Grinnell College, Conard Environmental Research Area Education Center

Honor Award

  • Holabird & Root
  • Grinnell College
  • Consultants Weitz Co. (Cost Estimating)
  • Division Institutional
  • Location Kellogg, IA
  • General contractor Neumann Brothers

Photos

(Click each for a larger version)

Grinnell College, Conard Environmental Research Area Education Center photo #1
Photo: Dale Van Donselaar, Dale Photographics
Grinnell College, Conard Environmental Research Area Education Center photo #2
Photo: Dale Van Donselaar, Dale Photographics
Grinnell College, Conard Environmental Research Area Education Center photo #3
Photo: Dale Van Donselaar, Dale Photographics

Overview

In its nature preserve called Conard Environmental Research Area, Grinnell College needed a facility for scientific and artistic study of the ecosystem. But as the parcel is in a rural area, it had to be nearly self-sufficient in resource use. The building sits low and faces south, to maximize sun and minimize cold and wind exposure. "The siting is good," jurors said of the building with its north face buried partly in earth for insulation. Geothermal heat and a water-collecting roof that feeds greenhouses and toilets contributed to the project's high marks.