Project Overview

PROJECT SIZE:
15,000 square feet
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ARCHITECTURE FIRM:
Cooper Carry
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PROJECT TYPE:
High Education / Hospitality / Restaurant

Services Provided

✦ LEED Certification

✦ Energy Modeling

✦ Daylight Modeling

✦ Glare Studies

✦ Net Zero Studies

The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, a 115,000-square-foot academic facility, is an innovative hub for Auburn University's College of Human Sciences.

Designed by renowned architecture firm Cooper Carry, this state-of-the-art center is dedicated to preparing students for careers in hospitality, culinary sciences, and event management.

By combining immersive learning environments with high-performance architectural features, this center exemplifies Auburn’s forward-thinking approach to education.

Architectural Approach

Cooper Carry leveraged their expertise in higher education and hospitality design.

A key feature of the project was the integration of cove.tool’s  consulting leadership that is powered by technology, ensuring the building’s design met rigorous sustainability and energy efficiency goals.  Our team of consultants pride themselves on working hand in hand with the architecture team and moving at the pace of the design.

From the earliest design phases, we created the first LEED scorecard to understand the credits that we would need to get to the goals. This meant a lot of deep dives in reducing the energy for the building and ensuring that we have good daylight quality within the space.

Sustainability and LEED Certification

Achieving LEED Silver Certification was a central objective of this project. cove.tool’s advanced Energy Modeling, Daylight Modeling, and Glare Studies were pivotal in guiding the design team through energy optimization strategies.

These services allowed the architects to fine-tune key aspects of the building, including massing, façade treatments, HVAC systems, and interior programming, ultimately enhancing both the building’s operational efficiency and occupant comfort.

Net Zero Ready Design

In line with Auburn University’s sustainability ambitions, cove.tool conducted extensive Net Zero studies. These studies encompassed comprehensive analyses of the building’s massing, energy consumption, and environmental impact.

Each design iteration—from HVAC systems to façade configurations—was meticulously evaluated to guide the building toward a net zero energy-ready design.

This level of analysis ensured that the final design not only minimized carbon emissions but also enhanced long-term operational efficiency.

Impact on Hospitality Education

The Rane Center serves as a beacon for Auburn’s commitment to combining academic rigor with hands-on experience. Students enrolled in programs such as Culinary Science, Event Management, and Brewing Science benefit from a curriculum that balances theory with real-world application.

This immersive learning approach is enhanced by the building's sustainable design, which sets an example for future hospitality and culinary developments.

LEED Silver Certification Achievement

Through the collaborative efforts of Cooper Carry and cove.tool, the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center not only achieved LEED Silver Certification but also established itself as a transformative resource in hospitality education.

By utilizing advanced energy simulations, sustainability analyses, and comprehensive net zero studies, the project demonstrates the potential of architecture to harmonize educational objectives with sustainability imperatives.