Case Studies - Commercial
1074 Folsom Street Gallery/Office
1074 Folsom
San Francisco, CA
http://www.vanderryn.com/va/index-projects.html
Qualifications:
Van der Ryn Architects Description:
Adaptive reuse of a 1890 historic firehouse into a mosaic studio, gallery, and offices was the first step in making this building sustainable. The existing redwood frame and siding were preserved and the wood flooring was repaired and refinished. A photovoltaic array provides more than enough energy for the entire building and daylighting, skylights, operable windows provide for natural light and ventilation. Green materials were utilized were applicable.
Adeline Street Urban Salvage Project
Karl Wanaselja
2808 Adeline Street, #4
Berkeley, CA
510.848.8901
lwarc@pacbell.net
http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/greenbuilding/
CaseStudies/Homes/Adeline.htm
Qualifications:
Leger Wanaselja Architecture Description:
This project is a salvage/remodel of an addition to a 100-year old house and adjacent shop in Berkeley, California. The building is a mixed use complex with two commercial units on the first floor and two residential units above. The salvageable building elements (doors, windows, trim, and siding) were recombined with discarded auto parts and recycled materials to create a modern, sun-filled architecture that uses a minimum of new materials. The urban lot was "densified" by jacking up the two and a half story house and building a commercial space below, creating a compound of two street level commercial spaces with two residential units above. As developers, designers and builders, Leger Wanaselja Architecture was able to control all stages of the process, optimizing the ecological potential.
Alameda County's Santa Rita Jail
Matt Muniz, PE
Alameda County, CA
510.208.9518
http://www.co.alameda.ca.us/srjp/press.htm
Qualifications:
PowerLight Corporation / Alameda County/ CMS Viron Description:
Santa Rita Jail is proud to be the host of the nation's largest rooftop solar electric system. Through a comprehensive energy upgrade of the central plant; installation of state-of-the-art cooling equipment and controls; and increased insulation from the solar roof tiles the facility's existing energy load was significantly reduced. The original 640-kilowatt solar array was increased by 500-kilowatts for a total generation capacity of 1.14Megawatts. Now the facility is able to produce approximately 30% of its daytime peak demand.
Argonne Child Development Center
San Francisco, CA
http://www.smallfirmsgreatprojects.org/project.php?pid=213
Qualifications:
450 Architects Description:
San Francisco's first solar-powered school was designed to celebrate the community's children and San Francisco's largest community garden. The design maximizes solar heat gain in the winter and shading and natural ventilation in the summer. Daylighting (skylights) provides the majority of lighting needed, and the photovoltaic system generates 25% of the needed electricity for the remaining load. There is only minimal heating in the building and no cooling. Low-VOC building materials were used to provide a healthy indoor environment for the children. The building serves as a tool for educating the public about sustainable development.
Aspect Communications
1310 Ridder Park Drive
San Jose, CA 95131
http://www.aspect.com
Qualifications:
William McDonough + Partners / DPR Construction Description:
The design of this building provides a comfortable workspace by establishing new relationships between people, building, and landscape. A few key features of the facility include high floor-to-ceiling dimensions, narrow floor depths, and high-performance operable windows. Silicon Valley's first application of an underfloor air distribution promotes both energy efficiency and indoor air quality. The underfloor air system provides each employee with individual space control. Water conservation occurs through efficient fixtures and the building is pre-plumbed to accommodate a future reclaimed water system for irrigation. Some of the original trees were boxed during construction (for protection) and then replanted on-site.
