Type II (000)’, sprinklered. This construction type and use allow for up to 62,000 square feet of floor area prior to the application of frontage increases. per IBC 2018 table 506.2.

B. Fire Ratings, IBC Table 601

1) Primary structural frame: 0 HR rating

2) Non-bearing walls & partitions: 0 HR rating

3) Bearing Wall, Exterior: 0 HR rating

4) Floor & secondary members: 0 HR rating

5) Interior: 0 HR rating

6) Roof & secondary members: 0 HR rating

C. Architectural Concept

The proposed building will accommodate new emergency backup generators and new supporting ancillary equipment and controls for the same. Generator equipment will be housed in the main, open floor area and the new switchgear will be contained in a smaller, single story, temperature controlled enclosure. Interior partitioning will be CMU construction, to provide sufficient durability and fire separation. Windows and openings will be consistent with code required energy efficiency standards. Parking Standoffs of five feet (minimum) will be required per PSRDM.

D. Building Overview

1) Number of Floors: 1

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2) Total Square Footage: 5,100 GSF /4,677 NUSF

The proposed building is building is an approximately 76’x 71’ new, blast-rated structure to be located at the north-center of the Bob Dole Wichita VAMC campus to the immediate south of the existing generator facilities and west of the North Campus entrance from Waterman Street between Parkwood Lane and Ridgewood Drive. It will contain three new generators. The building has been sited in proximity to other support buildings belonging to the VAMC campus. It is understood as a function of the site selection that anew blast wall along Waterman Drive is planned as part of the campus Physical security Master plan, as well as a new vehicle screening security gate at the existing north campus drive entry which will separate the new building and associated site from the public roadways mentioned above. The main entrance is from the campus road East of the proposed building with employee and visitor parking on the south.

3) Exterior Materials and Façade Concept

The exterior of this building will match the masonry façades of the buildings in the existing campus utility core in keeping with the intention of the SHPO report.

The proposed building form is traditional with decorative limestone elements and brick veneer that reflect the important function and services provided.

The exterior brick veneer will be supported by a Reinforced Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) Wythe on the wall interior that will provide the appropriate blast resistance, and also function as the interior finish of the generator building. A layer of Rigid cavity insulation will provide code prescribed thermal performance. Standard masonry detailing of flashing and membrane layers will provide control of moisture and air infiltration within the air cavity. Concrete Grade Beams and Drilled Piers will provide stability and settlement control that will transfer the building loads to the ground.

Building envelope will be insulated to meet ANSI ASHRAE 90.1-2013 for roof and thermal mass wall construction as follows:

(i) Roof: R-30 CI

(ii) Walls: R-13 CI

(iii) Floor Slab: R-15 to 24” below grade

4) Building Entrance

The main entrance is located on the East elevation of the proposed generator building. It provides direct access to the proposed Generator spaces. The Generator building itself will have no fewer than two exits, separated per life safety requirements, in wall locations to be determined.

5) Windows and Exterior Doors

All new windows and doors will have fiberglass composite frames with insulated glass and Low-E coatings to meet energy requirements. In addition, where required, windows will be provided with insulated/laminated glass and framing will be reinforced as required to meet blast requirements.

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The overhead doors will be insulated 20-gauge steel rolling motorized door painted with high-performance paint. The doors will be protected by weather stripping, reinforced to meet blast requirements, and be equipped with both electrical door operators.

Exterior personnel access doors will be heavy duty, high-performance painted, exterior-grade insulated hollow metal doors protected by weatherstripping and rain hoods.

6) Roofing

The roof will be designed to shed water via the sloping of built-up insulation at ¼” per foot minimum slope. A white TPO single ply ‘Energy Star’ qualified roof membrane will be utilized to reduce external solar heat loads. The roof will have crickets to control water flow and scuppers with downspouts to remove rainwater at the South exterior walls.

4. QUALITY OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

A. Partitions

The interior partitioning of the building currently consists of single wythe C.M.U construction surrounding the fire pump room and switchgear room. Durable finish materials will be provided, with attention to high-traffic, impact prone locations as required. Impact protection railings and corner guards will be installed if required by the scope of work. Generator area ceilings are to be exposed with dry-fall white paint covering the underside of the deck and structural framing members.

B. Interior Doors

The interior will be heavy duty, painted hollow metal doors in building support spaces.

Where additional durability or fire resistivity is required, fire rated hollow metal doors and frames will be provided. All door hardware will be provided as required. Acoustical door and frame assemblies shall be provided where required.

C. Ceilings

Ceiling types will largely consist of exposed structural framing. In the main generator area where no ceiling is required, there will be exposed roof slab painted white to reflect light.

D. Flooring Materials

The generator area will have a sealed concrete finish for longevity/durability.

5. QUALITY OF BUILDING DESIGN

A. Interior Design

The generator building will provide space for new generator equipment and provide an enclosed, controlled service environment. A clean and inviting atmosphere will be created with the use of neutral colors within the building support spaces and generator

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area. The finishes will be durable and interior walls will have bright neutral colors. Floors will be sealed concrete on grade. Neutral colors on walls will help make the space feel brighter and more accommodating. The combination of these finishes will create a productive environment for staff.

B. Wayfinding

Wayfinding will be incorporated from the building entrance through the building support spaces to the generator area. Wayfinding components will include building, wall and door mounted signage, directories and graphics designed to inform visitors and staff of their current location and how to navigate the building to their destination.

C. Life Safety

The design is to be code compliant, as well as Blast-resistance rated as required by the PSRDM. All exit paths to be checked for travel distance maximums and to be compliant.

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