ORO Editions

Packard Foundation Headquarters is a net zero energy, mixed-mode building that provides employees with strong connections to the outdoor environment. The narrow 40 ft (12 m) wide floor plate of the two wings allows for ample daylighting and cross-ventilation. When the weather is too hot for ventilative cooling, an active chilled beam system fed by stored night-chilled water from a compressor-free rooftop cooling tower is engaged. While a sophisticated, automated control system manages the mechanical side, window operation remains relatively simple; a dashboard on laptops and in break rooms informs users to operate windows and sliding doors for natural ventilation—a degree of personal control essential to reap adaptive comfort benefits (CBE 2014; ILFI 2013; AIA 2014).

Makers Quarter Block D houses flexible office suites cooled by mixed-mode natural ventilation and efficient mechanical cooling. Motorized windows and garage doors on each level combine with exposed concrete slabs and frame to enable night-cooled thermal mass. Building circulation and cores are unconditioned, often exterior. The high-performance facade utilizes manual and automated shades to reduce cooling loads. Ceiling fans can raise comfort temperature by 6°F (3.3°C), reducing AC hours. The rhythms of thermally open/closed, combined with conditioned/unconditioned zones bring occupants to a calibrated relationship with climate (ArchDaily 2020).

Makers Quarter Block D San Diego, California, 2018

BNIM architects

Cooling coverts on a daily and seasonal basis from crossventilation to night-cooled mass to air-conditioning. Manual and automated shades and ventilation achieves net-zero energy and occupant climate connections.

Active cooperation, direct contributions to the effort, however small, is far more satisfying and effective than passive cooperation, mere acceptance of conditions imposed by others.

—Robert Knapp 2013