Neukom Building, Stanford University School of Law

The law school’s unique bioclimactic design was shaped by Atelier Ten’s rigorous analyses, which enabled the building to take advantage of Stanford’s mild, sunny climate. After optimizing the massing and shading geometries for natural ventilation and daylight, the school was encouraged to invest in controls, shading, and operable windows, allowing free cooling for 60% of office hours and an annual energy savings of 32%.

Integration, collaboration, and sustainability were the key drivers for the design of the Neukom Building. Atelier Ten guided the design team and implemented multiple strategies to meet Stanford’s aggressive landscape, material, waste, and water targets, while also meeting the School’s criteria for “interdisciplinary collaboration.”

Following the university’s stringent energy efficiency mandates, Atelier Ten advised the design team on strategies for enabling the building to operate passively whenever outdoor conditions permit. To this end, Atelier Ten informed the design and configuration of the building envelope, mechanical system, and building controls. Studies influenced the design in creating narrow office bars grouped around a shaded courtyard. The courtyard’s canopy doubles as a shade for the surrounding facades.

Atelier Ten also optimized the daylight design so that offices, the library, and common areas can be daylit for over 80% of working hours, and worked with the team to integrate the daylight and electric light design.