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RNL and Haselden were selected to expand the recently completed Research Support Facility (RSF). As the team that designed and constructed the original RSF, a commercial prototype for high-performance, large-scale office buildings, RNL and Haselden were uniquely qualified to build upon the ultra-efficiencies of the existing two-wing facility. The RSF Expansion serves as a complement to the LEED Platinum, net-zero energy design of the original structure. The Expansion is scheduled to complete in October 2011 and will offer space for 500 additional NREL and DOE staff.

Consistent with the original building, the four-story Expansion features a 60-foot wide office space that allows for deep penetration of natural daylight and cross ventilation – primary drivers in energy conservation. Many of the sustainable features used in the original structure are returning with marked improvements, due to technological advances. These include the following:

• 6% more efficient roof-top photovoltaic panels

• Improved thermal performance; reduced thermal bridging throughout the new wing

• Improved window systems; upgraded lighting control systems

• Increased flexibility in mechanical systems integration