Terranova Ranch in Fresno, Calif., grows more than 25 different crops on 6,000 acres. The company, which started in 1981, has focused its attention lately on methods that keep its soil, water, and air quality as healthy and sustainable as possible.
The design for Terranova Ranch’s new office pavilion is the first net-zero carbon and net positive energy project by Paul Halajian Architects (PHA), and the client’s design choices were informed by the use of cove.tool’s web-based building performance app.
Terranova Ranch’s aimed for a 100 percent reduction in operational carbon emissions, and the architect provided several options toward meeting or exceeding that goal. (Cove.tool shared some of the details of this case study with BD+C.)
GOING BEYOND CODE MINIMUMS
Initially, the energy model for the 5,800-sf office building was designed to follow code minimum baseline assumptions from California’s Title 24, version 2019, which offered a carbon reduction of 12 percent. PHA’s project architect conducted several analyses on possible improvements to reduce the overall Energy Use Intensity (EUI), which in this model was 42.52 kBtu/sf/year.
These analyses measured the impacts of the building’s HVAC, lighting, equipment, hot water, fans, and pumps. The first proposed design change was an envelope upgrade, from the mandatory minimum of R-19 to R-30 by adding two inches of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam board to the exterior walls; and three inches of foam board insulation to the roof, which increased its R-value from 30 to 41. These changes would increase the building’s overall carbon reduction in base design to 20 percent and reduce the EUI to 38.
GLAZING’S BENEFITS DIDN’T PENCIL
The second option the architect investigated for Terranova Ranch combined the proposed envelope upgrade with improved glazing using Solarban 72 Acuity glass or Starphire glass with a u-value of 0.28 and solar heat coefficient of 0.28. (The baseline requirement is Solarban 60.) However, using cove.tool analysis tool, the architect determined that the whole-building EUI would have only reduced to 37, and only increased the carbon reduction by 2 percent from the first option. There were also cost considerations that made the glazing option less favorable.
The third upgrade option explored introduced 2,200 sf of monocrystalline solar panels, angled at a 15-degree incline atop a shaded parking structure. This option would reduce the building’s carbon emissions by 84 percent (from option No. 2’s 22 percent) and decrease the EUI to 7 form 37. Terranova Ranch was enthusiastic about this option.
![Option four included heat recovery](/sites/default/files/inline-images/2037_Energy%20Analysis%20Report_PHA_20211117_Part8.jpg)
A fourth alternative explored introducing heat recovery by adding an energy recovery ventilator in the ceiling. This option allowed for a carbon reduction of 103 percent and an EUI score of negative 1.5. The client agreed to move forward in the building’s design with each option except the glazing upgrade.
SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE WILL REDUCE BUILDING’S LIGHTING NEEDS
Along with the energy study, the architect conducted other analyses. Using cove.tool software, the architect observed that 85 percent of the office building’s interior would have access to “quality exterior views,” which in turn would earn the product LEED Views Credit. A daylight analysis of the architect’s design also showed that the building would be exposed to up to 12 hours of sunlight per day, reducing the design’s artificial lighting requirement.
![Outdoor exposure map for new office](/sites/default/files/inline-images/6.%20PHA_Views.jpg)
While most clients might not be as sustainably inclined as Terranova Ranch, conducting data-driven analyses can be fruitful as a common practice that allows the design team and client to delve into different design scenarios to achieve an intended performance goal.
Construction on the office pavilion was scheduled to begin in late spring. The architect and client did not disclose construction costs.
Related Stories
Movers+Shapers | Jun 13, 2016
THE DISRUPTORS: The Millennial generation is imposing its will on design
AEC firms, particularly those that design hotels and offices, gain a competitive edge by knowing how to appeal to the largest share of the American workforce.
Office Buildings | Jun 10, 2016
Buildings that invest in wellbeing see healthy returns
Healthy workers are more productive workers, but fitness can be tough when employees at the office for 50 hours a week. Perkins+Will's Janine Grossmann offers the wellness components that landlords and companies should prioritize.
Office Buildings | Jun 10, 2016
Form4 designs curved roofs for project at Stanford Research Park
Fabricated of painted recycled aluminum, the wavy roofs at the Innovation Curve campus will symbolize the R&D process and make four buildings more sustainable.
Office Buildings | Jun 7, 2016
Incorporating places to rejuvenate into office design
Workspaces are geared toward socializing and collaboration, but people need quiet, calm places where they can sit alone and focus. Gensler's Penny Lewis offers three ways to design rejuvenation places into office settings.
Market Data | Jun 3, 2016
JLL report: Retail renovation drives construction growth in 2016
Retail construction projects were up nearly 25% year-over-year, and the industrial and office construction sectors fared well, too. Economic uncertainty looms over everything, however.
Building Team Awards | Jun 1, 2016
Multifamily tower and office building revitalize Philadelphia cathedral
The Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral capitalizes on hot property to help fund much needed upgrades and programs.
Building Team Awards | May 26, 2016
Cimpress office complex built during historically brutal Massachusetts winter
Lean construction techniques were used to build 275 Wyman Street during a winter that brought more than 100 inches of snow to suburban Boston.
Building Technology | May 24, 2016
Tech is the new office perk, says a new survey of American workers
But most employees still see their companies falling on the dull side of the cutting edge.
High-rise Construction | May 17, 2016
Foster + Partners-designed towers approved as part of massive neighborhood redevelopment in San Francisco
One of Oceanwide Center’s buildings will be the city’s second tallest.
Architects | May 16, 2016
3 strategies to creating environments that promote workplace engagement
VOA's Pablo Quintana writes that the industry is looking for ways to increase engagement through a mix of spaces suited to employees' desire for both privacy and connection.