International Animal Health & Food Safety Institute - K-State Olathe

The National Animal Health and Food Safety Institute at Kansas State University (KSU) in Olathe, Kan., is a unique collaboration between business, the university, the City of Olathe, and the community.

This was the first building in a planned 38-acre innovation campus education and research triangle. KSU knew they could count on Henderson Engineers to provide reliable building systems design services and consultation on the project’s LEED Silver certification. 

Our team designed the building mechanical systems with an efficient central chilled water system and variable pumping and incorporated a central boiler plant that used high-efficiency condensing boilers for the building’s hot water heaters. On the roof, modular handlers were used to supply the building’s heating, cooling and ventilation.

We used high-induction and high-plume exhaust fans in labs and animal areas and furnished the laboratories with hard piped specialty gases and vacuums, dedicated work rooms, and specialty gas manifolds. A central glassware wash and sterilization suite was included, along with a cold room for research that’s temperature and humidity sensitive.

We also provided design for a comprehensive control system and programming that was not only dependable first and foremost, but also user-friendly for facility staff to manage with minimal training time. Throughout the facility, digital signage displays information regarding upcoming events, news, and scheduling information for staff, students, and visitors alike.

Our team values the opportunity to be part of this first building in the education and research triangle. We can’t wait to see the discoveries and new products uncovered that will benefit the world’s food supply.