Bartzen + Ball has completed a conceptual design for a new 10,000 sf headquarters for the American Canoe Association (ACA) to be built in Fredericksburg, Va.  The headquarters includes office and conference space for the ACA as well as storage and training space for the programs office.  The building consists of a two story glass box cantilevered off of a stone masonry base facing into a 300 acre conservation area fronting on the Rappahannock River.  

The new headquarters will take advantage of the simple, passive solar design solutions such as heavy tree canopy as well as large overhangs to shade the glass.  High efficiency glass systems will be used in conjunction with natural ventilation and operable windows to take advantage of the breezes coming from the river.  I large cistern will collect rainwater from the roof and adjacent parking lots and run through a natural wetland to create a reflecting pool and heat sink for the water sourced heat pump system.  Additionally this water will be used as part of a grey water system for the building.  Open systems furniture will be used extensively with an emphasis on keeping window lines open and shared for all.  Decks, stairs and ramps will give access to the ground to a trail system that will allow canoes and kayaks to be brought down to a river boat ramp and training area.

This project will be designed to 2009 LEED Platinum certification