Yost Grube Hall Architecture
U.S. Embassy American Cultural Center: Rangoon
Interface Engineering’s experience with embassy projects and proven track record in sustainable design were determining factors in the Bureau of Overseas Building Operation’s decision to pursue LEED Certification.
Rangoon, Burma
Client: Yost Grube Hall Architecture
Building Size: 22,000 sf
Project Cost: $50 million
Certifications: LEED Silver Goal
The American Cultural Center at the U.S. Embassy site will be a place where Burmese citizens can study American culture, language and literature. Regional building materials were used throughout the facility, strengthening the American Cultural Center’s connection to the local community and affirming OBO’s commitment to local culture. Interface Engineering provided full design of MEP, lighting, fire/life safety, security, and telecom.
The site presented some unique challenges that Interface Engineering dealt with to meet OBO standards. Due to the facility’s small geographic footprint, standard power generation, water treatment, and storage solutions were not feasible. The Interface team developed an innovative solution that took advantage of unused space inside buildings to house this equipment. Sustainability measures such as a chilled beam cooling system, LED lighting, ample daylighting, and a high-efficiency HVAC system will help the project reach its LEED certification goal.