MEARNG Armed Forces Reserve Center
The Armed Forces Reserve Center (AFRC) houses three units of the Maine Army National Guard’s 133rd Engineering Battalion. With the diverse nature of the unit’s primary mission, the building features flexible spaces that serve as the administrative offices for the 15 full time members of the unit, support spaces for families of deployed National Guard members and recruiting spaces. One weekend a month and two weeks a year, the building is used by 189 citizen soldiers for training for the ever-changing role of the Army National Guard.
The facility is built on 12 acres of steep, wooded land in Brunswick, Maine. Careful attention was paid during the design process to minimize the disturbance on the site, protect existing natural features and orient the building to maximize daylighting opportunities. The 60,000 sf building has a compact footprint, reducing the developed area of the site.
While presenting a number of challenges, the steep slope also offered unique advantages to a three-story building. Each level exits directly at grade. The building program was organized to take advantage of the different levels. The lowest level serves as vehicle storage, bordered by rock cut retaining walls, gabion walls and reinforced concrete walls. These walls frame the vehicle parking and storage, acting as a natural buffer between the developed area and wooded lot beyond. The main level is situated just above the parking area, giving the building an authoritative presence. Administrative offices are located on the second floor, surrounded by the existing forest, with direct, at-grade access.
The building houses offices, vehicle maintenance shops, warehouse distribution spaces, a multifunction assembly hall and flexible classrooms. Public spaces are organized at the front of the building, around a two-story entrance lobby, providing a warm and inviting space for recruiters and family support services. Unit storage and offices are located beyond this entrance. This arrangement affords the units security and privacy, but also allows for connection to the natural site surrounding the building. Technology for administrative use as well as educational was used throughout the building, providing flexibility for the variety of uses of the building.
LEED Platinum certified, the building features a high-performance building envelope, a 62% reduction in energy costs, photovoltaic panels, interior daylighting systems as well as low VOC materials to improve occupant health and comfort. The project was completed in 2015 at a construction cost of $22,245,000.
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