EcoHawks is a student research program run by the University of Kansas School of Engineering focused on alternative energy for transportation. The rapid expansion of the program has generated the need for a new facility to showcase the EcoHawks’ research, which, in turn, provided Studio 804 with the opportunity to continue its tradition of designing and constructing high-quality, innovative and sustainable buildings. The similar ideologies and goals of both the EcoHawks and Studio 804 made a collaboration a natural partnership. The EcoHawks Engineering Research and Teaching Facility is a showroom for the research, fabrication, and refurbishment of electric vehicles. The facility has computer workstations and supports prototype testing. The high-bay fabrication spaces are completely glazed to allow visitors to view the research in progress and allow for maximum visibility and solar gain. To offset the high heat transfer and improve energy performance, Studio 804 developed a system of translucent, aerogel, insulated panels that raise and lower behind the glass façade. The marriage of the passive design strategies and active sustainable technologies helped make EcoHawks Studio 804’s sixth LEED Platinum building.
The University of Kansas Department of Architecture invites applications for Studio 804, a comprehensive one-year, fully hands-on design-build experience for students who are at an advanced stage in their studies and committed to the continued research and development of affordable, sustainable and inventive building solutions. Students enrolled in Studio 804 work full time to design and build a new building every year. The widely-published program, under the direction of Distinguished Professor Dan Rockhill, has produced ten LEED Platinum buildings, three of which are Passive House-certified. To learn more, visit studio804.com and architecture. ku.edu/studio804. The university accepts transfers, 4+2 grads, B.Arch grads, M.Arch grads, or professionals — anyone who wants to be a better architect by having had the experience of designing and constructing a sophisticated building in its entirety from the ground up.
