The ACET Center is built into a hillside. The hillside acts as a barrier and reduces the area of exterior exposure, reducing the heating and cooling energy demands. This location also helps conceal the large garage bays, which are located at the back of the building on the low side of the hill. The structural system incorporates both masonry and precast concrete bearing walls, which also serve as a durable finish material on the interior. Insulated metal panels wrap around the walls and roof. Precast was used around the high bay garage areas. The remainder of the building utilizes reinforced masonry walls as bearing walls and shear walls for an efficient and cost-effective solution.
*Photographs: Gene Avallone
