Big-D Projects Win AIA Utah Design Awards

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Two Big-D Construction projects were recently awarded 2010 AIA Utah Design Awards: The Center for Advanced Energy Studies and Tracy Aviary Visitor Education. The Tracy Aviary project was the only unbuilt project to receive an award.

The Center for Advanced Energy Studies in Idaho Falls, Idaho, is a 58,000 square-foot, two-story, LEED Gold research facility. The facility includes office space with under-floor air distribution, hydrogen labs, advanced materials labs, imaging suites, radio chemistry labs, analytical instrumentation labs, chemistry labs, systems modeling, visualization/power wall, CAVE, instrument shop/repair and office space. Constructed by the design-build team of Big-D and GSBS Architects, this project's main purpose is to aid the Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho State University, Boise State University, The University of Idaho and partners as a world-class center for nuclear research and education.

Big-D, in conjunction with ajc architects, is currently completing the Tracy Aviary Visitor Education Center. This design-build project includes new education and guest services spaces, plazas, amenities and extensive sitework. The completion of these projects will help to realize Tracy Aviary's vision in making the north entrance one of its greatest assets as it contains the main entrance, pelican pond, which is one of the Aviary's largest and most popular exhibits, features ample parking and integrates seamlessly with Liberty Park.

In keeping with its mission as a conservation organization and to preserve the Aviary's use for generations, the project is currently being constructed utilizing environmentally responsible building practices and is LEED registered with the certification goal of Silver.

The AIA Design Awards offer professional and public recognition for projects meeting client goals with exceptional design solutions.

About Big-D Construction

Big-D Construction Corporation has more than 44 years of experience in providing Design-Build, General Contracting and Construction Management services to customers from a wide variety of industries. As one of the largest construction companies in the country, Big-D employs more than 600 associates throughout the western United States. Regional offices are located in Salt Lake City, Ogden and Lindon, Utah; Pleasanton, California; Phoenix, Arizona; and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. For more information, please visit www.big-d.com.