PORTFOLIO
National Archives Renovation
Washington, DC
The National Archives building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was designed in the 20th century Neo-Classical manner by John Russell Pope. It serves as the repository of the more valuable and rare documents of the U.S. Government, including the "Charters of Freedom" which are the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and the Bill of Rights.
Kirlin was awarded this project based on past performance with the owner. The task of installing an HVAC system in a 75 year-old structure with mission critical preservation requirements was accomplished through a tremendous pre-planning effort. Our team identified and isolated mechanical utilities within seven existing floor levels for demolition. The purpose was to prepare for constructing replacement floor space of three new levels. Our team led the coordination effort of the mechanicalelectrical-sprinkler installation contractors. The systems were modeled in 3-D and all systems were specially validated to accomodate the new floor plans and building configuration. Our skilled coordinators and detailers utilized unique state-of-the-art imaging software to layout the system configuration.
Our scope included a complete new HVAC and plumbing system. We installed 24 new air handling units with very little modifications to the existing building structure. The air systems provide precision temperature, humidity, and pressure control in the storage areas. We involved the commissioning agents in the early phases of the work, which contributed to the successful completion of the project documents and timelines of the system installation.
Another noteworthy challenge was to isolate the building condenser water system from the 48" Tidal Basin concrete pipeline. This modification isolated the system for the installation of four new cooling towers to handle 2,600 tons of cooling in the new chiller plant.
