|
Owner: CA Academy of Sciences
Development Manager: D.R.
Young Associates
Architect: Renzo Piano Building Workshop/Chong Partners
Engineer: Arup
World-renowned Museum/
Science/Educational and
Research Facility
5 stories
Concrete floors and walls with
structural steel/concrete roof
409,178 sq ft
|
The California Academy of Sciences consists of 409,178 square feet of research, exhibition, educational and office space designed by Pritzker Prize winner Renzo Piano. This award-winning facility houses the Steinhart Aquarium, the Morrison Planetarium, and the Kimball Natural History Museum with thousands of live animals and millions of scientific specimens.
Webcor used its concrete expertise to create many one-of-a-kind structures including six aquariums that required complex compound curves, waterproof concrete and massive custom acrylic windows. In addition, Webcor's exceptionally high-quality architectural concrete was deemed as aesthetically superior to the option of using stone cladding for the exterior façade.
Due to the project's challenging design, including the 2.5-acre green roof and unique MEP and animal life support systems, Webcor used the latest in Building Information Modeling to integrate the many complex elements.
In keeping with their environmental mission, the new Academy received a rare LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council and is now recognized as the largest public Platinum-rated building in the world, and the world’s most sustainable museum building.
One of the many unique sustainable aspects of this project is the living roof system which covers approximately 80% of the roof surface with a variety of native plants. This system will significantly reduce the heat island effect, as well as storm water runoff.
The project has been further distinguished by winning a 2007 Design Special Commendation from the AIA SF Chapter for the use of Integrated Practice techniques to improve the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and life-support systems coordination during construction.
Other Awards & Recognition:
2005 Silver Holcim Award for Sustainable Construction
2006 Environmental Protection Agency regional Environmental Award
2007 American Concrete Institute Award- Green/Environmental category.
2007 California Construction Best of California Awards (Overall Top Project, Outstanding Architectural Design, and Green Building categories)
2009 AIA San Francisco Design Awards-Excellence in Architecture - Merit Award
2010 Green Good Design Awards - Architecture category
Additional sustainable features include:
- Energy efficiency - 5% of the buildings total energy use will be supplied through the photovoltaic cells installed in the perimeter canopy system of the roof.
- Daylight - 90% of all spaces occupied for critical visual tasks (Research, Collection and Administration) will be provided with a minimum daylight and view factor of 2%.
- Innovation - exhibits to promote sustainability will be showcased within the museum, including displays of the building itself as an example of sustainable practices. Modern programs for alternative transportation will also be incorporated for employees and visitors.
- Water efficiency - the use of high-efficiency irrigation technology such as micro-irrigation systems, moisture sensors, and weather database controllers will be incorporated to reduce water usage.
- Indoor Air Quality - a permanent entryway system will be installed to capture dirt, particulate matter, and other pollutants from entering the building at all high volume entryways.
- Reduce heat island effect - in addition to the living roof system, a minimum of 30% of non-roof impervious surfaces (including parking lots, walkways, and plazas) will be under shade.
|
