Loisos + Ubbelohde provided daylighting, energy modeling, and sustainability consulting for a new LEED platinum certified 7,550 sf Student Commons building and a 3,278 sf Fine Arts building at the Branson School in Ross, California. Loisos + Ubbelohde developed daylighting and shading strategies and energy modeling to analyze thermal performance and assist in the selection of HVAC systems, as well as managed the full LEED certification services for the project. Large glazed walls connect the students to the outside, opening during the long seasons of comfort in Northern California. Deep overhangs and shades control sun during summer and admit welcome sunshine during winter months. Adjacent uses are housed under a green roof that connects the building seamlessly to the adjacent green hillsides. The buildings have no air conditioning, using only natural ventilation. To promote energy efficiency the buildings use high efficiency boilers, employ lighting controls, and use energy-efficient daylighting and shading strategies. Comfort is delivered with large operable doors, ceiling fans, and a green roof. Photovoltaic panels generate 45,000 kWh. The design uses 22% less energy than required by Title 24.

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ARCHITECT
Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects

LOCATION
Ross, CA

CURRENT STATUS
Occupied, 2009

AWARDS
AIA SF Energy and Sustainability Citation Award, 2012

USGBC LEED Platinum Certification, 2010

California Wood Design Awards, Woodworks Institutional Winner, 2011

Savings By Design: 2011 Energy Efficiency Integration Award (EEIA)




Photographs by David Wakely.