Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport — or Reagan National Airport as it is more commonly referred to — is the closest airport to Washington, D.C. This 1998 expansion represents the largest growth of the airport since its original opening in 1941, adding 35 gates with the arrival of new terminals B and C.

The nearly one million square foot expansion was designed with a strong commitment to energy efficiency. The new terminals have vaulted ceilings reaching nearly 100´, with one entire glass facade running the length of the building. The terminals include skylights, domes, and glass ceilings as part of the energy-conscious design. Heat gain and loss is controlled with double glazed glass, custom frit patterns, and low-e coating. Energy savings result from the reduced electrical load generated by artificial lighting. The glass facades, canopies, and skylights flood the concourse areas of the terminals with diffused daylight. Light sensors and control systems monitor natural light levels and reduce (or turn off) artificial light fixtures as appropriate.

The Enclos design team developed a custom unitized curtainwall system that integrates with an exposed long-span steel framing system, with vertical steel trusses reaching from floor to rooftop. Deeper units were used at the lower levels to provide uninterrupted sightlines. A band of art glass was integrated into the curtainwall system. The entire system was fabricated offsite as prefabricated and pre-finished building components and then delivered in sequence to the building site for installation by Enclos field crews.