Overview

Science & Technology Facility

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

This dynamic new NREL facility has been celebrated for its sustainable design and its sensitivity to its surroundings. Supporting research in clean energy technologies such as solar and hydrogen power, the two-level facility is a model of energy-efficient and sustainable design.   The unique design of the facility fosters collaboration between government and industry scientists and engineers to speed the development of new, cleaner technologies and hastens their introduction to the market by cutting production and commercialization times by as much as 25%. 

 

While the client hoped to achieve a LEED Silver rating, the project achieved far more than expected and became the first federal facility to obtain the prestigious level of LEED Platinum.  The exterior blends precast concrete, metal panels and sunshading devices for a high-tech, yet organic feel.

 

Location

Golden, Colorado

 

Size

71,000 gsf

 

Cost

$18 million


Industry


Specialized Service

Approach

NREL relied on SmithGroup's experience with integrated design, the LEED process, and laboratory planning to critically analyze the conceptual solutions developed by another firm for use in the funding process. A series of workshops allowed the team to improve the solutions and delineate the final building form.  This approach led to a more compact design that reduced site disturbance.  The separation of office and lab functions promoted occupant safety and maximized energy strategies.  A flexible lab module was designed to accommodate any size and scope of research team.

Sustainability

Demonstrating both efficient lab design and thoughtful integration with its natural landscape, the NREL lab earned a LEED-NC Platinum rating.  Green building decisions included using a multi-story design to sit lightly on the site, regionally-responsive design that employs passive solar strategies and water conservation techniques, environmentally intelligent materials and a high-quality indoor environment. Its systems are engineered for low impact. 

 

Compared with similar federal facilities, the building is modeled to increase energy efficiency by more than 40 percent by taking into consideration orientation, daylighting with integrated lighting control, solar shading,and energy efficient mechanical systems.  Bringing glare-free sunlight and views into the flexible column-free lab spaces helps cut energy while boosting worker productivity.

Testimonials

"This beautiful and functional building will give the scientists and engineers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and their industry partners first-class space and equipment allowing them to more quickly move clean, affordable, domestic energy technologies to the market and into the hands of all Americans."

 

Samuel Bodman, Secretary of Energy

U.S. Department of Energy 

 

 

"This cutting edge, environmentally sound, high performing building is the best outreach and teaching tool that we can offer to the public."


Nancy Carlisle, AIA, LEED AP, Senior Project Leader, Strategic Energy Analysis and Application Center
National Renewable Energy Laboratory

 

 

"The Science & Technology Facility is an excellent example of how form, function and sustainability can coexist in a state-of-the-art research laboratory. The large open laboratory spaces encourage collaboration among researchers and provide a flexible research environment that supports our changing research needs. The energy-efficient design of the facility supports our commitment to sustainability while, at the same time, reducing our annual operating expenses. The SmithGroup design has created a win-win for all parties involved."


Peter Sheldon, Division Manager, Measurements and Characterizations
National Renewable Energy Laboratory

 

 

"From the outset, we envisioned the Science & Technology Facility as an exemplary laboratory for the 21st Century. NREL is all about conserving our natural energy resources, so we built a state-of-the-art research building that aggressively saves energy with low environmental impact."

 

Dan E. Arvizu, Director

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Recognition

  • Special Mention Award, Laboratory of the Year Competition, R&D Magazine, 2008
  • Second Place, Technology Award - Institutional Buildings, New Category, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), National, 2008
  • First Place, Technology Award, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Regional Competition, 2008
  • First Place, Technology Award, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Phoenix Chapter, 2008
  • Salt River Project Sustainable Design Award, AIA Arizona, 2007
  • Gold Hard Hat Award - Outstanding Sustainable Design, Colorado Construction, 2006
  • Design Excellence Citation Award, Jefferson County Board of Commissioners and Planning & Zoning, 2006

 

 

"Right-Sizing Design Improves Performance of Sustainable Laboratories: SmithGroup Refines Space Efficiency for LEED-Certified Facilities," Tradeline, October 17, 2007

 

"SmithGroup's Renewable Energy Facility Achieves LEED Platinum," AIArchitect, June 1, 2007

 

"Science & Technology Facility is First LEED Platinum Federal Building," BDCNetwork.com, April 19, 2007

 

"SmithGroup-Designed Science & Technology Facility at NREL Certified LEED Platinum Federal Building,"  Laboratory Network.com, April 16, 2007