Polycarbonate walls and a row of tall window boxes bring diffused sunlight into the Iowa City Public Works building by US firm Neumann Monson Architects.
The low-lying building is located just south of Iowa City's downtown district, near a recreational area and a future housing development.
Totalling 99,294 square feet (9,225 square metres), the facility houses the city's street and water departments, including all of their equipment and vehicles.
"This project represents the ambitious first step in a 14-acre master plan to consolidate and upgrade a scattered set of ageing municipal operations," said local firm Neumann Monson Architects.
Rectangular in plan, the building was designed using 50-foot (15-metre) modules to accommodate future changes and additions. Materials were chosen for being highly durable, low-maintenance and cost-effective.
The structure is made of concrete and metal, and perimeter walls consist of precast concrete panels.
"The exterior panels were maximised in width as much as possible to reduce the number of joints," the studio said.
On the north and south facades, the architects incorporated large swaths of polycarbonate to bring in soft daylight.
Additional daylight is provided by a rhythmic series of tall, projecting windows with integrated colour-changing LEDs. The windows line the east facade, which overlooks a pathway and the planned residential neighbourhood.
"It sets an edge condition for the well-trafficked bike trail that links recreational grounds to the north and south, establishing a civic presence and measured cadence," the team said.
The building's main entrance, for both workers and vehicles, is on the west. A 12-foot (3.6-metre) canopy shelters equipment being stored outdoors.
Inside, the building has a main floor and mezzanine.
The main level encompasses a large parking area, offices, workstations, multiple shops, a wash bay and storage space for items like signs and parts.
The mezzanine, which has forklift access, holds additional storage space, a sign shop, equipment rooms and an electric room.
Interior rooms are filled with diffused light owing to polycarbonate walls and exterior windows, including 40 skylights. The natural light "provides a superior work environment" and helps reduce the building's energy consumption, the team said.
Other sustainable elements include charging stations for electric vehicles, the use of reclaimed water, and plans to add a photovoltaic array. The project is anticipated to earn LEED Gold certification from the US Green Building Council.
Overall, this project has met a multitude of goals, the team said.
"The aim was to create a space that not only meets the client's functional, schedule and budgetary needs but also provides all employees a dignified, safe and healthy space to work while respecting the adjacent neighborhoods and environment," the team said.
"The citizens will enjoy reduced operational costs and increased staff efficiencies of a modern facility."
Other Iowa projects by Neumann Monson Architects include a modern-style municipal services building in Des Moines that features operable windows and a central courtyard and the conversion of an 1850s farmhouse into a home that embodies an "understated choreography of new and old".
The photography is by Integrated Studio.
Architect: Neumann Monson Architects Contractor: Merit Construction Structural engineer: Raker Rhodes Engineering MEP engineer: Modus Civil engineer: Snyder Landscape design: Genus Landscape Architects Equipment consultant: HDR's Maintenance Design Group
Our most popular newsletter, formerly known as Dezeen Weekly. Sent every Thursday and featuring a selection of the best reader comments and most talked-about stories. Plus occasional updates on Dezeen’s services and breaking news.
Sent every Tuesday and containing a selection of the most important news highlights. Plus occasional updates on Dezeen’s services and breaking news.
A daily newsletter containing the latest stories from Dezeen.
Daily updates on the latest design and architecture vacancies advertised on Dezeen Jobs. Plus occasional news.
News about our Dezeen Awards programme, including entry deadlines and announcements. Plus occasional updates.
News from Dezeen Events Guide, a listings guide covering the leading design-related events taking place around the world. Plus occasional updates.
We will only use your email address to send you the newsletters you have requested. We will never give your details to anyone else without your consent. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of every email, or by emailing us at [email protected] .
For more details, please see our privacy notice.
You will shortly receive a welcome email so please check your inbox.
You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of every newsletter.
Yellow accents brighten Lone Tree Wellness Center by Neumann ...
Neumann Monson creates zero-energy East 2nd Street Parking ...
Neumann Monson completes shared building for Des Moines ...
Neumann Monson converts century-old Iowa factory into offices
Neumann Monson turns Iowa farmhouse from "dog's dinner" into ...
LMN Architects combines textured surfaces for Iowa City ...
Visual Arts Building by Steven Holl opens at the University ...
Substance Architecture clads Iowa car park in a golden screen
Visit our comments page | Read our comments policy
Our most popular newsletter, formerly known as Dezeen Weekly. Sent every Thursday and featuring a selection of the best reader comments and most talked-about stories. Plus occasional updates on Dezeen’s services and breaking news.
Sent every Tuesday and containing a selection of the most important news highlights. Plus occasional updates on Dezeen’s services and breaking news.
A daily newsletter containing the latest stories from Dezeen.
Daily updates on the latest design and architecture vacancies advertised on Dezeen Jobs. Plus occasional news.
News about our Dezeen Awards programme, including entry deadlines and announcements. Plus occasional updates.
News from Dezeen Events Guide, a listings guide covering the leading design-related events taking place around the world. Plus occasional updates.
We will only use your email address to send you the newsletters you have requested. We will never give your details to anyone else without your consent. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of every email, or by emailing us at [email protected] .
For more details, please see our privacy notice.
You will shortly receive a welcome email so please check your inbox.
You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of every newsletter.
Please share your location to continue.
Check our help guide for more info.
Please share your location to continue.
Check our help guide for more info.
Please share your location to continue.
Check our help guide for more info.
Please share your location to continue.
Check our help guide for more info.