Berkeley MLK Jr. Civic Center / City Hall
2180 Milvia St.
Berkeley, CA
http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/departments/services/constructioninfo.htm
Qualifications:
Berkeley Office of Capital Improvement Projects / ELS / Arup / Simon & Associates /Swinerton Mgmt & Consulting Description:
Many aspects of green building are demonstrated through this project. Beginning with the reuse of a 1940 City Landmark building, the team conducted a seismic upgrade and renovated the interior space. The original steel casement windows (operable) and siding were reused/salvaged for this renovation project. Adding natural ventilation shafts, fans for cross ventilation, daylighting, exposed concrete ceiling joists for thermal mass and energy efficient mechanical and electrical systems created a very efficient building system. Indoor environmental quality was enhanced by zero-VOC paint, formaldehyde-free sunflower seed wall panels, FSC-certified red oak, recycled glass floor tiles, etc. (77K sq. ft. retrofit)
Camp Arroyo Environmental Education Center
Henry Siegel
Arroyo del Valle
Livermore, CA
510.547.8092
hsiegel@siegelstrain.com
http://www.ttff.org/camp.htm
Qualifications:
Siegel & Strain Architects / East Bay Regional Park District / Taylor Family Foundation Description:
This environmental education camp, which serves middle school as well as critically ill children and other guests, was designed to demonstrate a series of ecological design principles as part of the curriculum. Bathhouses are made of stabilized earth, the cabins are efficient wood structures, and the dining hall is a straw-bale building. Low-tech solutions to heating, cooling, and water treatment were favored over more complex mechanical technologies for energy efficiency, lower cost, and simplicity. The bathhouses are open-air, seasonal structures with natural ventilation and no mechanical system. The cabins and dining hall depend on shading strategies and operable clerestory windows to accommodate the cooling season. The cabins have south-facing sunrooms for winter heat gain and solar panels for water heating and backup radiant heat. The biological wastewater treatment system will treat water with minimal energy input, demonstrating that there is no waste in nature.
Campus Center for Appropriate Technology (CCAT)
Arcata County, CA
http://www.humguide.com/seniornews/issues/0101a.shtml
Qualifications:
Description:
Students at Humbolt University converted an on-campus house into a demonstration project for sustainable living, now called the Campus Center for Appropriate Technology (CCAT). CCAT sustainable features include a greywater marsh, organic gardens, a rainwater catchment system, and energy generated by solar electricity, wind turbine and a bio diesel generator. Indoor heat is generated by a wood-burning stove and passive solar energy.
Cesar Chavez Education Center
Oakland, CA
http://www.chps.net/chps_schools/chavez.htm
Qualifications:
VBN Architects / Oakland Unified School District / California Energy Commission / Pacific Gas & Electric Description:
Part of the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) Program, this building exceeds Title 24 by 20%. Energy savings strategies include: natural ventilation, daylighting, cool roofs, and high efficiency heating and ventilation. Recycled content products were used throughout the building, including fly ash concrete. Construction debris was recycled.
Crissy Field Environmental Education Center
Tom Eliot Fisch
Crissy Field, Presidio
San Francisco, CA
Qualifications:
Simon & Associates Description:
The 11,500 sq. ft. historic building was designed to be an educational outreach center for the community. Many green building materials were incorporated to provide for a healthy indoor environmental quality. Green design educational displays help the public understand the benefits of green building.
Crossings
Mountain View, CA
http://www.abag.ca.gov/planning/theoryia/compmtnview.htm
Qualifications:
Calthorpe Associates, TPG Development Corp. Description:
Mixed-use community development focused on transforming an underutilized retail mall into a vibrant, walkable, livable and transit-supportive neighborhood. High density living surrounded by transit provides for a strong sense of community. Energy systems exceed Title 24 standards.
David & Lucile Packard Foundation Offices
Los Altos, CA
http://www.certifiedwood.org/education-modules/case-studies/packard-foundation.htm
Qualifications:
Hawley Peterson Snyder Architects /Blach Construction / Simon & Associates Description:
With a strong commitment to using FSC certified wood products throughout the project, the Packard Foundation incorporated over 95% of wood based products from certified sources. Wood products included redwood siding, trellising and exterior trim; oak partitions, furniture, casework veneers, interior trim base, chairs and conference tables; basswood window blinds; and a unique hemlock ceiling system. Green materials, finishes, and furniture were also used in the renovation project to prevent the accumulation of VOCs.
