Heartland Farms
Farm Operations Technology Center
Hancock, WI
Delivery Method: Design Build
Architect: Ellis Construction
This 38,100 square-foot building fulfilled the need for a progressive and modern-looking building, while designing the look to meet the character of the rural site. Bringing the company’s history into the design was met by placing early historic farming equipment on the front lawn and creating ample wall space in the waiting room to have monitors showing the history of the company. Reminiscent of the original buildings on the site, the front reception desk is constructed incorporating some of the corrugated metal siding from a building that was going to be demolished. A heart-shaped storm water retention pond incorporating the Owner’s logo was used as a wayfinding mechanism directing people to the centered design feature of the main entrance canopy of the building.
Building below the water table, the foundation walls and slabs are all water-proofed with systems and sump pumps are used to control the level of the water to prevent water intrusion. Dirt, dust and mud tracking into the building poses a challenge to keep the building clean therefore a mudroom with a clothes and shoe changing area was built adjacent to the side employee entrance and also includes a boot cleaning floor sink for employees.
The building was constructed with a photovoltaic array, covering almost the entire roof to provide the majority of the electrical needs for this building. The site lent itself well to incorporate solar electric power into the building design with the open site in the middle of large fields.
WRMCA Concrete Design Award
Build Wisconsin Award, design-build category, Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin