Case Study
Colorado State University – Health Education Outreach Center

43,007ft²

Project Overview

Cator, Ruma & Associates provided MEPT engineering services for a 40,000-square-foot anatomy and research building addition at Colorado State University. The project includes Gross and Neuro Anatomy laboratories, high-density instructional spaces, and a virtual reality teaching lab, with systems designed to support occupant safety, high ventilation demands, and campus utility integration. The anatomy laboratories were engineered to prioritize occupant safety, comfort, and instructional flexibility without relying on traditional downdraft tables. Air-side systems were carefully designed to maintain formaldehyde concentrations below objectionable odor thresholds and within safe breathing-zone limits, even at high occupancy. The Gross Anatomy laboratory accommodates up to 36 grossing tables with seating for approximately 150 students, while the Neuro Anatomy laboratory supports 20 tables and seating for up to 80 students. Large-capacity cadaver coolers allow secure storage during unoccupied periods, reducing exposure risks and operational demands. The building also includes a high-density virtual reality teaching laboratory requiring robust electrical, cooling, and technology infrastructure. Mechanical systems incorporate high-efficiency air-to-air energy recovery to offset ventilation demands, while campus steam and chilled water systems provide reliable heating and cooling. The addition was coordinated to align floor-to-floor elevations with the adjacent A/Z Building, with architectural features such as floor-to-ceiling glass in the Gross Anatomy lab balanced against strict environmental control requirements. The project was delivered using a design-build approach, emphasizing close coordination between disciplines to meet performance, schedule, and constructability goals.
Project Details

Project Details

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Project description

Cator, Ruma & Associates provided MEPT engineering services for a 40,000-square-foot classroom and research building addition at Colorado State University, supporting a state-of-the-art anatomy education environment integrated within an active campus. The facility includes Gross Anatomy and Neuro Anatomy laboratories, high-density instructional spaces, and advanced teaching technologies designed to support evolving educational methods.

The anatomy laboratories were engineered to prioritize occupant safety, comfort, and instructional flexibility without relying on traditional downdraft tables. Air-side systems were carefully designed to maintain formaldehyde concentrations below objectionable odor thresholds and within safe breathing-zone limits, even at high occupancy. The Gross Anatomy laboratory accommodates up to 36 grossing tables with seating for approximately 150 students, while the Neuro Anatomy laboratory supports 20 tables and seating for up to 80 students. Large-capacity cadaver coolers allow secure storage during unoccupied periods, reducing exposure risks and operational demands.

The building also includes a high-density virtual reality teaching laboratory requiring robust electrical, cooling, and technology infrastructure. Mechanical systems incorporate high-efficiency air-to-air energy recovery to offset ventilation demands, while campus steam and chilled water systems provide reliable heating and cooling. The addition was coordinated to align floor-to-floor elevations with the adjacent A/Z Building, with architectural features such as floor-to-ceiling glass in the Gross Anatomy lab balanced against strict environmental control requirements. The project was delivered using a design-build approach, emphasizing close coordination between disciplines to meet performance, schedule, and constructability goals.

Guiding Principles for the Design

  • Safety Without Compromising Instruction
  • High Ventilation, Low Energy Penalty
  • Design for Density and Adaptability
  • Seamless Integration with Campus Infrastructure

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