Groundworks Art Lab, Boulder, CO
(formerly known as Studio Arts Boulder)

OCTOBER 2025 UPDATE: 

GROUNDWORKS ART LAB, Boulder, CO (formerly known as Studio Arts Boulder)
New Construction Commissioning (12,500 sq ft)

DMA Engineering assisted Groundworks Art Lab (formerly known as Studio Arts Boulder in the creation of its new and expanded space, designed to be sustainable and safe for both its students and the community.

After 40 years in North Boulder, Groundworks Art Lab partnered with Barrett Studio Architects and DMA Engineering to design a 12,500 sq. ft. facility for ceramics, wood, metal, print, and glass art. A core principle for Groundworks is to prioritize sustainability, aiming to have a positive impact on our local community and the planet.

DMA Engineering performed the energy modeling and commissioning of ground source heat pump mechanical system to accommodate creative processes such as painting, welding, pottery, and kiln work. These activities generate various air quality challenges, making HVAC systems crucial for ensuring the well-being of artists and preserving artworks. Through the commissioning we identified areas to provide better air sealing to meet code and corrected missing back draft dampers in the mechanical system, errors with the equipment operation, incorrect lighting controls – all to optimize the system operation, reduce noise and increase energy efficiency. We are in the process of implementing ongoing commissioning using Skyspark that will monitor system operation and energy use per code requirements.

Rendering Image Credit: Groundworks Art Lab, Boulder

Studio Arts Boulder - 2024

DMA Engineering is assisting Studio Arts Boulder in the energy modeling and commissioning of its new and expanded space, designed to be sustainable and safe for both its students and the community.

After 40 years in North Boulder, Studio Arts Boulder has partnered with Barrett Studio Architects and DMA Engineering to model, design, and commission a 12,500 sq. ft. facility for ceramics, wood, metal, print, and glass art. One of Studio Arts Boulder’s core principles is to prioritize sustainability, aiming to have a positive impact on our local community and the planet.

DMA Engineering has already provided energy modeling and is on deck to provide commissioning as construction nears completion in early 2024.  The new mechanical systems must accommodate creative processes such as painting, welding, pottery, and kiln work. These activities generate various air quality challenges, making HVAC systems crucial for ensuring the well-being of artists and preserving artworks.

Students working inside Studio Arts Boulder will benefit from:

  • An HVAC system that can effectively capture and remove contaminants from the air, preventing their inhalation and safeguarding the respiratory health of artists.
  • Proper ventilation, especially important during welding or operating kilns, as these activities can release potentially hazardous gases and heat. An efficient HVAC system provides the necessary ventilation to remove these gases and maintain a safe and controlled environment.
  • An HVAC system which is not only environmentally responsible but also cost-effective in the long run.
  • A clean, well-ventilated, and comfortable studio environment that fosters a positive and inspirational atmosphere for artists, enhancing creativity, productivity, and overall satisfaction in the workspace.