UNM Lomas Chiller Plant
The new Lomas Chilled Water Plant was the first project in a phased renovation of the antiquated heating and cooling system for the University of New Mexico campus. Dedicated solely to efficiently providing chilled water for the campus, the Lomas plant is an expandable facility designed to keep up with the current and future needs of the fast-growing university.
The location of the new 20,000 sf plant presented challenges for the design team whose task it was to construct a large-scale industrial complex along a prominent end of campus and adjacent to several historic university buildings. Additionally, the logistics of getting construction materials onto the small site, installing new utilities, and maintaining campus operations without interrupting neighboring buildings were challenges the design and construction team had to overcome.
The Vision
The design solution for the building was derived from the need to blend a large industrial chiller plant into the fabric of UNM’s campus. To resolve visibility issues, much of the site perimeter is bordered by retaining walls and very tall screens. To add interest and compliment the University’s architectural style, color patterns were added to the exterior walls.
- 20,000 sf
- Architecture
- Four 8,000 ton chillers expandable to 12,000
- Four 1,088 sf cooling towers
News
Architects at Work
As we celebrate the back-to-school season, we want to commemorate the dedicated individuals who have grown with FBT, evolving from intern architects into leaders of our education studios. Through their unique experiences, these talented individuals have faced diverse challenges, honed their skills and gained invaluable insights that have shaped their careers and how we define […]
Designing Educational Spaces
At FBT Architects, the design of educational spaces goes beyond creating functional buildings; it’s about shaping environments that inspire and support learning at every stage. Whether the focus is on K-12 schools or higher education institutions, commitment to innovation and flexibility is unwavering. Susan Johnson, Higher Education Principal, and Kelly Jernigan, Director of the Colorado […]
Making Big Moves & Building a Brighter Future
Albuquerque The Magazine Architects Profile Feature In 1973, a small group of hungry architects came together with a vision to put pencil to draft paper and transform the burgeoning city of Albuquerque—one innovative design idea at a time. They never could have imagined 50 years later, their scrappy little architecture firm (yes, it was FBT […]
Employee Spotlight With Antonio Vigil
Antonio’s career journey has evolved through continual exploration. After ten years at a smaller firm focused on private development, he transitioned to FBT, where he has gained experience with large-scale, public-sector projects and collaborating with larger teams. This move has been crucial in Antonio’s growth as an architect, equipping him with the skills to create […]
Contributing to the Community and Discovering New Perspectives
Back in March, hundreds of inquisitive young minds from across New Mexico gathered for the multi-day Central NM STEM Research Challenge. The participants, which included elementary, middle and high school students, got to show off a STEM-based project they spent months researching. Their tireless efforts poured into small booths filled with tri-folded poster boards displaying […]
Employee Spotlight With Diana Duran
As a newly licensed architect, Diana’s journey with FBT has been marked by her unwavering dedication to excellence and her ability to seamlessly integrate innovative solutions into her work. Her story is a testament to the power of combining personal values with professional aspirations. Growing up, Diana’s family gatherings were always filled with a sense […]
Employee Spotlight With Henry Reitwiesner
Henry’s background on the client side as an educational facilities operator, in-house architect and owner’s representative makes him an invaluable resource for his colleagues in FBT’s Colorado Springs Office. He describes his role at FBT as a mentor. “I provide a perspective as a former client for others to reflect on,” he explains. Henry’s career […]
Groundbreaking for Cibola Loop Multi-Generational Center
The Cibola Loop Multi-Generational Center in northwest Albuquerque, designed by FBT Architects, broke ground on May 21, 2024. This 55,000 sf wellness center will feature fitness amenities including a climbing gym, an elevated indoor running track, a gymnasium and multi-use classrooms. Outdoor amenities will include athletic fields, trails and an amphitheater. Designed to meet the […]
Employee Spotlight With Allie McAlister
As FBT’s Marketing Manager, Allie has a way with communication and organization that stems from years of experience in the field. If she were to describe her role at FBT using a metaphor, it would be “herding sheep,” especially in proposal development. “Putting together a proposal is like putting together a puzzle, but the pieces […]
FBT Breaks Ground on Multiple Projects
The last couple of weeks have been filled with elation, gratitude and excitement as FBT Architects celebrate three groundbreaking ceremonies for projects across the region. These projects, spanning multiple offices and studios, include a wellness center for Taos Pueblo, a middle school for Atlas Prep in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and a meeting house for The Twelfth […]