Oculus Inc., an award-winning, WBE/WOSB-certified architecture and interior design firm, announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Daytona Beach VA Clinic has earned the achievement of the 2023 Green Globes Building Certification for New Construction: Two Green Globes® Certified by the Green Building Initiative.
Green Building Initiative's Green Globes is a comprehensive, science-based, three-in-one certification system that evaluates the environmental sustainability, health & wellness, and resilience of all types of commercial real estate. The rating of Two Green Globes® demonstrates significant achievement in resource efficiency, reducing environmental impacts, and improving occupant wellness.
The project made notable achievements by adopting an integrated approach throughout the design process that involved the architects, general contractor, and owner. It also achieved an impressive ENERGY STAR Target Finder score of 83 and was strategically positioned to maximize natural light for occupants. The project demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental conservation by using reclaimed wastewater for irrigation. Additionally, the use of prefabricated systems significantly reduced onsite labor and waste, including cabinets, tilt-up wall panels, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) systems.
"When we began this project, our goal was to obtain a Two Green Globes® level certification. We are thrilled that the design for Daytona Beach reached that goal,” said Rob Forney, AIA, LEED AP, VA SEPS Certified, Oculus Inc. Federal + Healthcare Director. “It has been a great opportunity for us to create a well-designed facility that can make a positive impact on the lives of military veterans and their families by improving patient outcomes as well as the environment."
The project's programming was completed in 2018, before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, after being awarded the project in 2021, changes to the clinic's service needs became apparent due to an increased demand for multi-specialty services. The Oculus design team suggested converting one of the double-loaded corridors of consult rooms to multi-specialty care. Since it was implemented during the design development phase, this straightforward conversion had minimal impact on hard construction, did not affect the overall project schedule, and will allow for further conversion if necessary.
Owned by Carnegie Management & Development Corp., the Daytona Beach VA Clinic is located at 1776 N. Williamson Blvd. Oculus Inc. served as the architect of record for the project; IMEG was the MEP & structural engineer. Civil engineering was provided by Harris Civil Engineers, LLC; Harvey-Cleary served as the General Contractor; Foster Conant & Associates was the landscape architect.
