Grinnell College CERA Complex

Owner: Grinnell College

Size: 8,600 SF

Type: Education

Year Completed: 2005

Architect: Holabird & Root

Delivery Method: Bid

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Project Description:

The Conard Environmental Research Area (CERA) is a 8,600-square-foot laboratory complex used by the students and faculty of Grinnell College, and also by the public for the study of nature and the environment.

Features of the project included an exterior of 50/50 block-glass and a sheet metal roof. The center also includes a 2,200-square-foot Butler building that houses maintenance equipment. 

In keeping with the building's environmentally conscious purpose, the project followed LEED® certification requirements in both design and construction and was the first LEED Gold Certified project in the state of Iowa. As part of this effort, the native prairie grass habitat in which the building is located was preserved during construction.

Post occupancy of the CERA complex, Neumann was invited back to the site to erect a wind turbine which today supplies the majority of the building's electricity.

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