Columbus, Ohio, USA
The Ohio State University’s Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex (CEARC) is a 49,000 sq ft facility dedicated to advancing controlled environment agriculture (CEA).
Located at Waterman Agricultural Campus in Columbus, OH, it supports research in plant science, engineering, and food systems with state-of-the-art greenhouse technologies.
CEARC is designed to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration, providing an advanced environment for researchers, students, and industry professionals to explore innovative solutions for food security and sustainable agriculture.
The Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex by Erdy McHenry Architecture, won an American Architecture Award 2025 from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design.
Site and Design Strategy: Waterman Agricultural Campus, a 261-acre site, integrates research with urban agriculture. Unlike other urban campuses, Waterman maintains a permanent green space within Columbus, creating a dynamic agricultural ecosystem.
CEARC includes a headhouse and two greenhouse structures: a production research greenhouse and an academic research greenhouse.
The headhouse, built with a pre-engineered metal system, contains offices, labs, and classrooms.
Custom façade treatments and deep overhangs enhance energy efficiency and daylighting, while outdoor spaces extend learning opportunities and community interaction.
Greenhouse Systems and Sustainability: The production greenhouse supports multiple research initiatives, accommodating various crops, hydroponic systems, and precision agriculture studies.
The BSL-2P academic research greenhouse facilitates controlled pathogen studies, supporting agricultural biotechnology research. CEARC is the first North American research greenhouse with an ETFE film roof, significantly improving UV and PAR light transmittance.
A semi-closed ventilation system, motorized shading, and advanced environmental controls optimize microclimate regulation.
The facility incorporates a stormwater management strategy with bio-swales and retention basins to control runoff and erosion. A shared fertigation system precisely delivers nutrients, reducing water and resource waste.
Energy performance exceeds ASHRAE standards by 20%, with a high-efficiency curtainwall system maximizing daylighting while minimizing solar heat gain.
Ventilation and cooling systems utilize natural airflow and evaporative cooling, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. The benches were created from locally sourced and recycled materials further minimize environmental impact.
Community Engagement and Education: CEARC is designed to accommodate public tours, school visits, and industry symposia, fostering awareness of sustainable food production.
A large, adaptable gathering space with movable furniture and operable garage doors connects indoor and outdoor learning areas, supporting hands-on educational experiences.
The adjacent Franklin County Extension provides outreach and resources to local farmers, students, and community members, ensuring that research advancements directly benefit the public.
Advanced Research and Future-Ready Design: The facility’s compartmentalised design supports diverse research initiatives, including hydroponics, vertical farming, and genetic crop studies.
The high-bay greenhouse configuration accommodates future phenotyping technologies, enabling in-depth plant monitoring and automated research.
CEARC’s flexible environmental control systems support a broad range of projects, from climate adaptation studies to pest-resistant crop development, ensuring its long-term relevance.
CEARC sets a new standard for agricultural research facilities, combining advanced greenhouse technology, sustainability, and education.
Its interdisciplinary approach demonstrates how collaboration and adaptive design can drive advancements in food production and environmental stewardship.
Project: The Controlled Environment Agriculture Research Complex
Architects: Erdy McHenry Architecture
Design Team: Scott Erdy and Kevin Aires
Associate Architects: MA Design
Design Team: Ken Cleaver, Elena Mangigian, and Kevin Aires
General Contractor: Corna Kokosing Construction Company
Client: Ohio State University
Photographers: Brad Feinknopf, Feinknopf Photography
