Timeline of Events
4.24.14
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4.14.14
4.6.14
1.14.14
12.11.13
12.11.13
11.20.13
10.21.13
10.18.13
9.26.13
9.20.13
Building Statistics Part II Posted
9.6.13
9.6.13
Sent TY Letters
9.4.13
Building Statistics Part I Posted
9.4.13
9.4.13
8.27.13
Building Statistics
General Building Data:
Building Name: Rockville Metro Plaza II
Building Location: 121 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Maryland 20850
Building Occupancy: Mixed Occupancy, ‘B’ Business, ‘M’ Mercantile, ‘A’ Assembly, ‘S2’ Enclosed Parking Garage and Storage
Building Function: Office and Retail
Size: 322,925 sf (building area, GSF)
~200,000 sq. ft. Class A office space, ~14,000 sq. ft. ground floor retail, ~114,000 sq. ft. parking garage
Number of Stories: 10 stories above grade to 99’-10”, 3 levels below grade parking
Dates of Construction: Fall 2011 – Spring 2013
Project Cost: Information not available.
Project Delivery Method: Design-Bid-Build
Zoning: City of Rockville, Maryland Zoning Ordinance
Historical Requirements: NA
Primary Project Team:
Owner/Developer: Foulger-Pratt Development, Inc.
Architect: WDG Arcitecture, PLLC
Civil Engineer: Joyce Engineering Corp.
Structural Engineer: Cagley & Associates
Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing: WFT Engineering
LEED Consultant: GreenShape LLC
Landscape Architect: Studio 39
Interior Designer: WDG Interiors
Fire Protection: KPT Engineering Corp.
Figure 1 - Rendering of MET II - Image by WDG Architecture
Architectural Description:
Rockville Metro Plaza II is the second phase of a three part series which will deliver Class A office space and mercantilism to the Rockville area. The prime location overlooks the bustling Rockville Pike and is only moments away from the local metro stop.
Rockville Metro Plaza II offers eight elevated levels of available Class A office space. With open floor plans, tenants may arrange their layout to meet their specific needs. This allows for a personalized space that will increase the productivity and comfort of the tenant. These spaces boast prime views overlooking the historic Rockville Town Square as well as peering down Rockville Pike. The oversized windows play another role, as they allow natural light to flow through the open floor plan. Conveniently located at the structure’s center are such elements as stairs, elevators, and lavatories. The glass and stone-like façade offers a clean and elegant feel. This regal sensation follows through the building with quality finishes and majestic open spaces.
On the ground level, the structure offers leasable retail space, as large storefronts welcome passerbies. The structure also includes sufficient parking with three garage levels below grade yielding 277 spaces.
Building Code Data:
International Building Code (IBC) 2009 Edition
National Electric Code 2008 Edition
International Mechanical Code 2009 Edition
International Plumbing Code 2009 Edition
International Energy Conservation Code 2009 Edition
International Fuel Gas Code 2009 Edition
National Fire Protection Association’s Codes (Edition
varies based on standard referred to)
Figure 2 - Perspective of Curtain Wall -Image by Cagley & Assoc.
Building Envelope:
Façade:
The exterior of the structure is comprised mainly of an aluminum framed window system and precast concrete panels. Special coatings and glazing on the glass achieve a classic appearance as well as energy savings. Scaling the north-eastern corner of the structure is a towering aluminum framed glass curtain wall which overlooks the circular driveway entrance. The exterior glass is a double pane configuration produced by Viracon. The interior layer is clear glass while the exterior layer incorporates a coating (VE1-52). This coating gives the glass a darker appearance from the exterior as well as provides glare control while allowing natural light in and repelling U-V rays. All glazing incorporates recycled material in order to aid in achieving the structure’s LEED rating. The architectural precast panels visually separate the floors of the building from the exterior. A chevron shape is cast into precast concrete accent panels which add to the stately appearance of the veneer. These panels were specially designed to match the color and style of these panels present on Phase I. Granite is also used in the façade at the base of the structure. This gives the base a firm appearance as well as visually elevating the façade’s worth.
Figure 3 - Perpective of Facade - Photo by JMV
Roofing:
A green roof system covers the main roof of the structure. This system uses a 4” soil substrate for the sedum mix which is planted here. This is placed over a moisture retention mat, rigid insulation, moisture barrier, and structural slab. The moisture retention mat is specified as being capable of resisting penetration by the vegetation of the green roof. To achieve this, a fabric reinforced, rubberized asphalt mat was installed. Insulation is specified as being 3” thick and possessing a certain required k value at 75°F. The moisture barrier below the insulation also comprised of a reinforced, rubberized asphalt layer. The 8” structural stab is comprised of concrete and mild reinforcing. Post tension beams add support for the weight of the roof, allowing it to span the open office space below. The green roof reduces the “heat island” effect of the structure as well as reduces rainwater runoff.
