Center for Integrated Building Design Research Jan 2009 | Page 22

PRECEDENTS

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Hawaii Gateway Energy Center
by Ferraro Choi + Associates
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Due to the orientation and fenestration of this laboratory
and research facility, the need for electric lighting
during the day is eliminated. The images at right show
the space frame structure that supports the large
photovoltaic array and gives the building a uniquely
iconic character. The deeply angled facade acts as
a shading device for the large windows. Thick CMU
walls and concrete surfaces on the interior are used as
thermal mass to regulate temperature swings within
the building. The large tubular structural components
are characteristic of the space-frame structure, and in
this case, are utilized as channels that exhaust hot air
from a thermal chimney. Our design intentions emulate
the programmatically expressive ideal of an efficient
research facility dedicated to energy performance .