University of California, Santa Cruz
85,000 sf
Completed in 2006

This 85,000 sf facility provides classrooms, teaching and research space and offices. Instructional spaces include language and computer labs and a 300-seat auditorium. The design of the new facility delicately places the buildings within the lush natural environment of the campus, while creating a strong identity and campus presence for the newly consolidated Humanities Division. The project is comprised of three buildings positioned to create a courtyard, providing the students and faculty a common area amongst the natural beauty of the Santa Cruz campus.

Sustainable Design Highlights:

Exceeds the 50% 2009 energy use reduction requirements of the 2030 Challenge (measured EUI), 75% less energy used then national average for building type, operable windows throughout, most spaces are naturally ventilated, thermal mass modulates temperature swings, reused pre-developed site to minimize disruption of redwood groves, building massing designed to maximize daylight and minimize building footprint, maintains pre-development site water infiltration volumes