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G8Way DC

G8Way DC

Located in the historic Congress Heights neighborhood of the District of Columbia, and built on the site of the former Civil War era hospital, St. Elizabeths, G8Way DC pavilion is an open-air, multi-purpose structure that spans a two-acre plot and provides a venue for casual dining, farmers’ markets and other community, cultural and arts events. The 16,400 SF facility connects the original St. Elizabeths' east and west campuses. 

“The pavilion creates an instantly iconic, visible and welcoming view into the site.”

- Bill Henderson
GATE Precast, former VP of Operations

The pavilion focuses on the seamless integration of the structure and the land. Sustainability was integral to the project and informed the design from the outset. The pavilion employs rainwater harvesting (i.e. an on-site cistern captures runoff and supplies the entire site’s irrigation demand); the landscape design provides for drought-resistant plantings; the roof plantings reduce the heat island effect, which reduces demand on mechanical systems in the enclosed portion; and, the mechanical systems rely heavily on natural ventilation. The pavilion is a LEED Silver-certified structure. 

The design of the pavilion incorporated the desired functionality while at the same time providing flexibility and spontaneity. The dual-level design allows for movement and activities throughout the site at different levels. The ground level encourages easy connections from the most prominent edges of the site. In addition to providing shelter to visitors of the multi-purpose park, the universally accessible roof level of the pavilion allows pedestrians to gain a new perspective on the neighborhood and provides a relaxing view of the U.S. capitol. The elevated landscape includes an intensive green roof where multiple activities can occur, including afternoon concerts and community events.

The pavilion features a sloping canopy and rooftop terrace comprised of 181 lightweight, ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) precast panels that are just 1.75 in. (45 mm) thick. Lightweight Ductal® Ultra-High Performance precast concrete panels were chosen for the canopy roof system for design flexibility, durability, weather resistance, structural performance, and the ability to meet an accelerated schedule. G8Way DC was one of the speediest fast-track projects GATE had produced at the time. In 19 days, GATE produced 181 UHPC panels that covered a total area of 31,043 SF.   

The thin, lightweight panels used to create the roof are what make the pavilion unique. Each panel averaged 171 SF and ranged from 7’-14’ in length, with a gradual dimensional change in width from 9’-2’ over the entire structure. The roof is approximately 400’ long x 25’ high x 60’ wide at its broadest point. The panels have supplemental hollow structural sections attached to their backs, which creates an aesthetically pleasing yet structurally sound system. Using lightweight UHPC eliminated the need for additional steel framing to support the architectural roof panels, reducing overall project costs. Additionally, because of the impermeability of a UHPC roof system, further waterproofing was not needed, thereby reducing additional costs to the owner. 

UHPC was chosen because of its strength and precision aesthetics. Panel sizes were thin and light while assisting with installation processes. Because the UHPC premix was made up of fine aggregates it was possible to cast the panels with strict angular geometries, as required in the design. Because of UHPC's speed-to-market, the pavilion was able to be constructed in just four months, opening to the general public in October 2014. 

 

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LOCATION
Washington, DC

ARCHITECT
Davis Brody Bond

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