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.        

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Given by AssetWorks, the Wayne, Pa.-based developer of the SFD’s AiM Facilities Management Software, the award recognizes “the highest degree of efficiency, productivity and service delivery” in utilizing the AiM system. Those responsible for overseeing AiM at SFD include Planning Administrator Stan Hobbs, AiM Administrator Jerimi Revell and AiM Assistant John Meena.

Agency Director, Bill Panos, praised the three for their hard work and continued commitment to service excellence. “The State of Wyoming and the SFD are fortunate to have talented and committed people like you,” Panos said in a statement. “Thank you for all your hard work to make our department the best it can be.”

Established in 2002, the SFD aims to provide Wyoming students with quality educational facilities. In collaboration with the state’s School Facilities Commission and the Legislature, the SFD assists with the planning, assessment, financing, construction and maintenance of Wyoming’s K-12 schools.

The SFD has also been busy establishing new schools across the state. On March 10 Panos announced the ground breaking for a new elementary school, Sundance Elementary, in Crook County. The 46,000-square-foot school will serve grades K-6 and was designed by Sandstrom Architecture with offices in Orem, Utah and Denver.

A month later the SFD announced preliminary construction on two additional schools. A new 51,300-square-foot elementary school in Ranchester — designed by Rock Springs-based Plan One Architects — will serve 365 K-5 students. Construction also began on a 502-student high school in Rawlins, designed by Celina, Ohio-headquartered Fanning Howey.

Also in March, the SFD celebrated the grand opening of Black Butte High School in Rock Springs, a 100-student alternative high school that spans more than 20,000 square feet and was also designed by Plan One Architects.

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