Design Assistance
Energy Advancement and Innovation Center at The Ohio State University
Energy Advancement and Innovation Center at The Ohio State University
The Energy Advancement and Innovation Center (EAIC) is an experiential and collaborative space for energy research and technology incubation. The 64,000-square-foot center encourages cross-pollination of people and disciplines and offers flexible, networked spaces for group work and focused study.
Energy efficiency was of utmost importance for the project, so it was necessary to align the structure's design with the building program's energy research goals. The tightly detailed façade system includes interlocking cellular polycarbonate panels spanning 42’, a butt-glazed curtain wall system, and custom precast concrete panels.
With four overall precast panel profiles, GATE achieved the large-scale monolithic concrete façade with custom, in-house mold methodology, reducing the number of molds and maintaining the budget. The custom formliner pattern was developed as a Fibonacci segmenting series of varying rolling patterns of wider to narrower valleys.
The resulting precast acid-etched concrete surface undulates in varying intensity as it wraps around the building and folds into the entrance vestibule. Panels were deployed as a continuous form around the building starting loose and wide and then compressing into a tighter wave-like curve at key areas. The dynamic movement of light and shadow across the vertical precast relief creates the appearance of varying shades of grey with a single mix and finish, enhancing the architectural finish.
To further reduce energy consumption, the project includes a direct current (DC) microgrid that collects solar energy in its native direct current (DC) and routes it to efficiently supply building loads including lighting and mechanical motors, avoiding conversion loss.
The architectural precast concrete solution allowed for higher thermal performance compared to competing systems at a more competitive price and provided precision and aesthetic flexibility to the design, making it the ideal choice for creating the intricate wave-like pattern used on the exterior façade.
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LOCATION
Columbus, OH
ARCHITECT
Moody Nolan | Smith-Miller + Hawkinson Architects