Wagner Park Edge Pavilion

At Issue

Wagner Park Edge Pavilion, a restroom structure in the heart of Aspen, began as a simple public facility, but, through public process, diligent research, and close collaboration throughout the design development process, it has become an exposition for how and why sustainable design not only works, but also works beautifully. The City of Aspen, an environmentally-conscientious community, and Willis Pember Architects, Inc., envisioned a facility that incorporated sustainable design concepts into the overall structure and operation of the facility, and approached Beaudin Ganze Consulting Engineers, Inc., (BGCE) to develop the mechanical, electrical, and lighting systems that supported and furthered the notion. BGCE worked closely with the City, Willis Pember, the Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE), and various system component manufacturers to produce a facility that moves beyond its basic function to highlight building technologies that contribute to sustainability and advance their acceptance in both form and function.

BGCE's Work

The Architect's initial vision of an open-trellis roof evolved into solar panels through public forum discussions. The Architect asked BGCE to research the possibilities, a task that took on a worldwide scope and included evaluation of over 30 different vendors for several different system components. Ultimately, due to aesthetics and power generation requirements, Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), an approach new to the U.S., which integrates panels into the building, as opposed to placing them proximately, was selected. The energy harnessed by the PV system is used to power lighting, exhaust fans, water-feature pumps, and domestic water heaters. The excess energy produced by the PV system is supplied back to the local utility grid and credited to the Owner's account.

The theme of resource efficiency was extended through various measures integrated within the design, which provide savings to the Owner, conservation of resources, and, ultimately, demonstrate the lasting value sustainable design provides. BGCE designs also included: systems to heat the facility with a super-high-efficiency natural gas boiler via a radiant floor system; ultrasonic sensors that energize the interior lighting and exhaust fans only when the spaces are occupied; and several water saving fixtures and devices to limit water usage.

Client Benefits

• The PV system generates upwards of 3 kilowatts of power at peak conditions, which exceeds the building's operational equirements, allowing energy to be supplied back to the utility grid and credited to the Owner's account


• Radiant floor heating, as opposed to forced air heating, requires relatively lower temperature water, which maximizes the boiler's thermal efficiency to 95%


• Water-saving features are projected to save 25% over conventional, low-flow fixtures


• The facility demonstrates Aspen's commitment to its community, the environment, and a smart, progressive approach to development