Completion: 2010
Square Footage: 43,338
LEED Platinum

TEC-SMART, the Training and Education Center for Semiconductor Manufacturing and Alternative and Renewable Technologies, provides training environments for students to meet the demands of industries involved in the growing field of sustainable manufacturing. Located at the Saratoga Technology and Energy Park, the facility was developed by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

The facility includes state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories, a lecture hall, offices and five sustainable technology labs focused on wind, solar, geothermal, alternative energy and semi-conductor fabrication. Classrooms and labs are arranged and are linked by a double-height community education pavilion, which provides space for school groups, community organizations and businesses to host meetings and take courses.

Our design goal was to create a structure that preserves the character of its natural setting and be a showcase for energy efficient technology. The pavilion displays real-time teaching tools, monitoring energy consumption within the building. Sustainable and local materials are used throughout the building, including salvaged wood on the exterior façades and regionally-produced laminated wood on the interior. Other sustainable strategies include integrated photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, a ground source heat pump system and passive solar construction. A trombe wall provides thermal mass heating and cooling.