The new headquarters for the Army’s ANAM project which is moving from Washington DC to San Antonio is located at Martindale Airfield. The single level approximate 5,000 sf building is designed around two intersecting wings, one which aligns with the airfield and the other which conforms to the campus grid. The overlap creates three separate wings which are connected by core functions such as the lobby, reception, rest rooms, vending, break room and janitorial.
The ANAM lease is for 5 years after which the building will revert to the Texas National Guard. Specific functions for ANAM had to be accommodated initially, but the building had to be designed for maximum flexibility after their lease. Each wing is completely open with no permanent walls or columns. Demountable partitions that can be easily rearranged due to the consistent module of the building envelope were used.
Materials and colors were carefully chosen to match existing campus buildings and provide a sense of cohesion to the site. Detailing and scale issues were reminiscent of mid-century architecture showing deference to the age and style of the original buildings at the airfield.
The structure is primarily comprised of a wood framed superstructure over a conventional slab-on-grade foundation system. The wood components include mono-slope roof trusses and exterior shear walls. CMU walls were also required for lateral shear resistance in lieu of steel wind frames.
Location: Martindale Air Field, San Antonio, TX
Size: 5,000 sf
Architect: The Arizpe Group
Contractor: Jamail & Smith