Fetzer Winery
Hopland, CA
Qualifications:
UC Davis / Natural Logic / PowerLight Corporation Description:
Energy conservation is a main focus for Fetzer Winery. Fetzer has implemented an energy reduction program, installed a 40-kilowatt photovoltaic system (able to sell excess power back to the grid), and has contracted for 100% Green (renewable) energy in order to produce three million bottles of wine annually. The administration building is a rammed earth structure and was fully powered by the photovoltaic system in 2002. As the largest grower of certified organically grown grapes, Fetzer vineyards are farmed without the use of pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers. Fetzer has reduced its landfill waste by 94%, since 1990, through a comprehensive recycling program targeting the following materials: bottles, cardboard, plastic, aluminum, paper, antifreeze, waste oil, fluorescent tubes and glass. On-site waste water is managed through a natural filtration system with gravel and sand filters and a planted reed bed. All wine bottles are made from 40% recycled glass (post consumer), and case boxes are made from 100% post consumer waste.
Fort Baker
Sausalito, CA
http://www.nps.gov/goga/mahe/foba/project/
Qualifications:
National Park Service / Charles Eley & Associates Description:
Use of Green Materials, implementing recycling and waste reduction strategies as well as water conservation strategies, energy system designed to convert to renewable energy source, high efficiency insulation. Beach and waterfront ecosystems will be restored using native vegetation and 40 acres of habitat will be restored.
Gap, Inc. Corporate Campus
901 Cherry Avenue
San Bruno, CA
http://www.bayareacouncil.org/bp/bestpractices/bp185.html
Qualifications:
William McDonough & Partners / Gensler / Arup Description:
The Gap building features many innovative energy saving strategies - all contributing to a 30% more efficient building compared to Title 24 requirements. Gap's most notable design feature is its undulating green roof covered with soil, native grasses, wildflowers and plants. The green roof provides insulation to the building and reduces the amount of stormwater going to the stormwater sewer. The facility is 30% more energy efficient than the requirements of Title 24 due to increased roof insulation from the green roof; large windows that bring in natural daylight; high efficient light sensors that adjust the electric lights according to how much daylight is available; operable windows that allow for natural ventilation; underfloor ventilation and wiring systems; and a design strategy in the flooring structure that traps cool night-time air and then flushes it through the building during the day to provide cooling. Low-VOC materials (carpet and paint) were selected to provide for a healthier indoor environmental quality. Recycled content ceiling tiles, office furniture, cafŽ countertops. Certified wood was used for flooring and veneers.
Georgina Blach Intermediate School
Lisa Gelfand, AIA
Los Altos, CA
http://www.chps.net/chps_schools/blach.htm
Qualifications:
Gelfand RNP Architects Description:
Adaptive reuse of the existing structures provides continuity with the existing scale of the campus and neighborhood. The building exceeds Title 24 requirements by at least 15% by using lighting controls, operable windows, and north-facing clerestories. Resource efficient materials were used throughout the building. Fresh air is circulated via the HVAC system.
Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
The Presidio, PO Box 29910
San Francisco, CA 94129
http://www.moore.org/
Qualifications:
Gensler Description:
Creating a space to promote maximum environmental sustainability was a rewarding exercise in creativity for the project team - especially since many rooms could not be changed due to the historic nature of the building. Products that rated highest for the Foundation in terms of sustainability included the following: undyed wool carpets backed with jute, hemp window coverings and kitchen cabinets made from pressed sunflower seed shells. Salvaged and reclaimed wood (mostly found locally) was used for tables and wall panels. Reclaimed bricks were used for the walls of one conference room. The fitness area has recycled-content rubber flooring (old tires) and ceramic tiles. The design of the space was restricted by the historic nature of the building, but the team made it as open and accessible to daylight as possible.
IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Union Local 332 Headquarters
Jay James IBEW
San Jose, CA
408.979.5522
http://www.ibew.org/stories/01daily/0111/011108_solar.htm
Qualifications:
IBEW Local 332 / Architect: Brad Cox, Anderson Brule Architects Description:
The IBEW facility benefits from proximity to the light rail station, and several bus and bicycle routes. Energy efficiency is achieved through several strategies including: light-colored "cool" roof prevents solar heat gain thus reducing the cooling load of the building; daylighting integrated with electric light systems for optimized efficiency; photovoltaic skylights; solar sunshade devices; and a 53-kilowatt photovoltaic system that generates 70-75% of building's total electrical needs. (29K sq. ft.).
