Building 14

Location: Howard County, MD
Site Area: 5 acres
Building Size: 210,000 GSF
Construction Cost: $130M
Client: HDR / Johns Hopkins University
Role: Civil Engineering Consultant (RK&K)

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory – Building 14

Project Overview

RK&K partnered with HDR to provide comprehensive civil engineering services for the design and development of Building 14 at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). This cutting-edge research facility, located on a constrained 5-acre site in Howard County, Maryland, required a highly coordinated and fast-tracked design approach. RK&K led the civil site design efforts from initial planning through construction, delivering innovative solutions to meet complex site constraints, aggressive schedules, and rigorous regulatory requirements. The project involved extensive stakeholder engagement, including JHU and Howard County, and emphasized cost-effective design strategies, integrated pedestrian and stormwater features, and seamless utility coordination.

Scope of Services

• Site Optimization & Planning

  • Conducted collaborative planning sessions with JHU, HDR, and Howard County.

  • Developed a site optimization model to balance earthwork and evaluate retaining wall needs.

  • Produced optimized grading and roadway profiles to support efficient site layout.

  • Delivered a site analysis report with rough order-of-magnitude cost estimates.

• Site Development Plan (SDP) – Fast Track

  • Prepared the SDP in compliance with Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning.

  • Built upon approved ECP designs for SWM, ESC, and site layout.

  • Included documentation of:

    • Existing conditions and proposed improvements

    • Roadways, retaining walls, utilities, pedestrian plazas

    • Off-site stockpile area

    • Permitting cost estimate

• Design Development & Construction Documents

  • Delivered detailed construction documents and specifications aligned with the SDP.

  • Civil design included:

    • Grading and utility infrastructure (storm drain, sanitary sewer, potable water, conduit)

    • Utility connections to existing services

    • Site lighting and ~400 LF of retaining walls

    • SWM and ESC facilities

    • Service road design and extension

    • Improvements to the adjacent east/west service road

    • Relocated SWM pond (MD 378)

    • Hardscape improvements and exterior loading dock (pavement, raised platform, stairs)

• Bid & Construction Phase

  • Construction anticipated to conclude in early 2021.

  • RK&K provided ongoing support including:

    • Coordination with the general contractor

    • Submittal reviews and RFI responses

    • Periodic site visits to verify compliance with contract drawings

Key Features & Innovations

• Interactive site design workshops accelerated critical owner decisions.

• Real-time design adjustments using advanced planning tools.

• Met aggressive design and regulatory approval timelines.

• Addressed complex site constraints with comparative layout and cost analyses.

• Integrated ADA-compliant pedestrian pathways with stormwater management features.

• Evaluated and implemented cost-effective retaining wall solutions.