1st Cavalry Division Headquarters

This renovation project accommodated the 1st Cavalry Division Headquarters and Command Operations at Fort Cavazos. The design scope of 135,000 SF included improvements to parking and building security, constructed acoustically private rooms, infilled an existing central exterior courtyard to create a 2-story open command center, added new HVAC systems, plumbing, fire protection, electrical and telecommunications systems, addressed sustainable design issues, and modified the AT/FP to comply with DoD Minimum Anti-Terrorism Standards.

The design added a temporary swing space for 350 people, temporary parking for 600, parking for non-SCIF-ready tactical vehicles, loading and service areas, and a temporary secure facility and site for command operations. An existing 3,500 SF exterior courtyard was infilled to create a 2-story open command center with a second-floor gallery overlooking tiered workstations and a large video wall.

More levels of security were added by grouping and segregating rooms and areas into three distinct zones for different security clearances. Each security zone and group area is protected by perimeter walls that extend to the structural deck and incorporates a metal mesh within the wall. The interior walls were constructed with a single layer of gypsum board on one side of the studs and a double layer on the other with sound attenuation batts in the stud cavity. In conference rooms, the sound attenuation complies with ICS-705. New 4″ metal studs were positioned 2″ from the existing studs and sprayed with closed-cell foam in the cavity to provide a continuous air barrier meeting AHRAE requirements.

The courtyard was enclosed with a roof and provides a large open space for a Combat Operations Intelligence Center (COIC). This open space allows for work areas on the first and second levels of the building. Workstations are positioned for uninterrupted views of the COIC media wall. The design of the new floor uses ramps and steps to maintain accessibility while providing easy access underneath for the miles of communication and data lines required to support all the system networks.

The building is classified as a primary gathering facility and was modified to comply with the UFC 4-010-01 DoD Minimum Anti-Terrorism Standards for Buildings. Barriers were installed in selected locations to provide an additional level of standoff protection. Modifications include: replacing doors and windows with AT/FP-compliant units, restricting internal roof access, securing overhead-mounted features, relocating air intakes 10 feet above grade, adding emergency air distribution shut offs and a new mass-notification communication system.

The site and building renovation was designed to sustainability standards in accordance with UFC 1-200-02, High Performance and Sustainable Building Requirements and was awarded LEED-NC v2009 Silver certification through the USGBC/GBCI third-party certification process.