Projects

DPR Construction | Zero Net Office Building

DPR Construction | Zero Net Office Building

San Francisco, California
United States
CLIMATE SUSTAINABILITY

Introba (formerly Integral Group) provided design services for the comprehensive renovation of 945 Front Street – the home of DPR Construction and the first net-zero office in San Francisco.

This full renovation included upgrading mechanical systems and structural upgrades allowed for installing a rooftop photovoltaic array with the capacity to provide enough energy over one year to offset any draw of electricity from the grid that the building may have. Designed to give occupants full access to daylight, the building uses lighting strategies, including solar tubes, skylights with dynamic glazing, and lighting sensors to improve the quality and access of daylight throughout the building. Biophilic elements are incorporated throughout the space, including two living walls and a living wine bar.

Introba studied the DPR’s plug loads at their old site and took steps to monitor and reduce those loads in the building. Smart plug strips prevent unnecessary power use from equipment that is not in use. The space uses San Francisco’s temperate climate through stack ventilation using operable windows and skylights and increased air flow using BMS control ceiling fans. The team selected a VRF system to provide efficient heating and cooling with heat recovery.

Sustainability

  • LEED v4 Platinum Target

  • Zero Net Energy (ILFI) Certified

Project Highlights

  • 118 kW photovoltaic array

  • VRF fan coil units

  • Dedicated outside air handling units with heat recovery

  • Maximized daylight via solar light tubes and dynamic glazing

  • Passive cooling and natural ventilation, including eight solar-powered, automated openable skylights

  • Active energy use monitoring and a detailed dashboard

  • Two solar thermal panels for domestic hot water

  • Twelve high-efficiency ceiling fans with BMS-controlled turn-down

  • Low- or no-flow plumbing fixtures which save more than 30,000 gallons of water annually

Awards
First Place, Existing Commercial Buildings Category, 2016
ASHRAE Technology Award
Best Green Project, 2015
Engineering News-Record (ENR), California
Project of the Year, 2015
Engineering News-Record (ENR), California
People’s Choice Award, 2015
International Interior Design Association, Northern California
Social Responsibility Award, 2015
International Interior Design Association, Northern California
Best Green Project, 2012
Engineering News-Record (ENR)

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