Cupertino, CA
De Anza College, Media and Learning Center
Scope/Solutions
The two-story Media and Learning Center at De Anza College provides 65,000 sq ft of media and learning center space. The project, a successful implementation of ecological sustainable design, incorporates a buoyancy-driven natural air ventilation system, more than 6,000 sq ft of photovoltaics, and rooftop vacuum-tube style solar thermal collectors. SGH was the building enclosure consultant for the terra-cotta rain screen wall cladding, metal wall panels, and an aluminum-and-glass curtain wall system.
As the building enclosure consultants, SGH reviewed design concepts for the exterior wall cladding, windows, doors, and roofs. Highlights of our work include the following items:
- Analyzed effects of thermal loading and condensation potential of metal panel wall assembly at ventilation shafts and provided recommendations for the interior and exterior air and vapor barriers
- Determined the best location for the air and vapor barriers and insulation within the metal panel and terra cotta rainscreen cladding assemblies
- Evaluated quality control, ease of detailing and installation at penetrations and terminations, compatibility with adjacent materials, and UV stability of a fluid-applied membrane and sheet membrane for installation behind the cladding
- Consulted on single-ply roofing membrane that meet Energy Star, LEED, and Cool Roof Rating Council requirements for reflectivity and emissivity
- Consulted on the photovoltaic (PV) collector field mounting system on the standing-seam metal roof and recommended a system to accommodate rain water that could penetrate through panel joints and penetrations
- Analyzed the thermal bridging effects of the PV mounting system in the context of the whole-building energy performance and provided recommendations for the placement of insulation within the assembly to reduce conductive heat flow
Photo by David Wakely
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Project Summary
2012
Completion Date
36M
Construction Value
Award
Winner
LEED
Certification
Solutions
New Construction
Services
Building Enclosures | Performance & Code Consulting
Markets
Education
Client(s)
Ratcliff Architects
Specialized Capabilities
Building Science | Facades & Glazing | Roofing & Waterproofing | Energy & Sustainability
Key team members
Additional Projects
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UC San Diego, Canyon Vista Marketplace
The reinvented Canyon Vista Marketplace connects the dining commons, store, and student lounge areas. SGH provided fire/life safety and accessibility code consulting services for the project.
West
San Francisco State University, J. Paul Leonard & Sutro Library
SGH was the structural engineer of record for the project that entailed a new and renovated facility that combines libraries and houses a high-density library retrieval system (LRS).