Atelier Ten recommended pragmatic, passive design strategies to maximize energy efficiency, optimize thermal comfort, and save water in a cost-effective design.
Taking advantage of the southern California climate, the building’s early massing strategy wraps the building around a central courtyard. This design opens the building’s circulation (20%-30% of the building area) to the outdoors to maximize daylight and natural ventilation.
Atelier Ten provided whole building energy analysis through design to drive architectural and HVAC system decisions. Energy efficient strategies incorporated in the design include external shading, high performance glazing, high R value walls and roof construction, daylight dimming controls and occupancy sensors, radiant heating and cooling, and displacement ventilation. The building is expected to achieve a 34% energy cost reduction.
Water conservation is an important feature in the dry climate of Los Angeles. During the rainy season, rainwater is collected from the roofs. During the summer, cooling coil condensate is collected from the mechanical system, providing nonpotable water throughout the year and increasing the effectiveness of the water storage tanks on an annual basis. The project will reduce potable water consumption by 70%.