Inn at Spanish Bay
2700 17 Mile Drive
Pebble Beach, CA 93953
Qualifications:
Pebble Beach Company Description:
Site was formerly a sand/glass mine as well as a landfill. The project focused on the restoration of the dune ecosystem to provide habitat for native birds, animals and plants.
Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve Field Station
Stanford University
Palo Alto, CA
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/news/pr/02/greenbuilding116.html
Qualifications:
Rob Wellington Quigley Architects / W.L. Butler Construction / EndresWare / Simon & Associates Description:
This project, owned by Stanford University, was designed with the guiding principle, "...that, sooner or later, what we discard makes its way back to us". Several recycled-content materials were used in this project: flyash (replaced half of the cement that was needed for the concrete), cellulose insulation, salvaged redwood for siding, 120-year old bricks, salvaged or re-used casework and building furnishings, and salvaged bathroom partitions. The building systems were designed to reduce energy consumption including: a 22-kilowatt grid-connected photovoltaic system (net producer of electricity), solar collector system for winter heating, passive cooling system, daylighting, and light sensors. Other sustainable design features include rainwater harvesting, operable windows, full-spectrum fluorescent lights, insulated roof, high performance glazing, waterless urinals, Energy Star rated appliances, and tankless water (domestic) heater.
Live Oak Business Park
5400 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA
Qualifications:
Barry Swenson Builder / Solar Technologies / Central Coating Company Description:
The largest PV solar array for public/commercial use. With buy downs from the California Public Utilities Commission, tax credits, special depreciation allowances and energy savings, the Live Oak Business Park's rooftop solar generator will pay for itself in just 5 years. The System: The 37.7Kw PV rooftop array is tied to the utility grid. Photovoltaic system configuration: The Live Oak Business Park's system consists of 240 Kyocera KC125G solar PV panels and12 Sunny Boy SWR2500U inverters, configured for 208 volt, 3-phase power. A second component of the system involves a new product specifically designed for flat, commercial roofs. It is called ElectroRoof. Approximately 20 percent of the output from the Live Oak Business Park are from the innovative ElectroRoof product.
Lockheed Building 157
Sunnyvale, CA
Qualifications:
Lockheed Martin / Leo A. Daley Associates Description:
Energy use is approximately 50% less than compared to a conventional office building. Use of daylighting via a central litetrium, light shelves and tall windows create less solar heat gain therefore reducing the cooling load. Increased productivity has resulted in reduced absenteeism.
Montgomery Campus, California College of Arts & Crafts
William Leddy, AIA
1111 Eighth Street
San Francisco, CA
bleddy@lmsarch.com
Qualifications:
Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects Description:
A Greyhound Bus maintenance facility, designed by Skidmore Owings and Merrill in 1951, is now a solar-heated, multi-disciplinary educational environment for a progressive art and design college. A solar-heated hydronic system (radiant heat floor) heats the 51,000 square feet of open studios, allowing retention of existing glazing and maximizing daylight access. Enclosed shop elements cluster to the south wall, minimizing the obstruction of the large volume and providing for flexible mechanical and electrical distribution in the existing maintenance pit below. Recycled content cellulose insulation provides both insulating properties and acoustical benefits. New building systems, sustainable materials and structural elements are carefully integrated to achieve maximum functional efficiency and design impact with minimum resources. Realized energy reduction of 60%.
National Park Service - Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Carrie Strahan
Fort Mason, Building 201
San Francisco, CA 94123
415.561.4931
carrie_strahan@nps.gov
Qualifications:
The design professionals of the Warming Hut included Carrie Strahan from the National Park Service, Marien Coss from the the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, the non-profit cooperating organization to Golden Gate National Parks, and other project consultants. The team expanded the scope of the project to include a holistic consideration of public education and sustainable design, construction, and operations when they realized the project could become a vehicle for change powered by considerable talent and resources. Less than a year was available to design and construct the adaptive reuse of the dilapidated 1909 structure. Description:
The Warming Hut is an historic 1909 wood frame two-story structure originally built as an U.S. Engineer Storehouse during World War II. The adaptive reuse of the 2,400 square-foot building features a park information center, bookstore and caf?. The Warming Hut is part of the recently completed remediation and restoration of Crissy Field, a $34.8 million public project that transformed a former Army dumping ground and an obsolete airfield into a new 100-acre shoreline park. Crissy Field is within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in San Francisco, CA, the largest urban national park in the world. Sustainability principles were used in the building design and material selection, as well as in the caf? food preferences, merchandising choices and maintenance and operations. Building materials were selected based on recycled content, low toxicity levels and reuse potential. Retail products and fixtures were chosen based on their educational value and ability to meet sustainability objectives. The story panels and photographs to interpret contextual themes are framed in recycled barn wood. The caf? uses local organic produce where possible and supports sustainable farming practices. Author and Chef Alice Waters inspired the menu.
