598-20-106 Little Rock 100 CD Project Manual.pdf

100% CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

SUBMISSION

BASIS OF DESIGN NARRATIVE

DESIGN TO IMPROVE PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND

REHABILITATION SERVICE

AT

CENTRAL ARKANSAS VETERANS HCS

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR 72114

PREPARED FOR

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS

27 May 2022 Project No. 598-20-106

PREPARED BY

THINKFORM DESIGN ARCHITECT LLC

38 EAST BROAD STREET, SUITE 3, HOPEWELL, NEW JERSEY 08525

PH: 855.821.0274 ThinkFormArchitects.com

WATSON ENGINEERS, PC

1112 STATE ROAD 434, OWEGO, NY 13827

PH: 607.429.8889 Watson-Engineer.com

ECS SOUTHEAST, LLP

11115 INDUSTRIPLEX BLVD, SUITE 200, BATON ROUGE, LA 70809

PH: 225.224.2583 ecslimited.com

OCMI, INC

2015 AYRSLEY TOWN BLVD, SUITE 202, CHARLOTTE, NC 28273

PH: 704.280.8356 ocmi.com

DESIGN TO IMPROVE PHYSICAL MEDICINE 100% CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS

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PROJECT NO. 598-20-106 27 MAY 2022

THINKFORM DESIGN ARCHITECT LLC TABLE OF CONTENTS - 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION

GENERAL INFORMATION ................................................................................................. 1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION .......................................................................... 1.1 GENERAL SCOPE OF WORK ..................................................................... 1.2

BUILDING CODE AND LIFE SAFETY ................................................................................... 2.0 PRIMARY APPLICABLE CODES & STANDARDS ........................................... 2.1 NFPA 101 BUILDING CODE DESIGN CRITERIA .......................................... 2.2

SITE DEVELOPMENT ....................................................................................................... 3.0 EXISTING SITE ........................................................................................ 3.1

ARCHITECTURAL ............................................................................................................ 4.0 BUILDING EXTERIOR EVALUATION ............................................................ 4.1 BUILDING INTERIOR EVALUATION ............................................................. 4.2

INTERIOR DESIGN ........................................................................................................... 5.0 INTERIOR DESIGN CONCEPT .................................................................... 5.1 INTERIOR DESIGN FINISH MATERIALS ....................................................... 5.2

FIRE PROTECTION .......................................................................................................... 6.0 EXISTING FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS ..................................................... 6.1

STRUCTURAL ................................................................................................................. 7.0 EXISTING CONDITIONS ............................................................................ 7.1

PLUMBING ..................................................................................................................... 8.0 PLUMBING WORK ................................................................................... 8.1

HVAC ......................................................................................................................... 9.0 DESIGN CRITERIA ................................................................................... 9.1

ELECTRICAL ................................................................................................................... 10.0 DESIGN CRITERIA ................................................................................. 10.1 LIGHTING ............................................................................................. 10.2 EMERGENCY LIGHTING .......................................................................... 10.3 CONNECTION TO EMERGENCY GENERATOR ........................................... 10.4

AUTOMATIC TRANSPORT................................................................................................. 11.0 GENERAL OVERVIEW ............................................................................ 11.1

ASBESTOS ..................................................................................................................... 12.0

PROTOCOL FOR ASBESTOS PRE-DEMOLITION

& PRE-RENOVATION INSPECTIONS ......................................................... 12.1

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SPACE PLANNING ........................................................................................................... 13.0 GENERAL ............................................................................................. 13.1

CRITICAL PATH METHOD (CPM) ..................................................................................... 14.0 PHASING NARRATIVE ............................................................................ 14.1

APPENDICES

EXISTING CONDITION PHOTOS ........................................................................................................ A1.0

SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................... …….A2.0

ASBESTOS ABATEMENT ................................................................................................... …….…..A3.0

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THINKFORM DESIGN ARCHITECT LLC GENERAL INFORMATION - 1

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

THINKFORM DESIGN ARCHITECT LLC and its consulting engineers are providing professional design services for the Project: “Design to Improve Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service”.

The project includes renovation design to parts of the ground floor of the VA Hospital Historic District at the Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center Building 170 located in North Little Rock, AR 72114.

This Construction Documents submission explores a means relocating specific services to improve patient and staff workflow and circulation. The design also includes the installation of additional exams rooms and offices.

This submission is the culmination of a collaborative effort between the A/E and the VA in which several exchanges of information and discussions of options has resulted in recommendations that address the VA’s “list of intents” for this project.

1.2 GENERAL SCOPE OF WORK

The Scope of Work outlined by the VA is generally focused on a better design to improve Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services. A/E has documented reconfiguration of the PMPRS in certain areas to improve adjacencies between staff therapists and patients. Where necessary, support spaces have been relocated for improvements to workflow. Rooms to be reconfigured will receive new partitions, light fixtures, finishes, and ceiling grids. In other areas shown on the drawings, the scope of work is limited to replacement of ceiling tiles, the installation of new flooring and new paint finishes to existing walls. All existing exam rooms will receive new finishes. The existing women’s restroom will be reconfigured to comply with ADA design standards.

