Swedish Embassy Rock Creek Bank Stabilization Design-Build

Project Description

The nation of Sweden selected a site along the banks of Rock Creek near the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. for its new embassy in the U.S. Rock Creek, under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service, serves as a valuable natural and recreational resource for the Washington metropolitan region. Concerned about the potential impacts of the new embassy on the physical stability and ecological integrity of Rock Creek, the developers of the site, Armada Hoffler Construction, contracted Biohabitats to develop a streambank stabilization plan utilizing a natural materials approach. Challenges included a very short construction schedule, logistical constraints, and the project’s high profile, urban location adjacent to the confluence of Rock Creek and the tidal Potomac River.

Biohabitats monitored site conditions, including tidal fluctuations, biological benchmarks, and reference sites. Biohabitats developed alternative design concepts and worked with the designer, architects and developers to develop a shoreline/streambank stabilization approach and hiking/biking path consistent with the site development envelope and building features. Biohabitats also obtained Federal and local permits, developed conceptual restoration plans, and solicited proposals from five contractors to participate in the completion of the design and construction of the project.