Soon to be the tallest office tower in the Washington area, 1812 North Moore Street is now under construction in Rosslyn, Virginia. This 35-story building features trophy-class space and will meet LEED® Platinum certification standards. The building HVAC system features a low-temperature, high-efficiency chilled water central plant with high differential temperatures. In addition the airside system utilizes low-temperature supply air and wide differential temperatures. Systems with higher differential temperatures deliver the same amount of cooling for reduced horsepower while using smaller equipment, piping, ductwork, etc. The system also utilizes energy recovery on the building outside air system and relief air system.
Cost Savings and Indoor Air Quality
Monday Properties, the property developer, has advertised that leasing space in 1812 North Moore would be a "smart business decision" for tenants. Simply put, we agree. This is in large part due to the sustainable design and energy-saving features of the building. There are real bottom line dollars to be saved as energy consumption cost savings are passed on to the tenant.
The HVAC system is designed to exceed current applicable ASHRAE standards by 30 percent, achieving the associated LEED IAQ point credit. This increased outdoor air volume reduces recirculation air in the building and increases the amount of daily air changes in the building. MERV 13 filters are provided on air handling equipment providing increased filtration of both the outdoor air and re-circulated air. Based on this, tenants will realize increase productivity from employees.
Collaborative Team
A prestigious project like 1812 North Moore requires an experienced and creative team working closely together for optimum results. Our Thursday design meetings became dinner meetings well into evening hours on several occasions. Some of the challenges in this "Swiss watch" of a building included the tight site conditions between a Metro station and utility substation, lack of mechanical equipment space on the roof due to the featured architectural pyramid, and garage space layouts with additional MEP equipment not located on the roof. In addition to the architect, Davis Carter Scott, and other consultants, it was great to work with our Dewberry team members on this high-level project. Jim White, Steve Black, and Jeff Knighton continue to be a go-to team for Dewberry.
The Kilsheimer Effect
For me, it was also a pleasure and an honor to have the opportunity to work with Allyn Kilsheimer, owner of KCE Structural Engineers. Allyn is one of the most prominent structural engineers in the U.S. and he was responsible for the Pentagon reconstruction following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Allyn is a special person and can only be appreciated fully if you have a chance to know him and work with him. I often wondered if he ever stopped working as emails would regularly come through from him until 11 p.m. at night and starting at 3 a.m. in the morning. I believe if you have successfully coordinated MEP on a building with Allyn's structural design than you can do anything! Let's just say his beams are deep.
High Rise Design and What It Means to Me
In this market a project of this height is not the norm. MEP engineers work their entire careers and do not have the opportunity to work on buildings this tall. For me personally this project will remain the landmark project of my career.