The Amtrak New Orleans Diesel
Shop is a large service building consisting of many tracks and space for the servicing of Amtrak locomotives. The 27,500 SF one story building located
near the Superdome, consists of 22,000 SF of service bays and 5,500 SF of supporting
office space. The office space had not been renovated since it’s
construction in 1960.
The existing space was renovated to include new
private offices, open office space, a break room, locker rooms, and storage
space. The existing building envelope had withstood many hurricanes but
was outdated and near failure per newer building codes. A new 2,500 SF
hurricane rated curtain wall system was designed for the new office space to
allow natural light and exterior views into the existing dimly lit space.
A series of solid insulated panels and glazing was designed based on the
programmed space within the building. Sunshades were installed at the
glazing areas to provide shading for better comfort and reduced cooling
needs. The insulated panels, sunshades, and high performance glazing
assisted in reducing loads on the new energy efficient mechanical
system.
