This project was funded by the Department of Energy and therefore established aggressive energy savings and other resource management goals. Located in a benign environment and only 55 feet wide, the building’s design allows for primarily natural ventilation as its climatic treatment. We oriented the building primarily North and South to minimize heat gain on the West and East, and integrated extensive sunshading and a dual operable window system on the Southern exposure. We placed major assembly spaces—such as the auditorium—underground with a vegetative roof and terrace to minimize cooling, and designed the sloped roof to accommodate the future installation of photovoltaic panels. On the interior, radiant floors, ceiling fans, light shelves, and chilled sails condition indoor spaces. The four-story lobby creates a stack effect, increasing the flow of natural ventilation while reducing the amount of mechanized ventilation.

The SUSB houses administrative space and the campus’ only dining commons, as well as a flexible conference center, including a 350-seat auditorium that hosts regular colloquia where campus research scientists gather to share in their latest discoveries. The building also acts as a visitor center, where the greater community can come to learn about the important work and technology developed here.