Calibre Engineering renovated and expanded one of the Primary Care buildings at the NAVAHCS Campus.
 
The project included approximately 13,500 square feet of Building 117, which is one of the two adjoining Primary Care buildings at the NAVAHCS Campus. Calibre expanded B117 approximately 4,700 square feet, with approximately 3,800 square feet on the east side and the balance of the space on the west side of the building for the relocated main entrance hallway.
 
From a structural infill perspective, this project had an expansion on one side of the building and a new entrance on the other side, which is the foundation of two structures in close proximity. Facility design included discrete security and safety features for the patients and staff, paying attention to the possible behaviors of patients in severe emotional distress.
 
Waiting rooms were designed to calm patients, provide natural lighting, calming interior design, children’s play areas, and space for patients to watch tv or read books. Room audio was designed for privacy, particularly in reception areas and other areas where patients are discussing personal information in open spaces. Calibre met an STC rating of at least 50 for all exam, treatment, and counseling rooms.
 
To help patient navigation and wayfinding, Calibre installed complete signage and used the NAVAHCS standards for wayfinding.
 
Services provided to the VA included:
Complete assessment of underground utilities
Meeting with VA personnel, veteran user groups, and VA executive leadership during schematic design charrettes to develop a clear understanding of the requirements for the new and renovated spaces
Design for maximum natural light in the new building
Design for programmable personal control of artificial lighting levels
Review of all relevant VA codes and relevant structural criteria
Gravity load, lateral analysis, and structural drawings
Reviewed structural specifications
One-story expansion with a crawl space underneath for access to existing utilities tied to an existing building.
Seismic design review of existing structures as required for connection of new addition
Design narratives
Structural drawings.