In the heart of Los Altos, California, lies a beacon of sustainable architecture and environmental stewardship: the David and Lucile Packard Foundation Headquarters. This remarkable building is not just the operational hub for one of the top 100 grant-making foundations in the United States, but also a shining example of how modern architecture can harmonize with nature to create a sustainable future.
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, established in 1964 by David Packard, co-founder of Hewlett-Packard, and his wife Lucile Salter Packard, has long been dedicated to improving the lives of children, fostering the creative pursuit of science, advancing reproductive health, and conserving and restoring the Earth’s natural systems. The foundation's headquarters, designed by EHDD, embodies these values through its innovative and environmentally conscious design.
The headquarters is celebrated as the largest net zero energy building in California, a testament to its groundbreaking design and commitment to sustainability. The building's energy consumption has been slashed by an impressive 65% compared to conventional buildings, thanks to a combination of passive and bioclimatic strategies that take full advantage of California's mild climate.
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Strategically oriented 40 degrees off true north, the building is designed to maximize access to winter sun while minimizing exposure to the harsh summer sun. This thoughtful orientation, combined with multi-layered shading strategies, ensures that the interior spaces are bathed in natural light and fresh air throughout the year. The central courtyard, a key feature of the design, brings sunlight and wind into the heart of the building, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.
Before the foundation's headquarters was constructed, the site was a brownfield, covered in substandard buildings and asphalt parking lots. Today, it stands as a model for environmental restoration. The impervious surfaces have been dramatically reduced from 97% to 35%, and the landscape is now adorned with native Californian vegetation, creating a lush and vibrant environment that supports local biodiversity.
The building's insulation and shading systems are nothing short of ingenious. With R-24 walls and roof and triple-element glazing (R-7.7), the structure boasts exceptional thermal performance. Occupants can control the environment by operating windows and doors, guided by a dashboard that provides real-time information on outdoor conditions. Shading devices, meticulously calculated based on the sun's position throughout the year, ensure that the building remains cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
The foundation's commitment to sustainability extends to the materials used in construction. An impressive 95% of materials from the site's deconstruction were diverted from landfills. The building features a wood/steel hybrid structure, with all wood being FSC-certified. The exterior wood is western red cedar, while the stone used is sourced from within a 500-mile radius of the site. Even the copper used is 75% recycled, highlighting the foundation's dedication to reducing its environmental footprint.
The building's design ensures that it remains comfortable year-round with minimal energy consumption. During the winter, the building is preheated in the early morning, relying on internal heat gains from occupants and equipment during the day. In the summer, chilled beams and radiant panels, combined with natural ventilation, keep the building cool. The narrow plan and high daylight autonomy reduce the need for artificial lighting, further cutting energy consumption.
Water conservation is another cornerstone of the building's design. Rainwater is collected in a 20,000-gallon underground cistern, meeting 90% of the building's toilet flushing needs and 60% of its irrigation demands. This system not only reduces the building's reliance on municipal water supplies but also minimizes stormwater runoff, protecting local waterways.
Despite the roof's orientation and slope not being optimized for solar collection, the building's photovoltaic system often generates enough energy to meet 100% of its needs. In its first year of operation, the building was energy positive, producing more energy than it consumed.
The headquarters has received high marks for occupant comfort, with a 97% overall satisfaction rating. This includes high marks for air quality, cleanliness, lighting, and office furnishings. While there are some concerns about acoustic privacy in the open office layout, the building's design prioritizes the well-being and productivity of its occupants.
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation Headquarters has garnered numerous awards, including the 2014 Livable Buildings Award, 2014 Top Ten Green Building, 2013 Net Zero Energy Building, and 2013 LEED Platinum certification. These accolades are a testament to the building's innovative design and its role as a leader in sustainable architecture.
In conclusion, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation Headquarters is more than just a building; it is a symbol of what is possible when innovation, sustainability, and philanthropy come together. A visit to this remarkable site offers not only a glimpse into the future of green building but also a deep appreciation for the foundation's enduring commitment to making the world a better place.
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