University of Tennessee Retrofit Project Gets Recognition
By Aziza Jackson
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A retrofit project at the Facilities Services Complex at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville was recently recognized by American School & University (AS&U) and awarded its prestigious Collegiate Citation.
The former marble processing plant was built in 1908 and transformed into a showcase complex, earning the University of Tennessee the honor and Kalwall another award-winning design to its portfolio.
Kalwall is based in Manchester, N.H. and is known for creating high-performance translucent building systems, diffuse natural lighting systems, and its innovative, energy-efficient and sustainable designs.
The Facilities Services Complex at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville was named the Collegiate Citation winner for historic preservation in AS&U’s annual Educational Interiors Showcase (EIS). The project was featured on the cover of this year’s AS&U Magazine’s EIS awards edition. The annual showcase honors the best in educational design.
Kalwall translucent sandwich panels were fitted into the original clerestory encircling the central hall and flooding the open concept work space in natural diffuse daylight. In addition to a series of warehouses and workshops, there is a computer training lab, employee break area offices and conference rooms.
The jury praised the design for its “fabulous reuse and conservation of available space. The open, collaborative environment will support the mission of the university.”
The 91,000-square foot project, which cost $18.7 million, was designed by Cope Associates, Inc. and built by Johnson & Graylon Construction, both of Knoxville, Tenn.
The project was built to LEED silver criteria. Kalwall systems reduce maintenance and energy costs, becoming a preferred element of many retrofit projects where old facades need to be replaced and upgraded, and energy-efficiency is a priority.
About Kalwall
Kalwall® is the industry leader for diffuse natural lighting systems and is recognized for its innovative, energy efficient and sustainable designs. Its rugged and beautiful translucent building products provide a more predictable, better quality of usable natural light, with superior thermal properties and best-in-industry solar heat gain control. Kalwall was founded in 1955, is headquartered in Manchester, N.H., and all products are made in the USA. For more information, visit www.kalwall.com.