The Sonnentag: A Beacon of Sustainable Innovation
The Sonnentag project, led by Ayres, stands as a testament to innovative design and sustainable engineering. This 225,900-square-foot facility in northwestern Wisconsin is a multipurpose venue that combines sports, recreation, entertainment, and well-being, all while achieving exceptional sustainability and educational value.
Challenges Lead to Innovation, Energy Efficiency
Ayres, serving as the prime consultant, collaborated with Thornton Tomasetti and IMEG Corporation to bring this vision to life. The project faced three primary challenges: defining and communicating stakeholder goals, aligning and prioritizing those goals, and maximizing value in every decision. The result is the largest indoor event venue in the region, achieving LEED Gold certification and a WELL Health Safety Rating.
It is an all-electric, zero-net-energy facility that is 24% more energy-efficient than similar facilities, with an 11.3% reduction in global warming potential.
Design was approached as an integrated partnership, with Ayres participating directly in critical decision-making. The project used robust energy modeling to assess costs and operational impacts, improving iterative decision-making. Energy-efficient building materials and systems, such as improved insulation and high-performance windows, were employed. A unique partnership with the local utility and a philanthropic stakeholder enabled the use of solar and geothermal renewable energy strategies, achieving a zero-net-energy facility with significant carbon reduction.
Embodied Carbon Reductions and Technological Advancements
The project also broke new ground in embodied carbon reductions. Ayres worked with regional construction materials suppliers to generate new environmental product declarations, allowing those suppliers to market to future clients seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. The facility's geothermal system, paired with a local off-site solar facility, provides all-electric power and climate control and serves as a model for other projects.
Interactive Display and Educational Impact
The Sonnentag's design includes a permanent digital display, created with Greenwood Consulting Group, Seven Mile Media, and Stok. This interactive dashboard showcases the project's commitment to sustainability, featuring charts and graphs on energy use and savings. Visitors can explore a 3-D building model to see hidden systems and access details on the geothermal system, solar energy source, and more.
The project was completed on time and under budget, far exceeding the original goals set by the client and stakeholders. It has become a landmark for the City of Eau Claire, filling the need for a large event venue and raising the bar for green projects in the region. The Sonnentag is not only a landmark facility but also a catalyst for future sustainable development, challenging other institutions to follow its lead.
About the Guest Blogger
Ayres, a longtime member of ACEC WI, is a team of 350+ innovative problem-solvers nationwide, standing with integrity behind thousands of projects that strengthen communities and our country’s infrastructure, economy, and environment. Ayres is based in Eau Claire; it has additional offices in Wisconsin, as well as offices in California, Colorado, Florida, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Wyoming.