Washington, D.C. VA Medical Center IDIQ

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.