NREL Research Support Facilities Tops Out
CENTENNIAL, CO, October 2, 2009 – Haselden Construction, one of the region’s largest general contractors, celebrated a milestone today at the U. S. Department of Energy’s Research Support Facilities (RSF) on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) campus in Golden. A “Topping Out” ceremony marked the completion of the RSF’s steel frame.
The design-build team of Haselden Construction, RNL, and engineering firm Stantec is delivering no ordinary office building. Working together with the Department of Energy and NREL, the team will deliver a building that will help accelerate market adoption of high performance, efficient commercial buildings. The 218,000 square foot RSF, which will house over 700 employees from the Golden Field Office of the Department of Energy and NREL, will be a national showcase and commercial building prototype, demonstrating high performance design features and a host of passive and renewable energy strategies.
Energy efficient features such as natural ventilation through operable windows, thermal mass, transpired solar collectors, radiant heating and cooling, and new workstation configurations that allow for maximum daylighting are included in the building design. The roof slope has been harnessed as an energy plant through the incorporation of photovoltaic panels, delivering the power needs of the facility. In addition to meeting the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum rating, the highest distinction given by the council for high performance green buildings, the building is also being designed as a Net Zero Energy Building.
Today’s celebration and luncheon allowed everyone involved in the project a time to reflect on the progress. Karen Oxman, Mayor Pro-tem, City of Golden and Jefferson County Commissioner Faye Griffin were present for the ceremony along with principals from Department of Energy, NREL, RNL, and Haselden. They each shared their appreciation for the work thus far and their vision for this new energy model. “We’re fortunate enough to not only make history, but to build it,” 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 a tree and American flag – symbols of good luck, patriotism and unity.
Haselden Construction is a Colorado company founded in 1973. The company builds a diverse range of project types including office, education, healthcare, mountain resort, gaming, and municipal facilities. The company is ranked in the Top 7 regionally and Top 400 nationally by McGraw Hill Construction. For information, please visit www.haselden.com.
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