Operated by the U.S. Army, the $8.6 million single-story UAS facility is a design-build project that will house administrative, common and utility support areas. The building's service bays will require special design features including high ceilings, large insulated doors, overhead bridge crane and translucent clerestory windows.

"To align with the military's mandate to achieve LEED® certification on all new construction, we incorporated the latest features in sustainability into the design of this facility," said Don Blair, president of KMA Architecture & Engineering. "We were also able to collaborate early on with Jaynes to create an efficient design and construction schedule to keep the project on track and under budget."

In order to meet LEED® Gold certification, the facility's design includes a solar hot water heating system, underground rainwater storage tanks for toilet flushing and irrigation and water efficient plumbing fixtures. The building materials, made out of primarily recycled products, include integrally-colored CMU block, structural steel framing, standing seam metal roofing, metal wall panels and aluminum windows. Incorporating green elements outdoors, the landscape design includes drought-tolerant and native landscaping, as well as bike racks and parking for low-emission vehicles and carpools.

The KMA team includes Don Blair, Rich Guerena, Jay Janda and Heather Mertes. Other services are provided by: Wright Engineers as the civil engineer; Jordan & Skala Engineers and Berg Electric as the electrical and low voltage engineers; Jordan & Skala Engineers and American Comfort Systems as the mechanical and plumbing engineers; Chavez-Grieves Consulting Engineers, Inc. as the structural engineer; Desert View Landscape as the landscape architect; and Aon Fire Protection Engineering as the fire and life safety engineer.