In addition to the scope of work listed above, Hydrotherapy room GE105B will be demolished along with rooms GB103, GB103A, GB103C. In its place, a new Waiting Room and Reception area will be installed. An exam room accessible from both Physical and Occupational Therapy will be incorporated into the design. There will also be a Med, Equipment and Prosthetics Storage area accessible from Physical and Occupational Therapy. The bathtub in restroom GE105A will be made functional and new grab bars will be added, the Vestibule GE105 will also receive new finishes. The kitchen cabinets at Daily Living area near Occupational Therapy will be updated and an enclosed area of 10’-0” x 10’-0” will also be added.

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The current PM&RS Physician’s area will be reconfigured to improve circulation and workflow and will accommodate five offices and a storage area. This area will now have a central corridor that is flanked by offices and the storage area. Access is away from the adjacent Elevator Lobby (CGF1) area and will reduce the amount of noise and provide more privacy.

The existing kitchen at the Occupational Therapy/ Kinesiology and room GE101D will both be removed and replaced by a new reception area and a storage closet.

Occupational Therapy/Kinesiology will be reduced in size to accommodate two (2) exam rooms and a waiting area.

Rooms GE101E, GE101F, GE101G, GE101H, GE101I, and GE101J will be removed and replaced with twenty-two (22) therapist workstations. At Physical Therapy General Purpose room GE100, one (1) exam room will be eliminated, and four (4) exam rooms will be added; one next to exam room GE112D and three along the wall at the corridor.

This allows for natural light to penetrate the space via the southern window wall.

The Office at room GE112E will be converted to storage and room GE112 (formally Patient Education/Conference Room) will be reduced in size to accommodate a breakroom and a small storage area. Room GE109 (formally OIT space) will be converted into five (5) offices with a small print area. Four of the offices will open to a new corridor whereas one will open to an existing corridor (CGE3).

THINKFORM DESIGN ARCHITECT LLC and its consulting engineers have reviewed our Scope of Work as outlined in Supplement B, Statement of Work and other program materials furnished by the VA, and we present here recommendations that comply with the 100% Construction Documents submission requirements of the Central Arkansas Veterans HCS.

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THINKFORM DESIGN ARCHITECT LLC BUILDING CODE & LIFE SAFETY - 1

2.0 BUILDING CODE & LIFE SAFETY REVIEW

2.1 PRIMARY APPLICABLE CODES AND STANDARDS – EXISTING BUILDING / RENOVATION

A. DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS has adopted the latest edition of the following codes and standards as a minimum for all projects performed in the modernization, alteration, addition, or improvement of its real property and the construction of new structures. VA design Manuals and Master Specifications specify other codes and standards that VA follows on its projects:

1. VA Directives, Design Manuals, Master Specifications, VA National CAD

Standard Application Guide, and other Guidance on the Technical Information Library (TIL) (http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/) including but not limited to:

a. VA H-08-09, Planning Criteria for Medical Facilities

b. VA H-08-05, Equipment Guide List

c. VA H-08-03, VA Construction Standards

d. VA H-08-13, Barrier Free Design Handbook

e. VA Construction Standard CD-28, Accommodation for the Physically

Handicapped

f. VA H-18-8, Seismic Design Requirements

2. International Building Code (IBC) (Only when specifically referenced in VA Design Documents, see notes below).

3. NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, 2021 Edition (see notes below).

4. NFPA National Fire Codes with the exception of NFPA 5000 and NFPA 900.

5. Occupational, Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards.

6. VA Seismic Design Requirements, H-18-8.

7. National Electrical Code (NEC).

8. International Plumbing Code (IPC).

9. Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators, American Society of Mechanical

Engineers (ASME) A 17.1.

10. ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.

11. ASME Code for Pressure Piping.

12. Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABAAS) including VA supplement, Barrier Free Design Guide (PG-18-13).

http://www.cfm.va.gov/til/

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13. Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete, American Concrete

Institute and Commentary (ACI 318).

14. Manual of Steel Construction, Load and Resistance Factor Design Specifications for Structural Steel Buildings, American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).

15. Energy policy Act of 2005 (EP Act).

16. DOE Interim Final Rule: Energy Conservation Standards for New Federal, Commercial and Multi-Family High-Rise Residential Buildings and New Low-Rise Residential Buildings, 10 CFR Parts 433, 434 and 435.

17. Federal Leadership in High Performance and Sustainable Buildings:

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

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

19. The Provisions for Construction and Safety Signs. Stated in the General

Requirements Section 01010 of the VA Master Construction Specification.

20. Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality – ASHRAE Standard 62.1- 2004.

21. Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems – ASHRAE Standard 15 – 2007.

B. Local Codes: As an agency of the federal government, VA is not subject to local imposition of code enforcement procedures (drawing reviews, building permits, inspections, fees, etc.). VA must function as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and thus has the responsibility to guard public health and safety through enforcing its adopted codes. However, local authorities should be notified about planned projects and given opportunity to review drawings provided that VA does not pay for review or inspection fees.

C. Notes

1. NFPA 101 primarily addresses life safety and fire protection features while the IBC addresses a wide range of considerations, including, but not limited to, structural strength, seismic stability, sanitation, adequate light and ventilation, and energy conservation. VA buildings must meet the requirements of NFPA 101 and documents referenced by NFPA 101 in order to comply with the accreditation requirements of The Joint Commission. Therefore, designs shall comply with the requirements of the latest edition of NFPA 101 and documents referenced therein. Design features not addressed by NFPA 101 or documents referenced therein shall comply with the requirements of the latest edition of the IBC or as otherwise addressed in the VA Program Guide. For design features that are addressed by both the IBC as well as NFPA 101 or a document referenced by NFPA 101, the requirements of NFPA 101 or the document

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referenced by NFPA 101 shall be used exclusively (this applies even if the IBC requirements are different).

2. Conflicts between Nationally Recognized Codes and Standards and VA

Requirements – Should a conflict exist between VA requirements and VA adopted nationally recognized codes and standards, the conflict shall be brought to the attention of VA. The resolution of the conflict shall be made by the authority having jurisdiction for VA to ensure a consistency system wide.

D. Construction Type Classification: Type II (222). The minimum fire rating for all load-bearing structural elements is 2 hrs.

2.2 NFPA 101 BUILDING CODE DESIGN CRITERIA

A. HEALTH CARE:

1. 6.1.11 Business Occupancy

2. 21.1.1.1.4 (Existing Ambulatory Health Care Occupancies) Buildings, or sections of buildings, that primarily house patients who, in the opinion of the governing body of the facility and the governmental agency having jurisdiction, are capable of exercising judgment and appropriate physical action for self-preservation under emergency conditions shall be permitted to comply with chapters of this code other than Chapter 21.

3. Shall comply with Chapter 39, “Existing Business Occupancies” and/or as so directed by the VA Safety and Fire Protection Engineer.

a. 39.1.3.1.1 All multiple occupancies shall be in accordance with 6.1.14 and

39.1.3.

b. 6.1.14.4.1 Where separated occupancies are provided, each part of the building comprising a distinct occupancy shall be completely separated from other occupancies by fire-resistive assemblies.

c. 6.1.14.4.2 Occupancy separation fire barriers shall be classified as 3-hour fire-resistance-rated, 2-hour fire-resistance-rated or 1-hour fire-resistance-rated and shall meet the requirements of Chapter 8.

d. 39.1.5 The contents of business occupancies shall be classified as ordinary hazard in accordance with Section 6.2.

B. FIRE SUPPRESSION: The entire building is protected throughout by an approved, supervised automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 9.7.

C. OCCUPANT LOAD:

1. Maximum floor area allowance per occupant (Table 7.3.1.2): There is no proposed change to the size or designated function of the spaces included in this scope of work.

D. MEANS OF EGRESS (Sections 7 and 39)

1. Exit access corridors serving more than 30 shall be 1-hour rated (7.1.3.1).

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(1) Requirement shall not apply to existing buildings provided the occupancy classification does not change.

2. Doors (7.2.1.2.3.2): Door opening means of egress from sleeping rooms shall not be less than 41½” in clear width as per 18.2.3.6.

a. (19.2.2.2.9) Existing health care occupancies shall be exempt from the re-entry provisions of 7.2.1.5.8 (No limit on the number of stories where it is possible to leave the stair enclosure to access another exit.). Note that due to elopement issues and the security of patients, electronic door controls for emergency egress are required as allowed by code. All egress doors in the unit shall have the capability for remote door release when the occupants need to be evacuated in an emergency. Emergency egress doors must be alarmed (to alert staff to an emergency or unauthorized opening) and monitored by Closed Circuit TV (CCTV).

3. Elevator Lobby (7.2.13.3): Every floor served by the elevator shall have an elevator lobby. Barriers forming the lobby shall have a minimum 1-hour fire resistance rating and shall be arranged as a smoke barrier in accordance with 8.5.

4. Dead-end corridors (19.2.5.3): Dead-end corridors shall not exceed 30 feet.

5. Two Means of Egress (19.2.5.5.1): No sleeping rooms exceed 1,000 s.f.

6. Travel Distance (19.2.5.7.2.4): Travel distance to an exit shall not exceed 200 feet.

E. FINISHES (Sections 39 and 10)

1. Interior finishes shall be in accordance with section 10.2.

2. Walls and Ceilings (39.3.3.2.1): Interior wall and ceiling finish materials shall be Class A or Class B in exits and exit access corridors.

3. Walls and Ceilings (39.3.3.2.2): Interior wall and ceiling finishes shall be Class A, Class B or Class C in areas other than those specified in 39.3.3.2.1.

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THINKFORM DESIGN ARCHITECT, LLC SITE DEVELOPMENT - 1

3.0 SITE DEVELOPMENT

3.1 EXISTING SITE:

A. The scope of this project is limited to the interior of the Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare

Center Building 170; this project does not include exterior site work.

