The Women’s Health Pavilion renovation at the VA Medical Center in Washington, DC is a good example of Rhino’s creative problem-solving abilities as well as working in an occupied environment. Site surveys had to occur during normal business hours while the facility was fully occupied. The project involved renovation of the 5th floor (9,300 sf) in an occupied hospital. The architectural design called for a “Green Tree” floor plan to create a friendly, warm environment without any square corners.

This rounded corner architectural design posed problems for the design of the sprinkler and fire alarm system. Standard spacing of fire alarm devices and sprinklers were required as well as NFPA 13 and NFPA 72 spacing limitations enforced in a round room. Rhino worked with the Architect to provide the minimum number of devices, which reduced materials and installation costs and resulted in an esthetically pleasing space.

Rhino FPE was engaged to provide engineering, design, and consulting services under a multi-year IDIQ contract to the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center (VAMC). Task orders included construction of a new 2-story wing, relocation of occupants to the new space, and subsequent existing space renovations including Centralized Registration and Outpatient Lab areas. Another task order encompassed construction of a new Senior Management Building, a one-story, stand-alone facility for office use (10,000 sf). All work conducted in an occupied campus environment and required minimal disruption to patients and staff.

Rhino’s scope in all of these projects included design of standpipe and automatic sprinkler systems as well as extension of the existing hospital fire alarm system to protect the facilities. We also provided building code and life safety consulting to ensure that architectural designs met the VA Fire Protection Design Manual as well as applicable building code requirements.