U.S. Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center
The research facility devoted to understanding interrelationships among cropping systems, water management strategies and environmental stewardship programs, reflects the movement of research materials and information through the facility.
Client
U.S. Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center
Location
Maricopa, Arizona
Markets/Services
Architecture, Civil Engineering, Government, Government Research, Interiors, Lab Planning, Programming, Science & Technology, Sustainable Design
Size
110,000 SF
SmithGroup was brought on board to consolidate two existing facilities: the U.S. Water Conservation Research Laboratory and the Western Cotton Research Laboratory. Housing laboratories, support spaces, greenhouses and outdoor plant research gardens, the center will ultimately deliver a knowledge base to provide a foundation for efficient and environmentally-friendly agriculture in arid climates.
Designed with nighttime setback capabilities in labs, heat-capture from exhaust air and return, high performance glazing, mechanical and electrical systems for maximum energy efficiency, and direct digital control systems, the center's drastically reduced energy footprint is as green as the building's purpose.