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4.0 ARCHITECTURAL

4.1 BUILDING EXTERIOR EVALUATION

A. GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This project is in the VA Hospital Historic District at the Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center Building 170 located in North Little Rock, AR 72114. The scope of this project does not include exterior work.

4.2 BUILDING INTERIOR EVALUATION

1. The area to be renovated as part of this project is primarily limited to the interior areas on the ground floor of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PMRS) space. The general goal of this project is to allow relocation of Veteran waiting space to a more private and spacious area, increase private treatment space for therapists and physicians, relocate Veteran check in space, renovate employee work areas and improve patient and employee flow through the spaces.

2. The scope of work for the project outlines interior renovations of 16,070 square feet of space on the Ground Floor of Building 170, existing Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services located on the campus of the Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center, North Little Rock, Arkansas.

3. The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PMRS) space requires new ceiling tiles, new flooring, new paint, and wall base. The Women’s Restroom GE101A-170 needs reconfiguration to comply with Architectural Barriers Act Accessibility Standards (ABAAS). The Men’s Restroom GE170B-170, would remain as is, the finishes and fixtures are in good condition. There is sufficient room for the required turning radius and despite what is shown on the existing drawings, the toilet partition door swings in the correct direction. Though the restroom is shy an inch or two (according to the existing drawing) of the required clear floor space around the toilet, it does not seem to worth redesigning the restroom since it was recently redone.

At Restroom GE105, the bathtub needs to be made functional with new plumbing fixtures, and new grab bars. The Daily Living space will include an enclosed area of 10’-0” x 10’-0” and the kitchen cabinets will be replaced with new cabinets. The existing cabinets in rooms GE100, GE101 and GB104 will be replaced with new cabinets, the existing ice makers in these areas will remain and will sit on the new cabinets after installation.

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THINKFORM DESIGN ARCHITECT LLC INTERIOR DESIGN - 1

5.0 INTERIOR DESIGN

5.1 INTERIOR DESIGN CONCEPT

1. The scope of work for the project outlines interior renovations of 16,070 square feet of space on the Ground Floor of Building 170, existing Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services located on the campus of the Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center, North Little Rock, Arkansas.

2. The purpose of this renovation is to provide Veteran patients a more private and spacious waiting area, increased access to private treatment space with therapists and physicians, clearer wayfinding to, and improved privacy at receptionist/check-in stations, and overall upgrades to finishes in staff work areas. Reconfiguration of a limited number of spaces will result in improved patient flow through PMRS.

3. A/E is working with the VA to validate the project program and its understanding via requirements as they appear in PG-18-9, and VA Space and Equipment Planning System (SEPS).

4. Design Story – there are many ways to tell a design story. The nature of a design story requires the ability to read notations in the environment, in this case visual cues reinforced by material selections, patterns, colors, lighting, etc. These cues can reside on any visible surface whether horizontal or vertical. To the extent that the entire environment of a project can be designed to make apparent a particular theme, the character of a room or group of rooms can reveal a story that speaks to patients as well as staff.

The story intended for this project is one of defining a healing environment that is unique to the PMRS experience.

Healing Environment To deliver a healing environment to the patient, the VA promotes the following principles to focus on:

• Balance between new and familiar

• Beauty

• Culture

• Environmental stewardship

• Interaction with outside world

• Link to nature

• People

• Space for relaxation

• Positive self-awareness

• Meaningful/diverse stimuli

• Sense of privacy

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THINKFORM DESIGN ARCHITECT LLC INTERIOR DESIGN - 2

ThinkForm’s objective is to provide an environment that is visually safe and motivating and aids in the improvement of the users by enhancing one’s state of well-being mentally and physically. To accomplish ThinkForm’s objective, one strategy is to adopt an Evidence-Based Design (EBD) approach with particular focus on the patient’s environment, i.e., access to nature (use of natural light and healing gardens), and elimination of environmental stressors (use of positive distractions such as color, art, views of nature).

Material In addition to being thoughtful about the selection of sustainable materials for this project, it is important to understand budget allocation and the hierarchy of building zones. Consistent with EBD and Patient-Centered Care (PCC) design, the greatest effort will be made to focus design effort and budget on patient areas, followed by staff areas, and finally support/service areas. The materials used throughout this project embrace the movement and composition of the human body.

Color Tranquil colors are used to encourage calmness, while subtle pops of color invigorate the user’s mind and body. By enhancing a patient’s physical environment, this allows them to surpass obstacles they face every day without limitations.

It is also intended to limit color selections to the standard palette of paint colors provided by VA Facilities, primarily out of respect for maintenance and sustainability considerations. The palette of paint colors is the basis for selection of other complementary materials.

Lighting The overall lighting will be well lit but not overstimulating so users and care givers can focus on the task at hand.

Most of the spaces in this department are landlocked and without access to natural light. There are seven (7) existing skylights capable of introducing natural light into various areas of the project, with only two (2) of these currently providing this function. Most skylights are closed off and covered by suspended acoustical tile ceiling systems. ThinkForm would like to see more of these skylights open for access to natural light. After care evaluation and feedback from the VA, (1) additional skylight will be opened to allow natural light to enter the proposed space. Also, a total of (3) existing skylights will be replaced if the budget permits, if replacing (3) of the existing skylights is beyond the budget, all the existing skylights will remain as is but will receive new flashing and caulking.

