The Hemlock Semiconductor Building is a joint effort between Austin Peay State University, the State of Tennessee Economic Development Council and Hemlock Semiconductor. This state of the art and sustainable facility provides a major laboratory space and classrooms dedicated to a new Chemical Processing Technology curriculum.
The laboratory is used to provide chemical processing technology programs related to the development of solar panel technology. Classroom windows are arranged so as to look down into the high bay industrial laboratory from the second floor thus to supplement learning, but also to allow natural daylighting from the high bay area into the second floor classrooms. An array of solar panels are showcased as part of the building exterior design with emphasis on solar control at the building south facing facade as well. The building is situated on the site generally parallel to the East / West axis to take of advantage of solar angles and in order to manipulate and utilize solar hear gain. The solar panels provide a fully functional array that feeds power back onto the electrical utility power grid. The Sustainable Design Guidelines adopted by the State of Tennessee are a major focus on this project as well. Building components are comprised of recycled materials and are of low VOC content. Natural daylight is circulated throughout the building interior spaces to help reduce electrical loads. With key attention to the well being of building occupants, emphasis is placed on air quality, thermal comfort, good acoustics, natural daylighting and foremost the further development of solar panel technology.
The Hemlock Building recieved the following awards:
ABC Mid Tennessee Chapter-2012 Construction Award of Excellence
Award of Merit, AIA, Orlando Chapter-2011, Gulf States Region
Award of Merit, AIA, Orlando Chapter-2010, Middle Tennessee Region
CONSULTANTS
Bauer Askew Architecture: Consulting Architect / DBS & Associates Engineering: Civil K&S Engineering: Structural I.C. Thomasson Associates : Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical
CONSTRUCTION MANAGER / GENERAL CONTRACTOR
The Parent Company