Project Description & Roles

The USTAR Innovation Center in Clearfield, UT is strategically located and designed specifically with entrepreneurs and start-up companies in mind. This space gives access to specialized R&D equipment, prototype lab space, mentoring, & general office spaces, thus allowing them to accelerate their invention and innovation processes. The adjacent proximity to Hill Air Force Base also allows for greater opportunities and synergy between private and federal R&D programs. 

​

The 21,000 SF building was constructed as a concrete tilt-up structure to accommodate the required space for the fabrication and prototype lab equipment as well as ample space for approximately 7,000 SF of Class-A Office Space. The interior architecture and design was driven primarily by the end-use and brand. The architecture of the building itself was also a major driver behind many of the design decisions on the interior. The orange metal bands which run horizontally on the exterior facade were the inspiration behind the orange bands used as a form of art in the fabrication lab.

​

Overall, the facility is designed to house many different entrepreneurs and start-ups in a way that encourages a balance between group collaboration and needed privacy. On the office side the facility offers a fully functioning office environment including private offices, office suites, open workstations, a good-sized break room, and restrooms equipped with showers. A variety of meeting spaces are also available, ranging from a formal conference room to a less formal "Think Tank". Whereas the lab side offers fully equipped wood and metal shops as well as ample space for fabrication and prototype testing. The facility also includes 3D printers, a laser cutter, and a water jet machine used for precision cutting. A critical aspect of the design process consisted of determining the best strategy for how all the specialized equipment would fit and function in the space. 

​

Zach's roles in this project included all stages of the design process. Steps included programing meetings with leadership and key stakeholders to determine needs and goals, schematic layouts using Revit, deign development via material samples and 3D models, construction documentation for permits and bids, and lastly construction administration throughout by reviewing submittals, attending weekly OAC meetings, and participating in punch list walks. 

​

A digital walk-through of the facility provided by R&O Construction can be viewed here.