Artwork To elevate the overall experience, serene natural/biophilic artwork will be proposed and placed in clear view to minimize the stress or anxiousness of a patient during periods of recovery.

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In addition, and in consideration of the total environment, the large patient therapy rooms are treated as canvases on which to paint part of the story of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services. With the use of two different colored flooring materials, in the same family of wood plank luxury vinyl tiles with directional graining, vague patterns of human anatomy can depict bundles of muscles and tendons simply by altering the orientation of the material. The result is an understated incidental biomorphic contrast to the otherwise monotonous field of wood strip flooring. Color shifts will be kept to a minimum respecting those with visual impairments.

Anatomy Studies with Wood Flooring Patterns Flooring Study Overlay on Floor Plan

5. In general, Room finishes, Doors, and Hardware shall be in accordance with VA Program Guide PG18-14.

6. Existing finishes (wall, ceiling, floor) to be removed in their entirety where scheduled and replaced/built new with materials appropriate to PMRS, and Healing Environments.

7. Schematic Design plans are included as part of this submission and are based upon a collaborative effort with PMRS and VA Facilities staff.

During the 35% Design Review, the VA commented on the pattern being a distraction for the patients, as a result, the A/E opted for the use of lighter colors in the floor pattern. Also, the A/E team is proposing a Deduct Alternate to eliminate the floor pattern altogether (Deduct Alternate No. 3).

B. INTERIOR WALLS:

1. Existing perimeter walls are gypsum board sheathing.

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2. New walls, where scheduled, will be metal framing with 5/8-inch gypsum board.

Walls will be designed to meet rating requirements of applicable codes and VA design guide requirements.

3. The design direction for this project may lead to efforts to provide bright, light-filled exam rooms and patient common areas feeling like outdoor rooms. To accomplish this goal, a variety of laminated glasses, patterned with images, could be utilized to provide interest, beauty, privacy, safety, dignity, all hopefully contributing to replenishing one’s health.

C. CEILINGS:

1. Existing ceilings are primarily 2x2 acoustical tile with gypsum board soffits

(waiting area). Ceiling systems in the project area will be removed as scheduled and replaced with new ceiling finish material in a combination of gypsum board and 2x2 suspended acoustical tile as will be shown on drawings.

D. FLOORS:

1. Existing floors are primarily vinyl composition tile, carpet is used sparingly, and rubber vinyl base. The flooring in the proposed project area will be replaced in its entirety.

2. New flooring will be selected in response to infection control, energy and sound-absorbency criteria, and as per VA Design Guides.

3. Selection of flooring will also be in response to the overall design scheme with the selection of colors and patterns possibly supporting wayfinding; maintaining a sensitivity to patients with impaired balance and/or vision; and with a desire to achieve a non-institutional look.

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WATSON ENGINEERING FIRE PROTECTION - 1

6.0 FIRE PROTECTION

6.1 FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM REMOVALS

Based on field investigation and review of provided as-built documentation, Building 170 appears to be a fully sprinklered building. The extent of removal of fire protection systems shall be limited to the relocation of existing sprinkler heads within the project area to align with any new architectural ceiling grids.

6.2 PROPOSED FIRE PROTECTION WORK

The extent of new work planned for this project shall be limited to the relocation of existing sprinkler heads to accommodate new architectural ceiling grid layouts. There are no proposed changes to the operation of the existing fire protection system, or the existing piping layout. If it is determined that changes to the system are required, the contractor shall be required to hire a licensed Fire Protection Engineer to perform hydraulic calculations and provide a complete sprinkler design and layout drawings to the project engineer for review and acceptance.

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SMRT ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS, INC. STRUCTURAL - 1

7.0 STRUCTURAL

7.1 EXISTING CONDITIONS

A. This project is in the VA Hospital Historic District at Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center Building 170 located in North Little Rock, AR 72114. The scope of this project does not include any changes to the existing structure.

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WATSON ENGINEERING PLUMBING - 1

8.0 PLUMBING

8.1 PROPOSED PLUMBING WORK

The extent of plumbing system removals for this project is limited to the removal of plumbing fixtures in rooms GB105C-Utility, GE101D-Kitchen, GE105B-Hydrotherapy, GE109-OIT, and GE112A-Exam Room.

The purpose of these removals is to accommodate architectural improvements and reconfiguration of interior partitions. The removals shall include fixtures, piping, valves, escutcheons, etc. All piping shall be removed back to the nearest connection to a branch or main line, so as to avoid the creation of dead-legs in the water system. If a shut-off valve does not exist at the branch line connection, or the existing valve is no longer capable of holding water, a new shut-off valve will be provided and capped for connection under this project or future projects. All floor drains removed will require patching and leveling of the existing floor to match the adjacent floor level. Refer to drawing sheets PD101 and PD102 for the extent of domestic water and sanitary/vent piping removals required for this project.

