Leers Weinzapfel Associates

East Regional Chilled Water Plant at Ohio State University

East Regional Chilled Water Plant at Ohio State University
© Brad Feinknopf

East Regional Chilled Water Plant at Ohio State University

Leers Weinzapfel Associates

BUDGET
$10M - 50M

STATUS
Built

SIZE
10,000 sqft - 25,000 sqft

PHOTO
Brad Feinknopf (9)

YEAR
2015

LOCATION
Columbus, OH, United States

TYPE
Industrial › Power Plant

On a prominent site between campus and city, this critically important large infrastructure facility fits comfortably among its smaller academic neighbors, preserves an important green space, and frames the gateway for a new campus entry.

East Regional Chilled Water Plant at Ohio State University
© Brad Feinknopf
East Regional Chilled Water Plant at Ohio State University
East Regional Chilled Water Plant at Ohio State University
© Brad Feinknopf

The large scale of the structure is modulated by its composition of two offset volumes: a lower, glazed rectangular volume with semi-transparent views from the interior looking out, and an upper lifted square volume with perforated metal walls of copper colored, coated aluminum that provides a cost-effective water cooling tower enclosure.

The upper screen wall is designed with two perforation densities, and together with narrow open slots achieve the average 50% open area needed for equipment ventilation. The perforated copper-colored aluminum enclosure is a modern companion to the brick used widely throughout the campus.

Designed to support the densely packed equipment layout, both the upper and lower volumes respond to unique engineering requirements- the upper screened volume contains the cooling towers, and the lower houses the chillers.

East Regional Chilled Water Plant at Ohio State University
© Brad Feinknopf
East Regional Chilled Water Plant at Ohio State University
© Brad Feinknopf
East Regional Chilled Water Plant at Ohio State University
© Brad Feinknopf

To minimize the building mass, a full basement contains pumping equipment.

Both volumes are gently illuminated at night to provide site lighting for the surrounding pedestrian zones and to continue the dialogue between the forms and their contrasting materials.

East Regional Chilled Water Plant at Ohio State University
© Brad Feinknopf
East Regional Chilled Water Plant at Ohio State University
© Brad Feinknopf

The glowing crystalline lower volume is illuminated from the inside, while the glittering metallic volume above is illuminated with a halo of projecting lights at its upper edge.

The new chilled water plant will significantly improve overall campus central plant efficiency. The building is targeted for LEED Gold certification.

East Regional Chilled Water Plant at Ohio State University
© Brad Feinknopf

Leers Weinzapfel Associates
T +1 617 4235711
Leers Weinzapfel Associates
75 Kneeland St #301, Boston, MA 02111, United States