Design & Innovation
Narrative:
According to the California Title 24-2005 report published by the U.S. Green Building Council dated November 19, 2007, the passive strategies alone make this building nearly 50% more efficient than a conventionally designed structure. It also exceeds current Title 24 requirements by almost 50%.
The building distinguishes itself from most conventionally developed projects in that it incorporates both passive and active energy efficiency measures. The fascia of the large cantilevered roof overhang, holding the 12-kW solar system, creates an ever-changing continuous loop around the building.
It moves inside and out like a pen that is never lifted from the page, and reinforces the intent to spatially weave together, as a single space, the indoors with the outside space. In doing so, the roof also provides shade to cool the building, reducing direct solar gain, enhancing privacy, while still allowing for great natural light and ventilation from ocean breezes less than ½-mile away that can easily pass thru and cool the building. Passive design strategies include: locating and orienting the building to control solar cooling loads; shaping and orienting the building for exposure to prevailing winds; shaping the building to induce buoyancy for natural ventilation; designing windows to maximize daylighting; shading south and west-facing glazing; designing windows to maximize natural ventilation; utilizing low-flow fixtures and stormwater management; shaping and planning the interior to enhance daylight and natural air flow distribution. Sun studies and a preliminary energy analysis informed the location of decks and overhangs.
source: http://www.aiatopten.org