Higher Education/Universities
(co-winner)

Indiana University Innovation Center

Bloomington, Ind.

Use of CarbonCast insulated precast concrete wall panels allow a university business park structure to fit the surrounding architectural context, meet an extremely aggressive schedule, and achieve LEED Silver certification. The building represents phase one of an information technology and technology transfer economic development zone and includes an innovation center that provides modular labs and offices to emerging companies. Buff-colored precast walls emulate the Indiana limestone of nearby buildings and counterbalance the structure’s glass curtain-wall and dark brown metal panels. Reveals break up the precast panels. Curtain-wall mullions bleed across to continue the line established in the precast panel spacing. In one vestibule, the precast is turned inside to provide visual continuation and also a durable surface in a high traffic area. The precast sandwich panels feature a 3-in. layer of rigid XPS foam insulation and carbon fiber wythe ties and deliver an R-15 thermal rating with extremely low thermal conductivity.

Owner: Indiana University Department of Facilities

Architect: BSA Lifestructures, Indianapolis, Ind.
Website: www.bsalifestructures.com

Engineer: BSA Lifestructures, Indianapolis, Ind.
Website: www.bsalifestructures.com

Contractor: Messer Construction, Indianapolis, Ind.
Website: www.messer.com

Precaster: High Concrete Group LLC, Denver, Ind.
Website: www.highconcrete.com

Area: 40,000 ft²
Number of stories: 2
Structural system: Steel
Components:
6,316 ft² of insulated precast concrete wall panels,
806 ft² of returns, 90 ft² of mock up panels.