The facility uses sustainable technology and design features to cut energy and utility costs. The sustainability features include: energy-efficient construction using insulated pre-cast concrete panels; a geothermal heating and cooling system with nearly fifty 400-foot-deep (120m) wells; radiant floor heating; a solar water heating system which provides hot water to building faucets; solar tubes which provide daylight to interior rooms; energy-efficient lighting (including LED); and a 1,250kW biodiesel generator which provides backup power in case of power outages.

The project was designed by Julie Snow Architects, who also created the port of entry facility in Warroad, MN, also to USGBC LEED Gold standard, as part of the 167 land ports of entry in the USA. The project created contracting opportunities and jobs in this region. The US General Services Administration (GSA) private sector partners included Julie Snow Architects, J & J Contractors, and Robert Siegel Architects. In addition, there were 27 Maine-based companies that contributed to the project.

“The St John River Valley is profoundly influenced by its roots in Acadian culture, a heritage visible in the original settlement of long narrow plots oriented toward the river,” stated Julie Snow Architects’ principal, Matthew Kreilich.

Forests still cover much of the area and provide another layer to the genesis of the design. As the repetition of trees in a forest provides camouflage, the building uses a patterned repetition of joints, columns and mullions to provide the officers with concealment and direct visual site surveillance. To provide maximum visual surveillance, the main work areas are largely clad in glass. A silk-screened pattern on the glass provides both camouflage and glare protection.

“Since the Van Buren Land Port of Entry is located on a remote site, proven and easily-maintained systems were critical to the port’s success. Passive strategies included natural ventilation, daylight harvesting, water-conserving fixtures, and low-VOC materials,” said Matthew Kreilich.

Cutting a virtual ribbon

The Van Buren Land Port of Entry was officially opened by US Senators Susan Collins, Angus King and Congressman Michael Michaud on September 25, 2013 and will be operated by the GSA and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). GSA and CBP worked with national and local firms to design this new facility that uses modern technology to enhance border security, speed the flow of commerce, and save energy. It was also announced at the official opening that the new facility had been upgraded from a Permit port to a Commercial port of entry, providing the region with a new full-service commercial screening station, which will support commercial vehicle traffic.

The new port of entry broke ground in June 2011 and replaces the previous Bridge Street location that was built in the 1960s and damaged in a 2008 flood. Situated at the “Crown of Maine,” the state’s northernmost station encompasses over 46,500 square feet (4,320 square meters) and is responsible for 160 miles (257 km) of international border with the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec.

Funded under the federal stimulus bill, known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Van Buren’s project budget totaled USD 45,127,000. “Without question, this state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly facility will greatly benefit Maine and the nation for years to come,” said US Senator Angus King.

In addition to the Holcim Awards Bronze 2011 for North America, the Van Buren project was honored as a winner from the earliest stages with the GSA’s Design Awards recognizing the concept design in 2010. In 2011, Architect magazine selected the Van Buren Land Port of Entry for the Progressive Architecture awards.