Program: The Thermal Test Facility (TTF) is NREL’s national “energy conservation showplace.” The extensively daylighted testing labs, office space, and high-bay research areas are extremely successful examples of energy conservation. This building has achieved energy savings of 65% as compared to a conventional building its size.

To guarantee compliance with NREL’s strict design requirements, the firm conducted frequent interviews which were instrumental throughout design development to help achieve flexibility of use, effective accommodation of experimental procedures, and a high degree of environmental control.

The first occupant is the Industrial Buildings Technology Division. This research group is dedicated to the R&D of innovative and energy-conscious building materials and construction techniques designed to increase energy efficiency and lower energy costs. This new building will provide a permanent location for Research and Development in:

• Architectural Engineering


• Mechanical Engineering


• Solar and Heat Transfer Technologies


• Thermodynamics


• Building Systems R&D


• Industrial Technology

Awards

The facility received the Jefferson County Design Excellence Award Program Commissioner’s Honor Award of Excellence 1997. The Award Committee said, “The Owner, Architect and Building have aligned ideas to produce a functional, replicable, energy-efficient, commercial building.”

The TTF also received the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) Technology Award 1999.