Sustainable campus energy planning

As part of Duke's commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2024, it has placed a priority on the achievement of coal-free power generation. Renovation and repurposing of the existing West Campus Steam Plant is part of this initiative and includes converting the plant to off-coal, refurbishing its interior and exterior, and providing space for future equipment capacity – a transformation that has earned it LEED Silver certification. With continued growth of the university, the 32,000-square-foot facility is now surrounded by the urban medical campus and commands a heightened visual presence. Adjacent to a new pedestrian esplanade, the sustainable landscape design integrates the historic structure with the neighboring precinct.

Built in 1928, the building is characterized by beautifully detailed brick work; large, arched windows; and two imposing brick boiler stacks. The architectural solution respects the original design, restoring the aged brick façade to create a coherent visual image. Integral to this effort was the removal of components originally used to store and burn coal, which have been replaced with a landscaped terrace. No longer needed, the south boiler stack was razed, and the north stack was shortened and repurposed as a lantern-like feature that conceals rooftop exhaust fans and functions as a beacon in the medical precinct.

Improvements to the building's interior include refurbishment and brightening of spaces with durable finishes, introduction of natural light into the boiler wings and public spaces, and upgrades addressing code compliance for egress and fire protection. A series of organizational concepts focus on sightlines, clear aisles, connections between the historic original building and later additions, and overall circulation paths within the plant.

Flad Architects (feasibility study, programming, architectural design, and interior design)
RMF Engineering, Inc. (engineer of record)