8.2 PLUMBING SYSTEM RENOVATIONS

The extent of plumbing system renovations for this project is limited to the installation of new wall-mounted lavatories in Exam Rooms GB104E, GE100B, GE100C, GE100D, GE1010E, GE101F, GE112G, GE112H. The new exam room lavatories are to be type P-401, wall-mounted lavatories and will be designed with automatic sensor operated faucets, hard-wired to the electrical system.

The installation of these lavatories will require tying into nearby domestic cold water and domestic hot water above the existing ceiling, and new piping will be routed over to the new lavatory location with isolation ball valves provided to allow for isolation of each fixture independently. Refer to drawing sheet P- 101 for proposed tie in locations for domestic water, and required pipe sizes. All faucets shall be selected as low flow faucets with a maximum water supply rate of 0.5 gpm, in accordance with International Energy Conservation Code requirements.

Each fixture will also require tying into the existing sanitary and vent systems in the building. Vent piping is to be routed above ceiling from each fixture to a location depicted on drawing sheet P-102, however, the sanitary piping will require saw cutting of the existing floor slab to allow for installation of the piping. All saw cut areas will require backfill and patching of the disturbed slab areas to match the adjacent floor slab – these areas required to be saw cut are all within the bounds of the project area and should not disturb any adjacent occupied spaces. Refer to sheet P-102 for routing and tie in location for sanitary drainage piping.

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WATSON ENGINEERING HVAC - 1

9.0 HVAC

9.1 Existing Conditions

The existing HVAC system installed throughout the project area is a fully ducted, forced air system, being supplied by a series of air handling units (AHU). These AHU’s are housed in Mechanical Rooms GB111 and GE122, which are located at the northernmost corner of Quadrant B, on the first floor of Building 170, and the southernmost corner of Quadrant E, respectively. The AHU’s distribute cool air from the mechanical room to zone terminal units, which are fit with hot water reheat coils to raise the temperature of the supply air as required. Each zone terminal unit is locally controlled via a wall-mounted thermostat.

The system includes both constant volume, and variable volume zone terminal units. The duct system also includes fully ducted general exhaust for bathrooms.

9.2 Removals

In areas within the project where walls are reconfigured, or ceilings are removed, all mechanical systems and equipment serving these areas shall also be removed. The existing branch supply and return ductwork and piping, to include the existing VAV boxes dedicated to these areas are to be removed back to the connection to the main supply, return, or exhaust duct. In areas within the project where ceiling tiles are removed for replacement, all ceiling mounted air diffusers shall also be removed for replacement with new devices. Refer to the accompanying mechanical demolition plan drawing (sheet MD101) included in this submission for further depiction of the systems and equipment to be removed. Prior to the removal of any HVAC components, the entire project space shall receive a test, adjust, and balance (TAB) to determine baseline airflows at each air terminal within the system. This baseline TAB will be used at the completion of the project to balance the system and return each space to its pre-construction condition.

9.3 HVAC SYSTEM RENOVATIONS

Based on the approved renovation floor plan described in the architectural chapter above, modifications to the existing mechanical system will be provided to ensure proper heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to all new spaces in accordance with the VA HVAC Design Manual and the applicable VA Design Guides. Heating and cooling load calculations have been completed to reflect the approved architectural layout. Refer to the HVAC Calculation package, completed in Trane Trace load calculation software, for a detailed report of the analysis. Heating and cooling load calculations are based on the following input parameters:

- Total Air Changes Required (per VA HVAC Design Manual Room Data Sheets)

- Outdoor Air Changes Required (per VA HVAC Design Manual Room Data Sheets)

- Heat loss/gain from exposure to outdoor conditions via exterior walls, windows, doors, slab on grade, etc. using local ASHRAE weather data for Little Rock, AR

- Internal heat gain from lighting, equipment, occupancy, and employee workstations, based on actual posted ratings and estimates provided in the ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook

A summary of these calculations can also be viewed in the HVAC Summary Schedule on sheet M-601 of the drawing package.

The proposed modifications to the existing mechanical systems include providing sixteen (16) new VAV terminal units with hot water re-heat coils, and distributing conditioned air to new spaces via new branch ductwork and air terminals. Each VAV is dedicated for an HVAC zone – the HVAC zoning plan can be viewed on sheet M-101 in the drawing package provided with this submission. Each zone includes one VAV unit and one wall mounted thermostat.

The design of the HVAC system is based on a strategy to provide year-round, simultaneous heating and cooling to all spaces based on their current demand at any time. This means that if one HVAC zone is

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10.0 ELECTRICAL

10.1 EXISTING ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

The existing electrical system installed throughout the renovation area consists mainly of standard receptacles, data ports, lighting fixtures, light switches, telephones, etc. The medical equipment observed in patient care areas during site investigations appear to be mainly plug-in type, with no special electrical fixtures provided for power connections.

