Recharge uses an innovative approach to solving the water energy nexus. Not only does the building produce its own water and energy all by itself, but it revitalizes human health as well as the vehicles that come into the facility.

The project is a 5,000 square foot rest area located along Interstate 15 south of Salt Lake City in Mona, Utah with potential to be located with similar results in many other arid climates in the western side of the 100th meridian of the United States.

The pronounced butterfly-roof collects water into a drain located in the middle of the building and acts as the core of the project. The core collects rain, pumps up water from the well below, and creates evaporative cooling by use of the cooling tower above. This is all done  through a visible process that educates the visitors.

One exciting feature is the Living Machine which reclaims up to 7000 gallons of water daily and is integrated throughout the project with its surrounding wetlands and indoor aerated lagoon. This provides the potential for the building to be self-sustained which puts it into the class of “Living Building”.

Photovoltaic panels located above the parking stalls act as shading devices and produce all the energy needed to both power the facility as well as vehicles. Tromb walls are placed on the south side of the building as well as a sloped ceiling that features adjustable louvers to keep the building at a desirable temperature.