After four years of working with the building committee for the Jefferson County Civic Center in Fairfield, Iowa, it became apparent the 39,000 sqft. facility would not be built when fundraising efforts came in about 30% less than expected.

Understanding the importance of the project to the city of Fairfield, our team decided to create a completely new design that would meet the budget, but require a complete shift in thought by the people of Fairfield. The new design turns away from the historic precedent and is cutting edge, fully sustainable and refocuses the town of Fairfield towards the future.

Predetermined requirements from a state-awarded grant added to the challenges of a new design, leaving no possibility of reducing the square footage or seating requirements. It was also important to the townspeople that the materials and labor come from local sources to add to the town ownership and pride in the project.

Architectural Workshop was able to meet the program by incorporating knowledge-based exterior wall construction methods typically used overseas to increase building performance and simplify construction. A local contractor has been chosen and plans are underway for construction to begin in the fall of 2005.

• Meets LEED's silver standards for environmental design
   
• Structural system is simple post and beam using a modulated Glu-lam system (that is locally manufactured and erected)
   
• Mechanical systems include ice storage to reduce chiller size and solar panels to supplement the boilers
   
• Exhibition and common spaces incorporate 100% indirect daylighting
   
• Photovoltaic panels provide 100% of the power requirements for emergency and backup power needs
   
• Sustainable energy design through combination of hydronic systems supplemented with forced air reduces typical operating cost by 28%