10.2 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM REMOVALS

All wall mounted electrical devices located within the project area, to include receptacles and faceplates, data ports and faceplates, and light switches and faceplates, are to be removed for replacement with new devices and faceplates in their current location. Where existing walls are to be removed during the demolition phase of this project, all wall mounted electrical devices are to be removed, to include devices, faceplates, circuit wiring, and conduit back to the nearest junction box, or back to the source panel if located on a dedicated circuit. The following rooms include removal of walls:

• GB103-Consultation

• GB103A-PM&RS Evaluation Treatment Room

• GB103C-Physician

• GB104-Occupational Therapy

• GE101 Occupational Therapy/Kinesiotherapy

• GE101A-Women’s Restroom

• GE101D-Kitchen

• GE101D-Asst. Program Mgr FRU RMS

• GE101E-Physical Med & Rehab SVC

• GE101F-PM&RS Physician

• GE101G-PM&RS Physician

• GE101H-PM&RS Secretary

• GE101I-Chief PM&RS

• GE101J-LT/KT Office

• GE105B-Hydrotherapy

• GE123-PRO MGR PHYS RESTOR

• GE123-PRU Therapist

• GE124-PM&RS Physician

• GE125-PM&RS Physician

• GE126-PM&RS Storage

All existing ceiling mounted 2’x4’ lighting fixtures in the project have been recently retrofit with LED kits and are to be re-used to the maximum extent possible. During demolition of ceilings, all removed light fixtures are to be protected and stored in a location approved by the contracting officer. All lighting circuits, including lighting control switches, are to remain intact during demolition for reconnection during the new work phase.

Emergency and exit lighting fixtures are to remain in place during demolition as long as they are not located on removed walls in the rooms listed above; if emergency fixtures are located on removed walls, they shall be protected and stored similarly to ceiling mounted fixtures to be reused.

Existing specialty electrical systems, such as nurse call devices, fire alarm devices, security cameras, etc., will be reused to the maximum extent possible. Any devices that are currently installed on removed walls will be relocated to an adjacent wall within the same space to maintain proper operation of the systems.

10.3 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM RENOVATIONS

All existing wall mounted devices located on existing walls to remain shall be replaced with new, and reconnected to the existing circuits. Where new walls are constructed within the project area, new electrical

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devices shall be provided in accordance with drawing sheet E-101 layout. For new electrical devices, new circuits shall be provided back to an existing electrical panel, to include new circuit wiring and conduit.

All 2’x4’ ceiling mounted lighting fixtures will be removed from the storage location and reinstalled in new ceilings, and circuits shall be reconnected to the existing circuits, so as to maintain the pre-demolition lighting controls strategy. For new spaces created under this project, a new lighting fixture layout is provided on drawing sheet E-201, and new lighting controls are to be provided for these spaces. The new lighting design includes a combination of 2’x4’ LED troffer lights (to match existing where required), new round LED downlights, and new 4’ linear LED strip lights. All new lighting controls will be designed in accordance with the VA Lighting Design manual and appropriate VA Room Templates.

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calling for heating, and an adjacent zone is calling for cooling, both can be achieved without impacting any other surrounding spaces. All new VAV’s will be tied into the existing main supply ductwork running through the project area, and all return ductwork will be connected to the nearest return main. Each VAV will also require connection to the hydronic heating water system - water flow through the coil will be controlled via a two-way modulating control valve. Air from existing air handing units will be supplied to each VAV at 59degF year-round, and will be reheated to ~95degF via the hot water reheat coil upon a call for heat from the individual zone being served. All VAV controllers and zone thermostats are to be integrated into the existing Trane Controls system for remote control and monitoring of all new equipment.

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11.0 AUTOMATIC TRANSPORT

11.1 GENERAL OVERVIEW

1. The elevators located within the proposed area of renovation are not included in this project.

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12.0 ASBESTOS

12.1 PROTOCOL FOR ASBESTOS PRE-DEMOLITION & PRE-RENOVATION INSPECTIONS

The tasks associated with the proposed asbestos survey are:

• ECS will begin by interviewing the site contacts to learn available information regarding the past history of the site, including ages of materials, past renovations, maintenance, etc. Copies of “as-built” construction plans, or previous asbestos reports, if available should be provided for review prior to the survey.

• ECS will set up a date with the site access personnel to perform the survey. Once the date is solidified, the Owner(s) will grant ECS unrestricted access to the property.

• ECS will enter the buildings and begin identifying the homogenous areas. Homogeneous areas are defined as sections of building materials appearing to have been installed in the same general time period and are of uniform color, texture, and size. Once homogeneous areas are identified, samples of the materials suspected to contain asbestos will be collected in general accordance with US EPA Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA), NESHAP, and State of Mississippi regulations. Specifically, samples will be collected from random locations of each homogeneous area.

• The number of samples collected from each homogeneous area will vary by material type.

• The number of samples collected will be determined using the following criteria:

o Thermal Insulation Materials (piping, breeching, boiler insulation, etc.) - A minimum of three samples will be collected with the exception of one sample being collected from patch areas that are less than six square or linear feet in size.

o Surfacing Materials (plaster, fireproofing, etc.) – A minimum of seven samples will be collected for areas greater than 5,000 square feet; five samples collected for areas greater than 1,000 square feet, but less than 5,000 square feet; and three samples collected for areas less than 1,000 square feet.

o Miscellaneous Materials (flooring, adhesives, roofing, wallboard, etc.) – A minimum of two samples are required.

