Army Building pilot project of sustainable barracks at JBLM

Groundbreaking ceremonies for a sustainably designed barracks project at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) were held earlier this month.

The “twin barracks” feature two 44,500-square-foot structures designed to house 168 soldiers in a mixture of 4-bed, 2-bath and 2-bed, 1-bath apartments. Units will have air conditioning and shared kitchen and living areas.

Construction for the first-of its-kind project is scheduled for completion and occupancy by fiscal year 2027.

"Through better and more innovative building techniques, the Corps of Engineers has designed a barracks that is cost-competitive and will provide the highest quality of life for our soldiers while reducing emissions and the impact on the environment," said Paul Farnan, principal deputy assistant secretary of the Army for installations, energy, and environment.

Using “better and more innovative building techniques” the pilot project will help the Army evaluate the benefits of using sustainable building materials and design techniques for military construction projects. The design and building materials aim to lower utility and operating costs, enhance resilience to extreme weather, and improve the quality of life for soldiers, their families, and civilians.

Among sustainable materials being used are Portland limestone cement, recycled steel, cellulose wool/bat/high performance XPS insulation, and metal wall paneling (in place of brick.)

In a statement about the project, Army officials said the materials being used aim to reduce embodied carbon emissions from manufacturing, transportation, and installation of building materials by at least 30%. Funding “represents a strategic investment in more efficient and durable military housing.”

Maj. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, deputy commander of I Corps said, “Soldiers are our most valuable asset, and we are redoubling efforts to improve their quality of life,” adding the base in Tacoma “is committed to providing modern and high-quality living spaces for all our enlisted personnel.”

Insights gained from the project “will influence future military construction projects. . . potentially leading to further cost reductions and efficiency improvements across the Army’s infrastructure.” The $100 million construction budget was authorized in the FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act.

The Army Corps of Engineers, which is leading the planning and construction oversight, said JBLM was selected for the project from 130 Army installations worldwide. Absher Construction Co., based in Puyallup is the contractor and will work with additional civilian subcontractors.