2024 USGBC-CA Green Building Awards
Merit in Energy/Operational Carbon
The project’s ambitious Net-Zero Energy goal required reducing building predicted-EUI to the lowest level possible and running robust energy models to quantify energy savings. Energy conservation measures were well integrated into the design through compact building massing, sited to efficiently use the existing site topography to earth shelter the east & southeast façade. The high performing envelope with cool roofs and walls, effective solar shading, low window-to-wall ratio, includes an additional application of
phase change material in the Music labs. Engineering systems like efficient lighting with reduced light
power densities beyond T24 requirements, effective HVAC zoning, and system selection, efficient electric DHW heating further helped in the EUI reduction. The building’s pEUI of 38 Kbtu/sf/yr will be offset using 160 KW DC renewable system from the campus solar plan to meet the operational zero energy goal.
Additionally, with the current energy conservation measures, the project exceeds the Title 24 Energy
Compliance by 42%.
The design process has been iterative with design decision regarding new and innovative strategies based on the idea of having a balance between the energy savings, the return of investment and future advancements and development on the campus. The project initially started with keeping all the energy reduction and production at the site level, like serving the building with an independent HVAC system siting on the site and having roof-mounted PV to meet the zero energy needs. But as the design progressed, the idea of campus being a resource or supply store was further explored. The project now taps into the campus central plant to meet both the cooling and heating needs of the building. Though having a negative impact on the current building EUI, this helps in reduced equipment on site with lower equipment and maintenance cost for the campus. Further, a future replacement of the gas boilers at the central heating plant to electric boilers will not only benefit in reducing the building EUI but also help the campus to meet their long-term carbon reduction goals. A similar campus approach was applied to the energy production side as well. The project moved away from roof-mounted PV and dedicated a part of the campus solar plan to this building.
Crafton Hills College desires a top-rated, modern performing arts venue that better meets the needs of music and theater students and faculty while elevating the College’s identity in the surrounding area. The team’s design for a new facility leverages a prominent location on Campus Drive to expose the arts to the surrounding community and connect with the main campus quad. The architecture maintains an efficient footprint while providing access to the outdoors for light, views, and gathering spaces to support the building as a net zero energy use arts building. The design vocabulary draws upon the mid-century vernacular of the campus and connects to the surrounding context and to nature. Building massing is simple and aligned with campus architectural standards, while decorative screens evoke the vibrancy of the arts and create shaded courtyard spaces. An open plaza accommodates informal outdoor performances, showcasing the talent within the performing arts departments to the broader campus and creates a “home away from home” for arts students.
The partial two-story building is defined by east and west wings, with a central outdoor gathering space uniting the two volumes. The 24,100 SF center will include a lobby and courtyard, a 264-seat proscenium theater, black box theater, and backstage facilities such as dressing rooms, green room, offices, storage, scene shop, and costume shop; music educational spaces, including the flexible rehearsal rooms, recording control room. The complex will be equipped with generation theater technology and acoustics and accommodate a variety of music, theater, and dance performances and events.
The project is targeting LEED Gold with the aim to achieve Platinum certification and LEED Zero Certification to become an innovative case study for sustainability in arts facilities.