In keeping with campus tradition, local “Hokie Stone” was incorporated into the design of a Virginia Tech’s new chiller plant — not only helping to conceal the mammoth size of the structure, but also adding points for LEED Silver certification
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University — popularly known as Virginia Tech — not only is dedicated to providing quality higher education, but it also takes great pride in its architecture. While the earliest campus buildings were constructed of brick, it soon became clear to university leaders during the late 19th and early 20th centuries that stone architecture would create a more prestigious image. As a result, the first building using regional limestone — affectionately called “Hokie Stone” — was erected in 1899, and since that time, many buildings throughout the campus has been designed with the material. In 2010, the entire board at Virginia Tech passed a resolution that Hokie Stone should be used on all buildings constructed on the University’s central campus. Most recently, a new chiller plant was completed, and the use of the regional limestone contributes to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification that is being sought for the building’s design.
BLT Architects (BLTa) of Philadelphia was the design consultant for the new chiller plant, which is located within the Life Sciences District HABB Quad development, as outlined in the university’s 2006 campus master plan. The expansion of the academic campus will include future construction of academic buildings, a structured parking deck and ancillary buildings. The plant is a new component to the university’s central chilled water system, and will serve future on-campus facilities.