BOORA Architects, Portland, Oregon
Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction Company,
San Francisco, CA
Ove Arup & Partners, San Francisco, CA
ACCO Engineered Systems, Glendale, CA
ELC6375DAX Combination Louver/Dampers
ELF Architectural Grilles
FSD60,
CD60 Airfoil Dampers
Yahoo! co-founder and wife, Jerry Yang and Akiko Yamazaki contributed $50 million
towards the construction of the new Environment and Energy Building at Stanford
University. The building integrated with existing architecture and supports the
university’s commitment to creating a sustainable, environmentally friendly campus.
Dubbed Y2E2, the building’s ambitious energy goal is a 50% greater reduction than
called for in ASHRAE 90.1.2004. Additional specs called for a 30% reduction in water
usage and that no potable water be used for irrigation.
The importance of this project to the University is clearly stated on a lobby sign:
Most significantly, (Y2E2) is a symbol of Stanford University’s commitment to interdependent
systems – and the recognition that these systems are academic, ecological, technological,
and social. The Y2E2 building is living proof that all things are connected. And
the closer we look, the more these connections are revealed to us.
- Develop a passive air management system that provides constant airflow and
outside air circulation.
- Create a recirculating air system that uses natural properties to maintain
a comfortable 68º F temperature inside the building.
- Design an HVAC system that exceeds ASHRAE 90.1.2004 energy reductions by 50%.
Working with a design team from BOORA Architects of Portland, Oregon and Ove Arup
& Partners, an international consulting ἀrm that provides planning, engineering
and project management services, Ruskin helped design a passive air management system
that takes advantage of one of nature’s basic laws – hot air rises, cold air drops.
Sold by Norman S Wright Mechanical Equipment Corporation, Brisbane, CA.
- Custom built stacked louvers to exact specifications for each of the four
atria.
- Integrate louvers with a direct digital control system for automated activation.
- Design louver grilles to match existing architecture.
Tom Edwards, Ruskin President, stated, "Through a creative use of atriums and stacked
louvers, we’re able to provide a system that automatically delivers cool air throughout
the day."
Known as the "lungs of the building" each of the four atria rises up 89 feet – 24
feet and 6 inches above the roof. At night, when the outside air drops to approximately
60ºF degrees, the louvers open. At the same time a computer analyzes the indoor
air temperature and determines which windows within the building to open.
In an interview with KGO-TV, Dick Luthy, Standford Civil & Environmental Engineer
Chairman said that process "will let the building naturally breathe and cool down."
This passive cooling system reduces the building’s energy contributing to the overall
goal of 50% reduced energy usage.
In order to meet Stanford’s interest in creating a modern building yet retain the
classic form of the other structures on the campus, Ruskin provided combination
louvers faced with architectural grilles. Combination louvers combine the aesthetic
appearance of stationary louvers with positive airflow shutoff capabilities.
The creation of this building was truly a collaborative effort where experts from
a variety of disciplines came together and produced something uniquely special.
While the impact of this unique design will be felt daily by those who use the building,
the far-reaching implications exceed anything that could be measured on a day-to-day
basis.
"We felt this was one of the best investments that we could make for the next generation,
and our children," said Yamazaki while standing in one of the trademark atriums
during the building’s dedication. "For our children to be able to enjoy and experience
what we’ve been blessed with, we cannot afford not to do something today."
The building was constructed to LEED Platinum Standards and won the San Francisco
Business Times "Green Building Award" in 2007.