High-Tech Laboratory Building Rises at Naval Weapons Station

Framing is under way for a high-tech weapons systems integration laboratory planned as the new gateway to the Naval Ship Weapons Systems Engineering Station at Port Hueneme.

The design for the $9.2-million laboratory was undertaken by Ross/Wou International of Los Angeles. Completion is expected in the fall of 1988. Cates Construction Co. Inc. of Lancaster is the general contractor.

The 110,000-square-foot, two-story facility, split at its apex and directional in nature, will have a central courtyard, said Michael F. Ross, the principal in charge of the project.

The 700-station center for computer communications and sophisticated engineering tests, Ross explained, will be equipped with modular furniture systems and central cable tray power distribution system.

Interior design, also by Ross/Wou under the direction of Meg Greenwood, provides an employee lounge area, four conference rooms, four technical libraries and four computer terminal rooms designated by the client, the Department of the Navy’s Western Division Naval Facilities Engineering Command at San Bruno.

“We have maximized passive solar energy conservation setting the structure on a north/south axis with horizontal bands of operable windows that provide natural ventilation throughout the structure,” Ross said.

Other energy conservation methods employed by the architectural firm include reflective glazing, overhangs on the east, west and south building facades and both vertical and horizontal shades, in addition earth berms at the ground floor to insulate the building against heat gain on hot summer days.