Architectural Excellence:

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was in need of a new air traffic
control training facility. They decided on a modular building due to the speed
of the construction method. M Space provided and installed a stand-alone
5740 square foot two-story building. The overall design of the facility was
comprised of (8) 56’ modules (four over four). The modules were configured
to accommodate a learning center for air traffic control trainees. The majority of the first floor is dedicated to two main training rooms each housing four flight simulators and the associated tech operations room. The remainder of the facility includes debriefing rooms, classroom, break room and administrative space for the trainees. The facility exterior (white ribbed steel) was designed to blend with the existing architecture.

Technical Innovation:

The building had to be constructed to meet strict government specifications. It
meets the stringent FAA requirements including the lightening protection and
grounding program. The building meets category IV seismic requirements to
ensure safety and anti-static flooring was installed to protect the equipment.
Unique features include, doors with security card access, a 180-degree wheel chair lift and a concrete handicap ramp. All exterior steps are heated to eliminate snow pile up and there is a hatch to allow full roof access, where HVAC units are accessible via walking pads. The building is equipped with essential and critical power panels and the ETG lab is equipped with STC 45 rated walls. Other specialty features include 3 1/2” poured concrete flooring on the first floor, which holds 200 PSF allowing the building to support the simulators. Lastly, M Space provided all site sewer and water connections, and site improvements, including paver walkways, landscaping and canopies.

Cost Effectiveness/Energy Efficiency:

The FAA saved money from the very beginning by choosing modular construction. With this method, the majority of the construction took place at the manufacturer, which enabled the FAA to avoid high labor costs prevalent in New York. There was also a cost savings related to the assembly of the modules. The first floor was set using only a translift, leaving the expense for a crane only necessary for one day to set the second story. The building is equipped with seven programmable thermostats allowing the different areas of the building to regulate heating and/or cooling as necessary, saving energy and money.