Nokia
Mountain View, CA
http://www.thespaceplace.net/articles/dpr-nokia1999.htm
Qualifications:
Gensler / DPR Construction Description:
This was a fast-track project that required very accurate workmanship. The green features of this building resulted in many exposed surfaces to reduce the overall amount of materials used on the job. For example, ductwork and ceiling framing were left exposed. To allow for maximum penetration of natural daylighting, corrugated fiberglass was used in lieu of drywall in many interior spaces and conference room areas. Cork, a naturally sustainable material, was used for some panel wall applications.
Old Elm Village
Petaluma, CA
http://www.calthorpe.com
Qualifications:
Calthorpe Associates / Morse and Cleaver Architects Description:
Mixed-use affordable housing infill development that supports a live/work environment. Instead of parking lots, parallel parking on the tree-lined streets is available. A community park doubles as stormwater retention area. Impermeable surfaces have been minimized to reduce stormwater runoff and heat island effect.
Pier 1
Dan "Cheetham AIA, SMWM"
Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA
http://www.smwm.com/portfolio/projectinfo.asp?projectId=241367&disciplineId=241314
Qualifications:
SMWM / Port of San Francisco / AMB Property Corporation Description:
This adaptive reuse project transformed a dilapidated warehouse on San Francisco's waterfront to 140,000 square feet of class A office space and an acre of new public open space. The design reflects the history and nature of the site, uses green materials garnered from green sources, and provides clean air and natural light for occupants. Pier 1 is surrounded by water, which flows through radiant tubes in floor slabs for heating and cooling. This system moderates the interior climate according to each zone's location and orientation. Heat generated by the building is rejected into a submerged condenser water loop under the building, dissipating energy into the bay within a tightly prescribed temperature range.
Real Goods Solar Living Center
13771 S. Highway 101
Hopland, CA
http://www.realgoods.com
Qualifications:
Van der Ryn Architects / David Arkin (Project Architect Description:
Real Goods Trading Corporation Solar Living Center's Solar Demonstration Center and Retail Showroom is restoring damaged ecosystems, recreating distinct landscape ecosystems, using water features for cooling, noise screening, water retention, and integrating renewable energy technologies and sustainable design. Significant features of the project include: Straw bale construction, passive solar heating and cooling, daylighting and energy efficient lighting and equipment, photovoltaic and wind electricity generation, an outdoor oasis cooled by evaporation, immediately adjacent to the building, grey-water irrigation and resource efficient healthy building materials. Recycled-content interior materials include recycled aluminum for book shelves, recycled wood flooring.
Salazar Hall, Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA
http://www.sonoma.edu/pubs/release/2003/2606180347.html
Qualifications:
Description:
Energy efficiency - 42% below Title 24 - makes this building very unique. Energy conservation strategies include evaporative (low-energy) cooling, lighting controls, high-efficiency glazing and a 75-kilowatt photovoltaic system (9,500 square feet. With its high efficiency system, Salazar Hall has only used minimal air conditioning, which decreased the peak energy load by almost 400-tons on the hottest days.
San Francisco EcoCenter and Department of the Environment Offices
Anthony Bernheim
11 Grove St.
San Francisco, CA
Qualifications:
City of San Francisco Description:
Occupancy sensors and self-dimming ballasts contribute to the energy savings in this office space. Recycled content carpet and rubber; reclaimed wood flooring and ag waste StudioEg Office furniture reduce the amount of new materials used in the renovation. Bamboo, a naturally sustainable material was incorporated into the finishes. Low-VOC paint was used in order to support a healthy indoor air quality.
