Lubber Run Community Center

Sheet Metal / Roofing Contractor

Chu Contracting Inc.
Chantilly, Virginia

General Contractor

MCN Build
Washington, District of Columbia

The new Lubber Run Community Center replaces an existing 1950s era facility and includes new outdoor recreation spaces and amenities, as well as underground parking, on a 4.5-acre site. The center is located in Lubber Run Park, a precious natural resource in Arlington County. Connection to nature and preservation of open space were essential to designing the new building, and as a result, parking and some programs are located underground to allow for increased outdoor amenities at ground level. The building envelope that acts as the threshold between indoors and outdoors is significant in both its high performance and economic efficiency.

The copper system that wraps the north facade was chosen for its ease of maintenance, due to its patina over time and its improvement with age. The copper system consists of a vertical standing seam copper (20-ounce panels with 16-ounce flashing) with a rain screen attached to thermal break Z furring with over 4.5-inch of insulation over a fluid applied air barrier. In areas where the copper cladding went over windows, a perforated copper panel (20-ounce, 1/16-inch on 3/32-inch stagger) was provided that completed the copper volume at the exterior, but preserved visibility and exterior views from the interior.

Horizontal girts were installed to support the panels and before insulation or the copper attached, an air infiltration test was performed to confirm the performance of the system and identify any small gaps. The air-tight quality of the copper facade directly contributes to Lubber Run's performance as a net-zero energy facility, and provides a dynamic material display upon its approach.