An integrated design and engineering effort led by AECOM, with a team including William McDonough + Partners, has guided NASA to the USGBC’s Platinum LEED rating for the new N232 office building at the NASA Ames Research Center in California.
The facility, known as Sustainability Base, officially opened April 20.
When NASA planned to add the first new building in 20 years to the Ames Research Center, home to much of the agency’s most innovative technology, the goal was that the facility be an exemplar in sustainability. The result is a working environment that prioritizes user health and comfort with natural daylight, fresh air and temperature control while making minimal environmental impacts. Sustainability Base will save more than 60% of the energy and more than 80% of the water typically used by a facility of its type.
An onsite fuel cell, roof-mounted photovoltaic solar panels, a geothermal heat pump, passive and low-energy HVAC systems, and intelligent building controls that interact with users are among the building’s advanced engineering features.
AECOM served as architect, engineer and landscape architect of record for the project, bringing on William McDonough + Partners for development of the design vision and sustainability goals for the project.
The Building Team also included Loisos + Ubbelohde (lighting consultant), Siteworks Studio (landscape design), MBDC (materials assessment) and Todd Ecological (wastewater treatment). BD+C
Related Stories
Sponsored | Performing Arts Centers | Jan 17, 2024
Performance-based facilities for performing arts boost the bottom line
A look at design trends for “budget-wise” performing arts facilities reveals ways in which well-planned and well-built facilities help performers and audiences get the most out of the arts. This continuing education course is worth 1.0 AIA learning unit.
Mass Timber | Jul 11, 2023
5 solutions to acoustic issues in mass timber buildings
For all its advantages, mass timber also has a less-heralded quality: its acoustic challenges. Exposed wood ceilings and floors have led to issues with excessive noise. Mass timber experts offer practical solutions to the top five acoustic issues in mass timber buildings.
Acoustic Panels | Jun 9, 2022
A fitness center renovation in Calgary focuses on tamping the building’s sound and vibration
Bold Interior Design chose as its solution a lighting/acoustical panel combination.
University Buildings | Mar 9, 2020
Auburn University, Robins & Morton open Construction Field Laboratory
Robins & Morton and Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC) recently celebrated the dedication of the Robins & Morton Construction Field Laboratory.
75 Top Building Products | Dec 12, 2019
Top Building Envelope Products for 2019
Sto's beetle-inspired exterior coating and Dörken Systems' UV-resistant vapor-permeable barrier are among the 28 new building envelope products to make Building Design+Construction's 2019 101 Top Products report.
Sponsored | Ceilings | May 14, 2018
Acoustical ceiling clouds soar above GE Customer Experience Center
They provide dynamic aesthetic along with desired sound absorption
Products and Materials | Feb 19, 2018
Product roundup: 16 sound solutions
Flexi-panel from Extech, Classic Ultra from Icynene, and Heartfelt from Hunter Douglas are just three of the 16 products highlighted in BD+C's February Product Roundup.
Healthcare Facilities | Aug 28, 2015
Hospital construction/renovation guidelines promote sound control
The newly revised guidelines from the Facilities Guidelines Institute touch on six factors that affect a hospital’s soundscape.
