EcoHawks is a student research program run by the University of Kansas School of Engineering that focuses on sustainable energy research. The program is developing the next generation of vehicles and exploring sustainable energy systems, working toward a future in which buildings, vehicles, and occupants interact with the energy grid to help conserve resources.

EcoHawks wanted the equivalent of a car showroom where visitors could learn about its work. The building is divided into three bays. The first two bays contain high-bay fabrication work areas along the south side of the building. These areas are fully daylit, and the concrete slab acts as thermal mass, absorbing the sun’s heat. The north side of these bays contains support spaces and computer research labs. The third bay is a detached, open-air mechanical research space. The stair and outdoor work decks are made from 12,000 pounds of steel grating salvaged from a local yard.

To control heat loss and gain through the glass walls while still promoting daylighting, Studio 804 worked with several manufacturers to fabricate remotely operable translucent walls that can be raised and lowered at the push of a button. The walls are filled with aerogel beads, creating an insulated barrier with an R-value of 11 while still allowing 38% light transmittance.

The large, uninterrupted exterior walls are clad in a woven rainscreen made from salvaged aluminum. The weave consists of horizontal ½-inch tubing that gathers vertical strips of varying widths. The resulting surface creates the effect of a lenticular print, appearing to change subtly as a person moves past the building.