The Research Support Facility / RNL Design

Architects: RNL Design
Location: Golden, Colorado, USA
Interior design: RNL Design
Mechanical engineer: Stantec Consulting
Structural engineer: KL&A Engineering, Golden Office
Electrical engineer: Stantec Consulting
Civil engineer: Martin / Martin, Inc.
Project area: 222,000 sqf
Project year: 2010
Photographs: Frank Ooms

The Research Support Facility (RSF) is a very significant building for DOE and NREL. It is a showcase of how high-performance buildings can be aesthetically compelling, acquired at a competitive first-cost and lifecycle cost, and through integrated design, how high-performance buildings can reduce performance risks to the Owner and constructor. Not only is the RSF designed to meet the LEED Platinum rating as defined by the US Green Buildings Council, it is slated to be the first Zero Energy Building (ZEB) of its kind. The building is a showcase of sustainable high-performance design. It demonstrates the integration of high performance design features and practices, showcases technology advances, and captures the public’s imagination for renewable and energy efficient technologies.

This world class office facility is occupied by 820 National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Department of Energy Golden Field Office (DOE) staff. In addition to open office, semi-private and some private offices, the facility includes a library, employee lunch room and lobby, as well as conference and support spaces.