• Samples collected from the buildings will be delivered to a laboratory that has been accredited by the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) for testing by polarized light microscopy (PLM). Chain of custody forms will be maintained with the samples.

• The survey will not include destructive measures to look in chases, above fixed ceilings, behind permanent or attached fixtures, behind walls, etc. Materials located below

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carpeting corners, behind removable exterior siding and behind removable fixtures will be sampled if accessible during the time of the survey. Suspect materials observed in inaccessible areas will have to be assumed positive or be evaluated at the time of discovery.

• If one sample of a material from a homogeneous area is reported to contain greater than 1% asbestos, then by EPA definition, the material is characterized as an ACM.

• The asbestos survey will be included in the Hazardous Materials Survey report and will be provided at the completion of our work. This report will include a description of the background information provided, survey and laboratory procedures, results obtained and a discussion presenting our evaluation and recommendations, should ACMs be identified.

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13.0 SPACE PLANNING

13.1 PG-18-9 REQUIREMENTS

A. Space Planning Criteria is detailed in Department of Affairs VHA PG 18-9: Space Planning Criteria. The following Chapters were reviewed for the Design to Improve Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services:

1) Chapter 270: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services.

13.2 SPACE CRITERIA: PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION SERVICE (PMRS)

A. The Space Criteria Design Spreadsheet below was created using PG 18-9: Space

Planning Criteria, Chapter 270. The Space Criteria below lists all 27 categories, room codes, room description, net square foot required, and net square feet provided by the design team.

QTY. NSF NSM NSF NSM QTY. NSF

CALC1 Number of Intensive Care Nursing Units

FA 2

WTG04 Waiting 2 100 9.3 200 18.6 2 400 RCP03 Reception 1 385 35.8 385 35.8 2 115 TNPG1 Toilet, Public 2 60 5.6 120 11.2 2 130

*Spaces are combined into categories due to lack of information*

FA 3

EXRG3 Exam/Treatment Room 120 11.2 120 11.2 11 175 PTEM1 Electromyography Room 150 14 150 14 0 0 PTGL1 Gait Lane 1 200 18.6 200 18.6 0 0 PTEA1 Mat Platform Area 1 220 20.5 220 20.5 0 0

*Spaces are combined into categories due to lack of information*

FA 4

PTTC1 PTCB: Private Treatment Table Room 120 11.2 120 11.2 0 0 PTTC1 PTCB: Semi-Private Treatment Table Room 210 19.5 210 19.5 0 0 PTTC1 PTBC: Treatment Clinic 360 33.5 360 33.5 1 1990 SRE01 PTBC: Equipment Storage 40 3.8 40 3.8 1 72 UTLC1 PTBC: Utility Area 30 2.8 30 2.8 0 0

*Spaces are combined into categories due to lack of information*

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PMRS) Reception Area

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PMRS) Patient Area

Physical Therapy Basic Clinic (PTBC)

FA 1

CATEGORY RM. CODE

AS PER DESIGN GUIDE PG-18-9, CHAPTER 270

Provided

Treatment Station Calculation

PER UNIT TOTALROOM DESCRIPTION

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FA 5

WTG15 PTEC: Sub-Waiting 310 28.8 310 28.8 0 0 PTWT1 PTEC: Full Immersion Hubbard Tank 324 30.1 324 30.1 0 0 PTWT1 PTEC: Partial Immersion Hubbard Tank 60 5.6 60 5.6 0 0 PTWT1 PTEC: Whirlpool 425 39.5 425 39.5 0 0 TPG01 PTEC: Patient Toilet 1 60 5.6 60 5.6 0 0 PTEA1 PTEC: Exercise Area 65 6 65 6 0 0 EXRG3 PTEC: Special Treatment Room 120 11.2 120 11.2 0 0 DR001 PTEC: Dressing Room / Cubicle 35 3.3 35 3.3 0 0 OFA07 PTEC: Therapist Workstation 56 5.3 56 5.3 0 0 PTTC1 PTEC: Treatment Clinic 600 55.8 600 55.8 0 0 SRE01 PTEC: Equipment Storage 80 7.5 80 7.5 0 0 UTLC1 PTEC: Utility Area 70 6.6 70 6.6 0 0

FA6

PTTC1 KTBC: Treatment Area 360 33.5 360 33.5 1 605 SRE01 KTBC: Storage 60 5.6 60 5.6 1 75

*Spaces are combined into categories due to lack of information*

FA 7

WTG12 KTEC: Sub-Waiting 260 24.2 260 24.2 0 0 PTEA1 KTEC: Exercise Area 65 6 65 6 0 0 EXRG3 KTEC: Special Treatment Room 120 11.2 120 11.2 0 0 OFA07 KTEC: Therapist Workstation 56 5.3 56 5.3 0 0 PTTC1 KTEC: Treatment Clinic…