Project Profile: 1771 N Street

Engineering firm: GHT Limited
2022 MEP Giants rank: 90
Project: 1771 N Street
Location: Washington, DC, United States
Building type: Office building
Project type: New construction
Engineering services: Electrical, power; HVAC, mechanical; plumbing, piping
Project timeline: October 2019 to July 2021
MEP/FP engineering budget: $35,470

The 1771 N Street design team transformed the 1960s legacy building into an amenity-rich, trophy class office building. Source: Erin Kelleher Photography LLC

Challenges

1771 N Street is a trophy-class office building located in the heart of Washington, DC, near Dupont Circle. The building features exquisite offices and high ceilings, requiring detailed coordination between all disciplines, especially in the Level 4 and penthouse spaces.

In both spaces, the design teams’ biggest challenge was the ceiling height being right up against the bottom of the beams.

Solutions

Rather than penetrate the beams on Level 4, the team strategically located all variable refrigerant volume units in the lower ceiling area, close to the core, in order to duct under the beams and out to the higher ceiling perimeter areas. Ductwork and piping, including refrigerant and sprinkler piping, all ran in the same plane and were carefully coordinated to ensure everything would fit.

For the penthouse, the team coordinated directly with the structural engineer on beam penetration sizes and locations for ductwork and piping. VRV units were then strategically placed to work with the beam locations.

The 1771 N Street development utilizes its walkability, coupled with its proximity to public transportation, to promote its goal of enhancing occupant health and well-being. Source: Alan Karchmer/OTTO (designed by HOK)

Do you have experience and expertise with the topics mentioned in this content? You should consider contributing to our WTWH Media editorial team and getting the recognition you and your company deserve. Click here to start this process.