University of Wyoming
Energy Innovation Center
The Energy Innovation Center (EIC) provides research laboratories, offices, meeting space, publication facilities and presentation space for the faculty and students of the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming.
Laramie, Wyoming
University of Wyoming
HOK Architects + GSG Architecture
57,000
Innovation for energy research
The Big Picture
The design concept for the University of Wyoming Energy Innovation Center (EIC) is modeled after the nation’s top-tier national laboratories with both 3D visualization and analytical lab spaces. The goal of this project was to raise the bar for research and teaching facilities nationwide.
The EIC features an enhanced Rock X-Ray Lab – the only one of its kind in the world. Other enhancements include a specialized dehumidification system, multiple lab and mechanical/electrical system redundancies, state-of-the-art audio/visual systems and electrified “smart glass” partitions.
Ingenuity in Action
Quality control was one of the main concerns on this project. GE Johnson actively managed quality concerns with quality control logs and monitored and resolved items as they arose. Because the building was extremely Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing (MEP) intense, the GE Johnson team utilized Building Information Modeling (BIM) and MEP coordination meetings with subcontractors, the University, designer and commissioning agents to address any MEP quality control or coordination issues. Implementing these quality planning measures resulted in a very high-functioning MEP system.
The EIC was also an infill project – set between two existing buildings, sharing a dock with an adjacent building. GE Johnson built partitions and screens over adjacent building air intakes to mitigate construction fumes and noise, and scheduled “just-in-time” deliveries for construction materials. All utility shutdowns were scheduled during off hours and weekends. Most importantly, we continuously communicated with the University regarding site activities and material deliveries.
The little details
- The EIC is designed and constructed to meet LEED Gold certification standards.
- The main student gathering area has movable partitions made of Smart Glass which go from opaque to clear at the flip of a switch.
