Fort Campbell Special Operations Forces Hangars

Location: Ohio
Market: Federal Government
Services: Architecture / Interior Design / Engineering

The Challenge

In 1934, Building 23 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was constructed as an aircraft hangar and test facility. More than 70 years later, the U.S. Air Force wanted to renovate the building to provide a modern lab facility for state-of-the-art energy research. It requested a design that retains the historic feel and aesthetic of the original building, while also creating a modern interior that meets security and force protection requirements.

The Solution

A three-story facility was created within the existing brick shell, adding new spaces for material processing, data acquisition, operations, and fabrication. The design also had special acoustical needs due to the use of vibration-sensitive equipment such as lasers and optical equipment. The superstructure is composed of a structural steel frame and designed to resist collapse in accordance with Antiterrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) requirements.

Barge Design Solutions provided HVAC, plumbing, steam, lighting and power distribution, communications and security, utilities, storm drainage, lighting protection, and fire protection. Site work included sidewalks, curbs and gutters, access drive control systems, and site upgrades to meet AT/FP requirements. Architectural and interior design were also included as part of the project.

The Impact

The renovation of Building 23 was a testament to Barge's engineering expertise and commitment to excellence. Barge successfully transformed a historic asset into a modern, sustainable, and secure facility, meeting the evolving needs of the U.S. Air Force. The team's ability to balance preservation with innovation while also prioritizing sustainability and security positioned Barge as a valuable partner in this critical project. The project exceeded the original goal of designing to a LEED Silver level, making it the first LEED Gold building on the base.

Gallery

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The Challenge

Fort Campbell is home to the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division and 160th Special Operation Aviation Regiment. USACE contracted with Barge Design Solutions to develop the design-build RFP for two new hangars, one specifically for operational MH-47 Chinook helicopters, and the other to support the Training Battalion's Rotary Wing helicopters. The projects required special attention to coordinating other installation priorities, security, sustainable design initiatives, base standards, and other projects that involved specific user requirements and fast-paced operations.

The project site presented challenging features, including wetlands, stormwater management, adjacent airfield work for new aircraft aprons and taxiways, and utility relocations.

The Solution

Barge selected the standard AAC hangar design as a basis for the hangars and made changes based on multiple design charrettes and team meetings that clarified the requirements for each project. Site features were taken into consideration and defined, and the team employed a specific value engineering process to identify solutions that optimized the project's value.

The Result

The project received a "Very Good" rating in the government's past performance system and "Exceptional" past performance questionnaire feedback from a federal project manager. Due to the secure nature of the project, Barge provided Sustainability services to aid in performing the Government validation for the LEED Silver rating.

Architecture / Interior Design

Engineering

Federal

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Fort Campbell Special Operations Forces Hangars

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