Pioneering Research in a Hardened Climate

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) Flatirons Campus is home to the National Wind Technology Center, water-power and other clean energy research areas, as well as a significant portion of the Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems (ARIES) platform. The new Control Center Facility (CCF) is a high-performance laboratory for real-time monitoring, research and innovation of energy systems, supporting the future of clean energy technologies. As the U.S. Department of Energy’s only national laboratory solely dedicated to researching and developing clean energy and energy efficiency technologies, NREL continues to leverage its mission to create a resilient, energy-efficient campus at the CCF.

Designed for Durability

With gusts up to 140 mph and frequent pelting of rock, snow and debris, the CCF is strategically located to withstand the area’s harsh climate. Mammoth turbines harness the power of these forceful winds, creating an environment where durability, precision and innovation are critical for the high-functioning laboratory. 

Key design features include:

• Exterior terraces and walking paths provide views of NREL wind turbines and solar technologies, allowing researchers to engage physically with the campus environment.
• Inspired workplace environments enhance creativity, collaboration and well-being.
• Reinforced copper-anodized metal panels with embossed patterning create a durable façade that can withstand high winds.
• Native grasses, stormwater filtration and bird-friendly window glazing contribute to NREL’s mission to integrate with and enhance the surrounding landscape.
• Local quarried stone from the neighboring Flatiron Mountains reduces transportation costs of materials and provides poetic integration with nature.

A Laboratory Primed for Growth

Constructed as the first phase of a much larger research facility, the CCF building is designed to accommodate future research requirements. As researchers continue to utilize this facility as a living, learning laboratory, leveraging campus facilities as instruments to advance their work in energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainability, the CCF positions itself as a one-of-a-kind facility, furthering research in these fields.