Iowa State University, Hatch Hall Chemistry Building

Ames, Iowa

Hach Hall is a state-of-the-art $50.5 million, 135,000 square-foot chemistry building. The three-story facility received LEED Gold certification from the US Green Building Council. Twenty-four synthetic chemistry research laboratories are housed on the second and third floors and support approximately 120 graduate students.  Associated office spaces accommodate 20 faculty and support staff members. The first floor consists of three classrooms and laboratories for organic and inorganic chemistry along with a student lounge, the instrument services department, and building services. Spaces for up to eight analytical chemistry laboratories and associated write-up and support spaces is allocated in the Basement

Energy efficiency features include plate heat exchangers in each 100% outside air laboratory air handling unit which reclaim heat from the lab exhaust for tempering incoming outside air. The selected heat exchangers are more efficient than the ASHRAE minimum efficiency requirements. A variable air volume fume hood arrangement for the 260 plus fume hood installation includes zone presence sensors Henneman also facilitated a change in ISU’s laboratory airflow design criteria to be more inline with current design trends and code limits allowing for further reduction in energy costs. Finally, a rain water reclamation system collects storm water in a below grade tank to be used for the flushing of urinals and water closets. All features cut energy costs roughly in half as compared to a base code-compliant laboratory building. 

Henneman provided lighting analysis, including light level calculations. The flexible public space lighting allowing to be adapted to multi-functional spaces (e.g. lounge, small collaboration areas, large meeting) was an important design feature for the Chemistry Department. 

Henneman performed mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, information technology, and LEED/sustainable design services. ACEC Iowa awarded Henneman Engineering the Grand Place Award (1st Place) for this project in the Buildings and Systems Category of the 2012 Engineering Excellence Awards Competition.