February 4, 2011: Weifield Helps Celebrate – NREL RSF Expansion Topping Out
Research Support Facility Expansion Project Tops Out
February 4, 2011: Contractors celebrated today at the U. S. Department of Energy’s Research Support Facility (RSF) on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) campus in Golden, Colo. A “Topping Out” ceremony marked the completion of the steel frame on the office building’s new north wing.
The design-build team of Haselden Construction and RNL completed the RSF in June 2010. The additional wing was a “shovel ready” project funded by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and began shortly after completion of the first phase. The $39 million, 138,000 square foot expansion wing will house another 500 NREL employees when completed in October 2011, increasing building occupancy to over 1300. Working together with the U.S. Department of Energy and NREL, Haselden is continuing to accelerate market adoption of high performance commercial buildings. In fact, the new wing is expected to exceed the energy performance of the original building, which is registered with the USGBC as pursuing LEED Platinum and designed to be net-zero energy. A seventeen percent savings in overall energy performance is projected in the new wing. Moreover, it will be delivered for thirteen dollars less per square foot.
Consistent with the original building, the four-story expansion will feature a 60-foot wide office space that allows for deep penetration of natural daylight and cross ventilation – primary drivers in energy conservation. Many of the sustainable features used in the original structure are returning with marked improvements, due to technological advances. These include: • 6% more efficient roof-top photovoltaic panels • Improved thermal performance and window systems • Upgraded lighting control systems • Increased flexibility in mechanical systems integration
Today’s luncheon brought the field crew and project management team together to witness the event. Principals from Department of Energy, NREL, RNL, and Haselden Construction shared their appreciation and reminded everyone that history was being made with this ultra-energy efficient building. “If we can inspire the industry to achieve higher energy performance with new builds or retrofits, then we’ve met our challenge with this project,” said Haselden President Byron Haselden.
Topping Out is an age-old custom with a rich history in mythology, human culture and the building industry. Created from ancient building dedications, the current American tradition honors the reaching of the pinnacle of the structure – the last roof beam being placed. The beam is hoisted with an American flag as a symbol of good luck, patriotism and unity.
Haselden Construction is a Colorado company founded in 1973. The company delivers sustainable projects throughout the intermountain west, including office, education, healthcare, mountain resort, gaming, and municipal facilities. The company is ranked in the Top 10 regionally and Top 400 nationally by McGraw Hill Construction. For information, please visit www.haselden.com..
RNL is a global, full-service design firm specializing in sustainable, integrated design. Founded in 1956, RNL offers a continuum of design services, including architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, urban design and planning. RNL is headquartered in Denver with offices in Los Angeles, Phoenix and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. For more information, please visit www.rnldesign.com.