San Francisco Main Library
Anthony Bernheim
Civic Center
San Francisco, CA
415.546.0400
bernheim@smwm.com
Qualifications:
SMWM (w/ Pei Cobb Freed & Partners) Description:
Pei Cobb Freed & Partners and Simon Martin-Veque Winkelstein Morris (SMWM) associated architects completed a 391,000 square foot new building for the San Francisco Main Library. The project is one of the first, and largest public buildings in the US to include design for good indoor air quality as a part of the deign criteria. The building is energy-efficient and included the implementation of a building commissioning program. No tropical woods were used in the project, and those used were sustainably harvested. Features include: indoor air quality model project, low-emissions materials, better ventilation strategies, commissioning, daylighting, resource-efficient materials.
San Mateo County Sheriff's Forensic Laboratory and Coroner's Office
Edward McCrary
San Mateo, CA
http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/highperformance/case_
studies/overview.cfm?ProjectID=194
Qualifications:
Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum Architects / Turner Construction Description:
This project allows for the flexibility that the space requirements may change over time but will need to continue to maintain high energy efficiency within the building. The facility was oriented to take advantage of the natural environment by providing natural shading and cooling in the summer and heating in the winter. In addition, large overhangs, north-facing clerestory windows and canted windows on the southwest reduce glare while maximizing daylight. Intelligent lighting controls minimize the use of electric light. Energy usage in this building is 50% less than what is required by State energy requirements. A large photovoltaic (PV) system, 26,000 square feet, generating 180-kilowatt of electricity, supplies enough energy to fuel all of the non-HVAC systems. The PV system generates over half of the summertime peak load for the building. Water conservation strategies (low flow fixtures, waterless urinals and natural landscaping) reduce water use by 40%. Recycled products include carpet and backing, linoleum flooring, and exterior aluminum panels. A comprehensive construction waste management plan diverted over 78% of waste from the landfill. Energy efficient laboratory equipment including variable volume fume hoods also help to conserve energy.
Santa Lucia Community Preserve
Carmel Valley, CA
Qualifications:
Wetlands Research Associates / Rancho San Carlos Partnership Description:
High-end residential real estate development designed in ecological clusters surrounded by a nature preserve. Through the Santa Lucia Conservancy, 18,000 acres have been preserved and restored. Extensive site analysis and computer modeling has provided th framework for sensitive design and long-term stewardship."
Self Reliant House Environmental Center
Merritt College
Oakland, CA
Qualifications:
Merritt College Environmental Program - Built by students and Faculty of the Environmental Studies Program Description:
Built as a teaching tool to demonstrate sustainability of existing suburban homes. This building incorporates solar energy, use of green building materials, weatherization, reusing and reducing waste and organic gardening.
Seven Hills School
Walnut Creek, CA
http://www.7hills.org
Qualifications:
Siegel & Strain / Moore Iacofono and Goltsman Description:
The master plan for the Seven Hill School campus addressed design guidelines for the strategic re-use and remodeling of existing facilities, improvement of automobile and pedestrian circulation, and redesign of outdoor areas.
Shaklee Corporation Headquarters, Corporate Campus
4747 Willow Road
Pleasanton, CA
http://www.shaklee.com/about/press_releases/shaklee/2000/03/dedicate.html
Qualifications:
Gensler Description:
The recipient of many prestigious awards, Shaklee proves to be a very successful building. In order to attain significant energy savings, Shaklee incorporated the following strategies: daylighting atria with clerestories, light shelves, high-performance glazing, evaporative mechanical units, and an underfloor air system. In an effort to conserve natural resources, certified wood was used on all wood veneer (i.e., walls, doors, and furniture) and carpet and textiles both contained recycled content. Indoor environmental quality was enhanced by using low-toxic paints, adhesives, and formaldehyde-free particleboard (106K sq. ft.).
