National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Energy Systems Integration Facility

The design features a series of blocks clad in materials representative of the functions within. The architect chose reflective metal cladding for the elevated office block and used the smaller, darker data center block to link the offices to lab spaces. The lab block is clad in neutral-colored precast concrete panels to minimize the scale and tie into other campus structures. By providing building enclosure commissioning services, SGH supported the project goals to develop an energy-efficient structure. Highlights of our work include the following:

• Reviewed selection of cladding, fenestration, roofing, and waterproofing
• Assisted in establishing certain performance criteria, including the Owner’s Performance Requirements (OPR),
• Building Enclosure Basis of Design (BOD), performance testing requirements (BECx plan)
• Peer reviewed project documents and assisted with the design of air, water, vapor, and thermal barrier systems
• Developed alternate details for transitions between enclosure systems to assist with the development of an airtight and watertight enclosure
• Performed moisture and thermal analyses to assess condensation resistance of portions of the wall, window, skylight, and roofing assemblies
• Reviewed building enclosure submittals
  Observed mockup testing and construction of the building enclosure to compare as-built systems with the design intent