Figure 4 - Green Roof Composition - Image by Studio 39
Sustainability:
Rockville Metro Plaza II achieves its LEED Platinum rating though a variety of methods. Among the more significant are:
Green Roofs – The incorporation of a green roof brings many environmental friendly aspects to MET II. For instance, it allows for the “heat island” effect to be mitigated. Rather than absorbing heat from the sun, the roof’s plants may employ the sun’s energy to absorb carbon dioxide from the air. The roof is also beneficial in terms of rainwater runoff. Instead of directing the runoff to gutters and sewers (which pose a potential for pollution if overflown), the water may be locally used by the plants. The plants of the system can facilitate a habitat for insects and birds that would otherwise be forced out from the metropolitan scene.
Specially Glazed Windows – The building incorporates double paned windows throughout. This alone can benefit the R-value of the window system. A coating on the outer pane mitigates the ultraviolet rays and heat of the sun’s waves. This also works to reduce glare on the glass without obscuring the view.
Bi-Level Switching/Occupancy Sensors - The electrical configuration of the building’s lighting allows for users to better regulate the illumination level needed in a certain space based on the availability of natural light. The large windows of the structure allow a wealth of natural illumination to flow through the office spaces. Thus, artificial illumination may not be needed in full power throughout the day. Occupancy sensors monitor a set space and turn of the lights of no one is present. These features act to reduce energy waste and allow the tenant to have a more comfortable environment.
Energy Efficient Mechanical Systems – Energy efficient equipment and systems have been selected for use in mechanical and plumbing systems. An example of this is variable-air-volume HVAC system which is employed. The system is operated on a building automation system (BAS) which works to reduce the number of systems operating at once. It also can precool/heat spaces in the building in order to avoid large energy consumption at peak hours
Building Systems:
Construction – Construction began on Phase II in September of 2011. Initial excavation was required for the foundation and the underground parking areas. A geotechnical report concluded that the water table elevation would be near the elevation of the lowest structural level, and so many precautions were taken to ensure proper water drainage during the early phases. Since this building was the second phase, minor demolition was necessary and the impact on tenants of Phase I had to be considered. Also, the confined space on the lot would need to be accounted for in material storage and preparation. The project was completed through a design-bid-build method and construction was completed in April of 2013.
Figure 5 - Tower Crane - Photo by JMV
Electrical – The building’s electrical power is supplied via sub-grade utility transformers, located on the South face of the building. The main electrical room is located on level P3 and is directly adjacent to the transformer vault. Rockville Metro Plaza II runs on 277/480V, 3 phase, 4 wire primary feed. Power is delivered to each level via a 2500A bus duct riser. Each level is served by its own set of panel boards which are subdivided into lighting, receptacles/other, mechanical, and emergency. Emergency power is provided to the building via a 450 KVA diesel generator located on the penthouse level of the structure.
Lighting – Day lighting plays a major role in the interior illumination of the structure. The large windows and open floor plans facilitate the flow of day light through the office spaces. The office and retail areas are furnished with fluorescent tube lamps for when day light is unavailable. These lamps operate on a bi-level lighting configuration and are connected to occupancy sensors for energy conservation. The garage spaces incorporate florescent tubes into their lighting scheme as well.
Mechanical – Two rooftop cooling towers (25.3 and 12.5 tons) supply water to the VAV air conditioning units located on each floor. Each AC unit is capable of a 24,000 CFM output and disperses this to the six terminal units per level. The parking levels incorporate multiple ventilation fans in order to disperse fumes. Carbon monoxide detectors are also installed in this section for added safety.
Structural – Rockville Metro Plaza II is entirely a concrete structure. The office levels are predominantly comprised of a mildly reinforced 8” slab and post tension beams. The use of post tension beams allows for deflections to be minimized over the 40’ spans of the office areas. Parking and plaza levels contain only mild reinforcing and drop caps are added to columns in these areas for extra shear strength. Loads are transferred from the slabs/beams to the columns and then to the foundation. The foundation of the structure is comprised of concrete footings and strap beams. The lateral system is made up of shear walls and concrete moment frames. The elevator core at the center of the structure provides a prime location for the shear walls. Moment frames are formed in the North-South direction via the columns and 8” floor slab. In the East-West direction, the frames are formed by the columns and post tension beams.
Figure 6 - Unfinished Retail Space - Photo by JMV
Circulation – Access into the building can be achieved through multiple points. The main pedestrian entrance is on the east face along Rockville Pike. The main vehicular entrance is on the opposite side of the structure. At the pedestrian entrance, a main lobby welcomes those who enter and escorts them to the elevator area. Here, five elevators are encountered which service all parking and office levels. Two adjacent stair towers offer an alternate passage.
Telecommunication – The building’s main telecomm room will be located on the ground level. Subsequent panels will be located on each floor to serve their respective areas. A variety of multimedia outlets, such as telephone, cable, and ethernet will be available to tenants. The building will also be equipped with access control devices and magnetic locks at entrances.
Fire Protection – The building is equipped with a fully automated fire suppression system. Installed throughout the structure are smoke detectors and audio/visual fire alarms. A dry pipe system is mounted in the garage areas (where temperatures are expected to be cooler) and the office/retail areas are fitted with a wet pipe system. A standpipe in each of the two stair towers allow for each floor to be divided into two zones for area specific fire suppression. Automatic, heat responsive, concealed sprinklers are installed in office, corridor and lobby areas. The concealed sprinklers provide a more visually pleasing appearance, in line with the chic decor of the interior.