I recently received word from Kristi McCain promoting a reclaimed 1970s industrial building, located in Sunnyvale, California. The photographs are well worth looking at, plus a case study on the project. This proves you don’t always need to raze the old and build new. The existing structure looks as if it worked quite well, aided by some fine design.
Regarding this reclaimed structure, McCain wrote, “I thought this eco retrofit might interest you: Stationed on Indio Way in Sunnyvale, CA, an industrial Silicon Valley building from the 70s was recently transformed into a high-end, sustainable office space in just a few months.
“The nearly net-zero building is the first of its kind to bring disparate sustainable solutions into one system, connecting multiple systems such as windows, lighting and ventilation. One major upgrade is the installation of View’s dynamic glass windows, which eliminate heat and glare by intelligently adjusting tint according to outdoor conditions and user preference. The “smart windows” provide yearly energy savings of 20-25 percent, and a number of occupant benefits including increased happiness and productivity that come with naturally lit spaces.”
Other sustainable innovations include:
- Carpets made from reclaimed fishing nets
- Zero-waste sinks
- PV panels and skylights to replace old air conditioners
Case Study
435 Indio Way Office Building, Sunnyvale, CA
View Dynamic Glass contributes to Net-zero goals and enhanced building value
Challenge:
The 32,000 sf office building on Indio Way in Sunnyvale, CA, was a typical single story tilt up that had been vacant for some time. The building developer decided to upgrade the building with a deep energy efficiency (zero annual energy bill) goal in mind as well as exceeding California’s Title 24 energy code requirements (by 2030 all of California’s new commercial construction is to be net-zero energy).
The developer also understood that buildings are about people, and improvements made that would provide better views, more daylight and increased productivity would command a higher rent price in the market.
Solution:
1,950 square feet of View Dynamic Glass was installed in fixed lites, operables, and the storefront bi-folding lobby doors. The operable windows were motorized and automated that allowed natural ventilation to enter the space.
Results:
View Dynamic Glass contributed to the developer’s goal of constructing a Net-zero energy cost building. Within three months of completion, the developer was able to secure a long term lease at above market rates.
Benefits:
View Dynamic Glass provides the 435 Indio project with the following:
- Creates a daylight and comfortable workspace that commands premium market pricing
- Provides uninterrupted views to the outdoors and natural daylight for the occupants
- Meets the façade design specifications by exceeding the California Title 24 Energy Code
- Integrates with automated operable windows used for natural ventilation goals
| Team | |
| Architect | RMW Architecture |
| Developer | Sharp Development |
| General Contractor | Hillhouse Construction |
| MEP Firm | Integral Group |
| Glazing system | |
| Project Type | Retrofit |
| System Type | Punched hole operables; Bi-folding doors |
| Make and Model | 2”x4” aluminum storefront system Bi-folding doors: Arcadia 8000 Series |
| IGU makeup | |
| Overall Thickness | 1” |
| Outboard Lite | 6mm tempered clear with EC on surface #2 |
| Spacer | 1/2” black warm edge spacer |
| Inboard Lite | 6mm” tempered clear |
