America Online Headquarters

Integral Group provided mechanical and electrical engineering services for the 280,000 ft² of America Online’s Headquarters Campus, Creative Center Two building. The scope of work included designing new electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and life safety systems. All mechanical equipment is controlled from an electronic Direct Digital Controls (DDC) system.

To adhere to new indoor air standards, the conditioned air is supplied to all office areas through a pressurized 18-inch underfloor plenum with floor-mounted diffusers. Four-pipe fan coil units mounted below the raised floor provide heating and cooling for the perimeter zones. All special areas, including the kitchen, dining room, auditorium, and fitness center, are served by standard overhead supply air systems.

The cooling plant, located in the basement, cools the building with two water-cooled chillers, while the heating plant consists of gas/oil-fired boilers. Heat recovered from the gas-driven engine chiller is used as a first stage in the hot water heating system. Other equipment, including the cooling towers, boilers, and pumps, are located in the building’s penthouse. A separate cooling tower and condenser water loop run from the penthouse to the first floor to provide 24-hour cooling. Ventilated air is supplied through two separate air handling units in the penthouse. A smoke evacuation system is provided for the central atrium.

Awards: International Design Award, IIDA; Architecture Award of Excellence, Virginia Society AIA; Architecture Award of Excellence, Northern Virginia AIA; Interior Architecture Merit Award, Washington Chapter AIA