Shorebird Nature Center
1 Cyclotron Road, 85B
Berkeley, CA
http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/greenbuilding/CaseStudies/Educational/Shorebird.htm
Qualifications:
Greg VanMechelen / Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories / Siegel and Strain Description:
The Shorebird is a portable building that is used for environmental education. The building features straw bale construction, passive solar design, building integrated photovoltaics, solar panels for radiant heating, linoleum floors, compressed-straw panel walls, recycled and sustainably harvested wood framing, wheat straw particleboard cabinets, recycled glass countertops.
Sonoma County Integrated Waste Division
Richard Burton
500 Mecham Road
Petaluma, CA 94952
707.576.1343
http://www.nrc-recycle.org/brba/casestudies/sonoma.htm
Qualifications:
Sonoma County Transportation and Public Works Department, Integrated Waste Division Description:
"Walk the Talk" When more space was needed, the design team developed a plan to incorporate as many features as possible that exemplified reuse and/or recycling. Recycled content floor and ceiling tiles; paint; carpet (3,800 plastic bottles were diverted from a landfill); insulation; and framing were all creatively incorporated in the building addition. A great example of reuse is a wall partition made out of wine bottles. Reuse of existing site was also an important criteria in the project.
Sonoma State University Environmental Technology Center
George Beeler
1801 E. Cotati Avenue
Rohnert Park, CA
707.763.3300
george-aim@svn.net
http://www.sonoma.edu/ensp/etc/
Qualifications:
Sonoma State University / AIM Associates Description:
A single story building that benefits from maximum access to sunlight for lighting and passive solar heating. Hydronic flooring provides additional heat when needed. The building integrates a living-canopy trellis, motorized sunshades, awnings and blinds to further reduce the need for electric lighting or mechanical heating or cooling. In the warm months, cool night air floods the building and is stored in the walls and concrete floor. A roof-integrated photovoltaic system generates up to 3-kilowatts of power - typically more than enough for the building - and the excess power is put back into the PG&E grid. Many building materials are recycled content.
Tannery Row
Napa, CA
Qualifications:
Siegel and Strain Description:
Rehabilitation of a former tannery complex created a focal point for the master plan of Napa. The Tannery will become the Center for Arts in Napa and links the complex to the Napa River Walk. Creative use of exposed materials, daylighting and remodeling of the pre-fab steel building provide a sense of community and connection to the surrounding environment.
Thoreau Center for Sustainability
1016 Lincoln Blvd.
San Francisco, CA
http://www.thoreau.org/design.html
Qualifications:
Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects / Behm Architects / Plant Construction Company / Herrero Contractors / Flack + Kurtz Consulting Engineers / Office of Cheryl Barton / Simon & Associates Description:
The Thoreau Center, a historical rehabilitation project, is home to many environmental non-profit organizations. Natural daylighting and ventilation create a strong link to the outdoors and provide a healthy indoor environment. Wood for the project is from a certified wood source, and the insulation is derived from recycled newspaper (cellulose) and denim (cotton). Exposed polished Medite MDF work surfaces and polished concrete reduced the amount of VOC-containing finishes for those surfaces. High-efficiency mechanical systems coupled with efficient lighting systems and an integrated photovoltaic array contribute to the building's overall energy efficiency. Many low-VOC materials were used to create a healthy indoor environment. The Center has an educational wall display in the building to highlight the green features of the project. 73% of construction debris was recycled. (75K sq. ft. historic building, offices, and exhibit space).
Warming Hut, The
National Park Service Strahan
Fort Mason, Building 201
San Francisco, CA 94123
415.561.4931
carrie_strahan@nps.gov
Qualifications:
The design professionals of the Warming Hut included Carrie Strahan from the National Park Service, Marien Coss from the the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, the non-profit cooperating organization to Golden Gate National Parks, and other project consultants. The team expanded the scope of the project to include a holistic consideration of public education and sustainable design, construction, and operations when they realized the project could become a vehicle for change powered by considerable talent and resources. Less than a year was available to design and construct the adaptive reuse of the dilapidated 1909 structure. Description:
The Warming Hut is an historic 1909 wood frame two-story structure originally built as an U.S. Engineer Storehouse during World War II. The adaptive reuse of the 2,400 square-foot building features a park information center, bookstore and caf?. The Warming Hut is part of the recently completed remediation and restoration of Crissy Field, a $34.8 million public project that transformed a former Army dumping ground and an obsolete airfield into a new 100-acre shoreline park. Crissy Field is within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in San Francisco, CA, the largest urban national park in the world. Sustainability principles were used in the building design and material selection, as well as in the caf? food preferences, merchandising choices and maintenance and operations. Building materials were selected based on recycled content, low toxicity levels and reuse potential. Retail products and fixtures were chosen based on their educational value and ability to meet sustainability objectives. The story panels and photographs to interpret contextual themes are framed in recycled barn wood. The caf? uses local organic produce where possible and supports sustainable farming practices. Author and Chef Alice Waters inspired the menu.
