Powerhouse Energy Institute Lighting
Project Type
Architecture
Location
Fort Collins, CO
Year
2011
Team
Neenan Archistruction
The 65,000 square-foot Powerhouse Energy Institute is an energy laboratory developing innovative solutions to energy challenges that achieve global impact.
A LEED Platinum facility, the Powerhouse performs tests on large industrial engines from companies such as Caterpillar, Cummins and John Deere. The laboratory also researches biomass fuels, energy efficient fuel stoves, and renewable energy sources.
Throughout the building, linear LED lighting is mounted to structural beams, accentuating the exposed structure and metal decking. This indirect light source creates a soft and visually comfortable work space, enhancing the industrial design character. Advanced, networked lighting controls automatically respond to daylight, occupancy and building schedules while also providing intuitive manual controls for building occupants. The LED lighting is powered by a centralized DC power server system, utilizing Power over Ethernet (PoE), eliminating LED drivers and improving system efficiency by nearly 20%.
