National Academy of Sciences

This National Register-listed monumental historic building set along the National Mall has been rehabilitated and expanded to restore its historic grandeur and better serve as headquarters to a quasi-governmental institution. The design solution seamlessly integrates the conservation and preservation of the historic fabric of the building while sensitively integrating new MEP systems, supporting infrastructure, and sustainable strategies and technologies.

The neo-classical 190,000 SF, 1924 historic building, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, serves as headquarters and a conference facility and is dedicated to science and technology research. The building encapsulates 53 offices covering more than 64,000 GSF, including support space such as conference rooms, art-filled galleries, a Great Hall with a 56-foot high dome, and a 650-seat auditorium that serves scholars and the public with state-of-the-art conference facilities.

The building required extensive updating to modernize building systems, accessibility, and functionality. Mueller’s engineers routed new mechanical and electrical systems throughout the historic structure, including challenging, constricted spaces. Engineering highlights encompassed extensive new sustainability and energy conservation measures and equipment, including the introduction of building-integrated photovoltaics.