Portfolio Spotlight: Museum of the Bible

The Museum of the Bible, located in the heart of Washington, D.C., is one of our most distinguished installation achievements. Designed to showcase historic and biblical antiquities, this impressive museum is the third largest construction project in the D.C. metro area. This 500 million dollar and three year long project, stands at a whopping 430,000 square feet. 

Featured on the fifth floor terrace, the ~20,000 sq ft vegetative roof includes 14 different plant varieties, Sempergreen™ 100% biodegradable sedum mats, and is lined with concrete pavers. The design of this expansive green roof enhances stormwater management reducing risk of pollutant run-off and local flooding as well as, the urban heat island effect, “which occurs when cities replace natural land cover with dense concentrations of pavement, buildings, and other surfaces that absorb and retain heat. This effect increases energy costs, air pollution levels, and heat-related illness and mortality” (EPA 2022).

Originally a refrigeration warehouse built in 1922, the museum’s construction did not go without complications. The original roof was completely removed and below grade construction was necessary - something near unheard of in this industry. Due to the extremities of this building, there were many challenging restrictions that impacted our design, including low parapets and high wind uplift. 

To remedy these risk factors, we added stone aggregate to several perimeter trays and installed an innovative design: a stormwater self-recycling system. Our team provided and installed Contech Engineered Solutions™ perforated pipes, allowing drainage from the upper non-vegetated roof through the lower green roof. This two-fold system acts as a self-sustaining, natural irrigation system, while also increasing water retention and reducing peak flows. 

Project in collaboration with Smithgroup, JJR; Michael Vergason; Clark Construction; and James Myers Company.