Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities Office and Training Headquarters
(IAMU Office and Training Headquarters)
Overview
Location: Ankeny, IA, United States
Climate Region: 5A: Cool - Humid
Building type(s): Commercial office, Assembly
New construction
12,500 ft2 (1,160 m2)
Project scope: a single building
Suburban setting
Completed June 2000
The mission of the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities (IAMU) is "to support and strengthen Iowa's municipal utilities." The IAMU represents 550 cities with municipally owned gas, electric, water, wastewater, stormwater, and telecommunications utilities. The IAMU building serves as an office for the development of programs as well as a training facility for its members. The building contains an auditorium and a boardroom/classroom for workshops and classes. A 10-acre field onsite allows for hands-on training with electric, gas, water, and telecommunications systems and equipment.
Environmental Aspects
The site and facilities were designed with stewardship of natural resources in mind. Innovative energy-efficiency and resource preservation measures are incorporated throughout the property and buildings. Development of the IAMU property was planned to protect and enhance the adjacent Carney Marsh, a 40-acre protected wetland. Eleven of the site's 24 acres were converted to native Iowa prairie and wetlands, and a wetlands wastewater treatment system was installed. The native plantings require no irrigation, and the need for mowing and chemical fertilizers is minimal. An integrated design approach significantly reduced the building's energy use compared to a typical office building in the Midwest. The energy-efficiency measures include a high-performance building envelope, daylighting, dimming and occupancy lighting controls, a ground-source heat pump system for heating and cooling, an energy recovery ventilator, and tankless water heating.
Owner & Occupancy
Owned and occupied by Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities, Corporation, nonprofit
Typically occupied by 28 people, 40 hours per person per week; and 100 visitors per week, 4 hours per visitor per week
Building Programs
Indoor Spaces:
Office (42%), Conference (18%), Other (15%), Lobby/reception (12%), Restrooms (11%), Mechanical systems (2%)
