University of Idaho Water Center

Boise, ID

University of Idaho Water Center

A hub for graduate research programs and several state and federal agencies focused on natural- and water-based resources, this eight-story building includes classrooms, laboratories, office space, and retail shops over one parking level below grade. MKA designed a raised-floor system, a geothermal heating system, and a large-scale hydraulic test flume spanning two floors.  In addition, the building’s design accommodates future expansion. MKA's civil effort included a peer review of the proposed subsurface drainage design by another firm to offer the architect and general contractor technical performance observations and value engineering recommendations.