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Vulcan Real Estate Seattle
Allen Institute
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Microsoft Corporation Redmond
The MEP-intensive Thermal Energy Center [TEC] project located at Microsoft’s Redmond, Washington headquarters serves as the powerhouse for the new campus. The centralized heating and cooling system, fueled by a 6.5-acre field of 900 geowells, utilizes the Earth’s thermal energy and disperses 850,000 gallons of water to control campus temperatures. The TEC also features solar panels, chillers, thermal energy storage tanks, and cooling towers to distribute clean energy. Affectionately known as The Machine in the Woods, the TEC aims to reduce campus energy consumption by 50% and water use by 8 million gallons.
Owner
Microsoft Corporation
Owner Representatives
CBRE, OAC Services Inc.
Architects
NBBJ
General Contractors
GLY
Metrics
70,000 SF
Year Completed
2022
Project Stats
875
geowells
280,000
gallons of water dispersed
550
feet, the depth of each geowell
Geowells
A geothermal heat exchange system is in the works to support Microsoft’s carbon negative goal on campus. Heat stored in thermal energy storage tanks will provide the campus with short-term needs and geowells will store heat for seasonal use. Approximately 75 of the 875 planned geowells have been installed to a depth of 550 feet. This process requires close coordination and detailed planning with the other general contractors and subcontractors on site.