Living Zero.

In 2003, Architecture 2030 was established to respond to rapidly accelerating climate change. This has sparked extraordinary development in the field of renewable energy technology, allowing for buildings to become increasingly energy efficient.

The design intention was to establish the net-zero perspective from the eyes of the occupant. This project proposes a net-zero energy building in every aspect. Not only does the building produce more energy than it consumes through the use of building integrated photovoltaics, but it also attempts to foster a sense of community and a sustainable lifestyle through a vertical tower typology.

An 11-storey residential massing atop the ground-floor grocery store base is split in two by vertical “sky communities” – 3-storey atrium spaces that open up to the southern edge of the site and allow for light to penetrate deep into the building to maximize the daylighting of residential spaces. There, trees and planters catalyze activity and interaction, and create a neighbourhood feel high above street level.

The architecture uses the building technology as a means of expression by exposing mechanical systems, structural wood members, and featuring a double-skin façade on the street elevation. By displaying sustainability, residents begin to understand how the building establishes a net-zero standard by creating a mentality of sustainable living within their own living space.

Details

Project type: Competition
Certification Goals: Net Zero energy
Year: 2013
Project lead: Steve Socha 
Location: San Francisco, CA 
Area: 134,000 sq.ft. [12,450 sq.m.]
Energy use reduction compared to typical: 100%