Armed Forces Reserve Center - Danbury, CT

The Armed Forces Reserve Center project is a Korte-Fusco joint venture project located in Danbury, CT includes three separate building: the training center, a vehicle maintenance shop, an unheated storage building and a wash bay. The design of the training center focuses on local architecture and features Mid-Atlantic and New England architecture. As part of this design vernacular, stone cladding was a dominant element of the overall architecture.

Exterior spaces were designed to take advantage of the natural vistas surround the site as well as sloping topography. Dormer elements were used to create a more efficient ceiling, an increase in natural daylight and enhanced exterior views. The primary entrance of the building is the focal point of the facility with a covered, open-air porch, which creates a natural gathering space and allows users to enjoy the outdoors and surrounding views while remaining protected from the elements. The prominent lobby space with higher ceilings allows additional light into the lobby and adjacent assembly hall.

An outdoor gathering area is provided at the west side of the assembly hall. As an extension of the building, this plaza allows individuals to gather in a comfortable and inviting, natural setting. The plaza can be accessed via a cascading exterior stair from the main entrance, or from the lower level of the training center. A pergola provides a shaded canopy.

The building's materials are inspired by the existing fieldstone and are supplemented with brick and metal panel. The strong base of rock face concrete masonry transitions to brick and metal panel, a design feature giving each elevation an appropriate scale and proportion.