Central Chilling Station No.6

The University of Texas at Austin

Facing growing demand for chilled water and the demolition of an aging chilling plant, the Utilities Department commissioned this new 15,000 ton Station No. 6. Needing proximity to the existing distribution network, No. 6 was situated in the tight confines of the central campus, constrained on all sides by existing buildings, below by the network of tunnels, and above by height limitations. The building balances the requirements of equipment, security, and personnel with a pedestrian-friendly exterior that adheres to the campus master plan. The design places the human-scaled program elements along the western face of the building which fronts courtyards at both ends. The brise soleil window wall of the office wing serves as counterpoint to the simple limestone and brick enclosure of the rest of the structure. In an allusion to the cooling effects of wind and rain the inverted pyramidal copper roof opens upward to the sky.