Projects

Bristol managed the design and construction of the Child Development Center (CDC) for USACE Alaska District. The 22,907-square-foot CDC serves between 195 and 225 children, ages 6 through 10 providing before- and after-school day care, and by providing care for no-school days and holidays. The center includes administrative areas, a commercial kitchen, and activity areas. The architectural theme was to create a facility that would complement the existing community and community support facilities in building elements and color strategy. 

The building utilizes a natural color split-faced concrete Masonry unit (CMU) wainscot to anchor the building and protect it from damage. Above the CMU is a precast concrete cap that provides a break line between the CMU and the cement board siding above. Building masses are delineated with the different materials to break up the façade. The roofing system, asphalt shingles over an ice and water shield, is designed to blend with its surroundings. The roof lines are broken up with a raised clerestory form, providing natural light in the multipurpose room and the main atrium. All of these materials are timeless, compatible with surrounding buildings, and easy to maintain.

The CDC also includes a 51,520-square-foot paved play area surrounded by a 6-foot-tall, coated vinyl chain-link fence. The fence is equipped with double gates to allow vehicle access as needed and is 100-percent controlled by CDC staff to ensure the entrance is used for emergency and maintenance vehicles only. A 20-by-20-foot shade structure with two moveable picnic tables sits adjacent to the paved play surface. Creative outdoor play spaces are enhanced by several boulders set naturally into the ground; these areas also function as informal seating areas. The entire area has also been graded smooth to facilitate draining and provide a safe surface for field activities.

This project was designed and constructed to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Silver standards; however, the client chose not to certify the project. Some components related to sustainability include breaking the roof lines up with a raised clerestory form, providing natural light in the multipurpose room and the main atrium and selecting materials for maximum use of recycled materials. Additionally, the stormwater design was laid out in a sustainable manner, landscaping was selected to reduce water use by 50%, overall water use was reduced by more than 40%, and the Building Energy Systems was commissioned in order to maximize efficiency. Lastly, low emitting paints, carpets and adhesives were utilized on the project.