Green Architecture and Building Report

Transforming a Concrete Box into a Net-Zero Energy Building

By Mignon O'Young, Editor (photography by David Wakely and IDeAs)

At the AIA 2009 National Convention, I was pleased to find a handful of educational sessions, led by San Francisco Bay Area architects and engineers, that focused on net-zero energy building design.  One of the featured projects, the IDeAs Z² Design Facility located in San Jose, California, succeeded in holding my undivided attention and motivated me to learn more about it.  Last week, I had the opportunity to meet the client and experience first-hand the benefits of the project’s energy efficient building design.

Affordable Housing Project Incorporates Largest Residential Solar Photovoltaic System in San Francisco

By Mignon O'Young, Editor

What do you do when your project has close to 40,000 square foot of roof space in one city block, good sun exposure, and no shading impediments?  Go solar, of course, and generate your own electricity with a renewable energy source.  

Mosaica, one of the largest green, mixed-use projects located in San Francisco, California, boasts a 130 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system which is the largest residential system in San Francisco.  The system’s estimated annual production of 189,000 kWh of clean energy is expected to offset at least 75% of the 470 kva common area electrical load.

Kevin Roche’s Landmark Oakland Museum Undergoes Transformation

By Tim Galvin, Guest Contributor (photography by Oliver Shay)

Cahill Contractors is nearing completion of the first of several phases of construction at the Oakland Museum of California.  The first phase of the renovation is scheduled to complete around the middle of June 2009.  The renovation project was designed by architecture firm Mark Cavagnero Associates.  Other members of the project team include ProPM (construction manager), Forrell/Elsesser (structural engineer), Rumsey Engineers (mechanical engineer), FW Associates (electrical engineer), KEMA (sustainability consultant), and other consultants working under contract with Cavagnero.

Urban Landscape Moves Up 15' and Targets LEED-CI

By Mignon O'Young, Editor

On my recent trip to Calgary, Canada, I came upon the “+15”, an intricate network of more than 57 enclosed bridges elevated approximately 15 feet above street level that connect at least 100 buildings in downtown.  My exploration led me into an active construction site of four stories of scaffolding within a shopping mall dotted with busy construction workers, passer-bys, and shoppers.  The site turned out to be one of the three shopping malls collectively known as “The Core” which is going through major renovation while pursuing certification for LEED-Commercial Interiors (LEED-CI).

Endless Suburbs, Abundant Resources, and Sustainable Design?

By Mignon O'Young, Editor (photography by Oliver Shay)

Hiking around Lake Louise on a recent trip to Calgary, Alberta, I took in breathtaking views of big blue skies and the Canadian Rockies and felt grateful of the precious natural resources that this land offered.  Upon my return to the reality of the urban city and endless suburbs, I had the opportunity to experience the increasing influence of green building and architecture that address the critical need of taking responsibility in resource conservation.

Mosaica: A Sustainable Community

By Mignon O'Young, Editor

Years ago, I came upon a bustling weekend flea market situated on a lot disfigured by broken concrete and asphalt, and anchored by a dilapidated warehouse structure in the middle of the site.  Who would have thought that I would end up as the construction manager working for the developer who gave the site a new life and created a new place for people to come together. 

Mosaica is one of the largest green, mixed-use projects located at the crossroads of the Mission and Potrero districts in San Francisco, California.  It was developed by Citizens Housing Corporation (CHC), a San Francisco based non-profit affordable housing developer that is leading the way in developing responsible, green, and sustainable communities.

Berkeley’s Latest Super-Green Project

By Mignon O'Young, Editor

During my student days at U.C. Berkeley, my friends and I would go to the Great China Restaurant for dinner and the California Theaters for a movie.  Along the way, there was a big parking lot which was often viewed as an eye-sore.  More than 10 years later, this lot has been transformed into two new buildings that beautifully anchor the urban street edge along the campus, and provide a pleasant surprise as one comes upon the curve of Oxford Street.