X

The new NREL parking structure will support the nearly 900 workers at the Research Support Facilities on the Table Mountain Campus. Designed for maximum sustainability it is an open, five level concrete frame with a tensioned, recyclable fabric panel wrapping and a steel roof canopy for the mounting of a photovoltaic array. All sides of the garage are open to the elements to allow natural ventilation throughout and preclude the need for a mechanical system. The membrane of fabric panels augments the openness for control of daylight, wind and headlight glare.

The two halves of the structure are separated by a dedicated pedestrian circulation area with a monumental stair connecting all levels. This stair encourages pedestrian safety and activity while reducing the energy used by the elevators and provides protected connection to the campus shuttle waiting area.

Preferred parking spaces with charging stations for electric/hybrid vehicles are made available for 2% of the total parking capacity. Infrastructure will be in place for an additional 18% (20% total) of the capacity in anticipation of future demand for charging stations. Preferred parking for accessible spaces, van & carpools and fuel-efficient/low emission vehicles is also provided.

The design/build team of RNL and Haselden Construction was selected for this project through a multi-stage design competition.