West Valley Branch Library
San Jose, CA
Qualifications:
City of San Jose / Rob Wellington Quigley Architects/ Simon & Associates / C&B Engineers Description:
The first building in San Jose and the first library in the country to achieve a LEED Certified recognition. The building took careful consideration of the existing landscape and preserved the site's mature trees. New landscaping integrates drought resistant plants and features high-efficiency irrigation controls. The building has several features that contribute to load reduction including: shaded windows, insulation, under-floor air distribution, thick concrete block walls for thermal mass, daylighting through clerestory windows and light sensors. Over 50% of the wood used in the project is FSC-certified, and the ceramic tile, carpeting and flooring all contain recycled-content materials. Low-VOC emitting products were used including paints and adhesives. A remarkable 95% of the construction and demolition was recycled.
William & Flora Hewlett Foundation Offices
Sand Hill Road
Menlo Park, CA
http://www.hewlett.org
Qualifications:
B.H. Bocook Architects /Hawley Peterson & Snyder Architects / Vance Brown Builders / Office of Cheryl Barton / CMI / Simon & Associates / Bennington/Conover & Associates Description:
The first building in California to receive LEED v.2.0 Gold recognition demonstrates innovative solutions to building design and construction. Through precise planning, 60% of the site was retained as open space and bioswales and detention ponds were built into the landscape to manage stormwater runoff. Road Oyl, a permeable paving material, 20% cooler than asphalt, was used for walkways to manage stormwater and prevent heat gain. The site is served by three local bus routes, bus access to the rail station, and was designed to accommodate bicycle riders and carpool parking. The landscape consists of native and drought tolerant vegetation and is watered via a drip irrigation system. Facility water conservation strategies consist of waterless urinals, and water efficient dishwashers and fixtures. Ample use of daylighting, spectrally selective glazing, motion sensors, task lights, underfloor HVAC, thermal energy storage, and photovoltaic panels all contribute to the building's high energy efficiency. During construction 69% of the construction debris was recycled. 64% of materials (by cost) contain >20%post-consumer and/or 40% post-industrial materials (denim insulation, rubber tires in the fitness center floor, wheatboard and soyboard countertops, and carpets). 33% of materials (by cost) were manufactured within 500 miles and 83% of all of the wood was certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Indoor environmental quality is supported by CO2 monitors, operable windows, underfloor air distribution, and low-emitting materials/finishes. A two-week, post-construction, flush out of the building eliminated potential VOCs.
Wolken Education Center and Hidden Villa Hostel
Hidden Villa Farm and Wilderness Preserve
Los Altos Hills, CA
http://www.hiddenvilla.org/
Qualifications:
David Arkin & Anni Tilt; Cartmell & Tam Architecture; San Luis Sustainability Group / Builders: Skillful Means; Covey Cowan, Jeff Gentry / Project Engineer: Bruce King Description:
An environmental education foundation located in the hills between San Francisco and San Jose teaches by example. The design process utilized sophisticated energy modeling systems to turn the old camp into an energy efficient facility. Today, straw bale walls, natural ventilation, a large dormer window that captures winter heat gains, concrete floors and a rammed earth wall all contribute to temperature management within the building. In addition, a ground source heat pump provides heat to the radiant heat floor system as well as hot water. With passive solar and energy efficient technologies, the facility will use 73.5% less than typical buildings. Connection to the environment is achieved with a series of courtyards and materials from the old facility were reused to maintain a sense of continuum.
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