The leaders of Ellsworth Community College determined the improvement of their existing curriculum programs and the emphasis of green technologies were two key priorities of the college. With these as a focus, frk designed two facilities on a site located at the south edge of Iowa Falls.
The Equine Center provides an expansion to the Ellsworth Equine program, including the addition of a new show arena and exhibition stalls. The student instruction area, including breeding and equine care capabilities, will be linked with the agricultural classroom instruction area which is provided in the adjacent Renewable Energy Center building. The Renewable Energy Center also houses the molecular and genetics research programs, as well as community science research facilities. The emphasis of green-technologies is exhibited through incorporation of a geothermal mechanical system, solar hot-water panels, and extensive daylight harvesting technologies which also serve as a teaching tool.