The 160,000 square foot laboratory building in Frederick, MD, for the National Biodefense Analysis And Countermeasures Center (NBACC) is distinguished by the fact that it is also the first security compartmented information facility (SCIF) - biocontainment - in the United States. Metal panels from CENTRIA played an important role in the creation of this unique facility.
The NBACC utilizes science to deal with the challenges of defending the United States against bioterrorism. The Department of Homeland Security's Directorate for Science and Technology established the NBACC to be a national resource dedicated to understanding the scientific basis of the risks posed by biological threats and how they could be used in bioterrorism.
CENTRIA’s Profile Series Exposed Fastener Profile panels were selected for the National Biodefense Analysis And Countermeasures Center because of their versatility, their ease of installation, and their superior benefits in terms of performance, sustainability and aesthetics.
The Profile Series Exposed Fastener Profiles are extremely versatile, with ribs that can be run both horizontally and vertically. The panels also may be insulated to meet many levels of thermal protection, an important feature given the sensitive nature of the work being performed inside the building. In addition, the all-weather installation capability shortened installation time and kept the project on schedule and on budget. And in keeping with the sustainability goals of the project, the Concept Series Concealed Fastener Profiles have received Cradle to Cradle® Certification at the Silver Level.
Finally, this CENTRIA product provided outstanding benefits in terms of aesthetics. MicroSeam Corners allowed for clean, crisp corners and the Exposed Fastener Profiles provided long, uninterrupted sight lines that worked beautifully with the extensive exterior glass for a smooth, innovative exterior design.
The architect for this project was Perkins + Will of Washington, DC; the CENTRIA products dealers/installers were Kalkreuth Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc. of Wheeling, WV, and East Coast Metal Systems, Inc. of Bellaire, OH; and the contractor was Gilbane Building Company of Laurel, MD. The facility was completed in March 2009.
CENTRIA products used on the National Biodefense Analysis And Countermeasures Center included: