A Case Study in Social Responsibility
J. Craig Venter Institute, J. Craig Venter Institute La Jolla
Laboratories and Research
ZGF designed this building, which is comprised of laboratory and office / dry research space above a partially below-grade parking structure, in response to the client’s challenge to have a building that generates more energy than it consumes. The J. Craig Venter Institute is a leader in genomic research, with a commitment to environmental stewardship. The LEED Platinum® facility has been designed with a net-zero energy footprint, and is one of the greenest buildings in the country.
Location
La Jolla, CA
Square Feet
44,607
Completion date
2013
Project Component
Architecture services, interior design and space planning, and graphic design
Certifications
LEED Platinum®
The team’s holistic approach to design revolved around energy performance and water conservation. To reduce energy loads and optimize the mechanical system, the computational laboratories and administrative spaces are located in one wing, and wet laboratories occupy the other. Ground level wet laboratories utilize an easily reconfigurable “plug and play” casework system that encourages transparency and creates an environment that can be rearranged overnight. The dry wing provides open and private offices, formal meeting areas, temporary visitor stations, and informal open modular seating to support administrative and research activities and to foster collaboration.
Two arrays comprising 26,124 SF of photovoltaic surface are predicted to exceed the building demand, pushing excess power generated back into the grid. The systems have been refined to be completely integrated and work together to achieve the energy performance goals.
