"Environmental stewardship, preserving the integrity of the surrounding environment, and crafting a sustainable, peaceful workplace were among the primary goals in creating a new headquarters for this philanthropic foundation. After nearly 70 years of renting office space in and around Los Angeles, and due to projected growth, this Foundation's Board of Directors decided to build a permanent home. Realizing the impact that new construction can have on the environment, the owner committed to using the selected site and the structures that would be added to advance the understanding of sustainable design and construction practices. The first of four buildings that will make up the campus was completed in October 2012. The 22,240 SF, two-story, Phase I office building includes offices (both private and open plan), a reception area, meeting rooms, and a convenience kitchen with casual seating. Planned to achieve the U.S. Green Buildings Council's LEED-Platinum certification, the building is designed as a net-zero energy facility.The building is positioned to respect the site's natural slope and to enhance the experience of the native hillside setting, while keeping the best possible solar orientation. The architecture is the result of an artful encounter between nature and technology. The structure's simple, box-like form allows for views out, while admitting optimum daylight to create a comfortable and energy-efficient indoor environment. The split-face stone cladding enhances that dialog by echoing the texture and color of the local stone. The vivid exterior facade and landscape are juxtaposed with a neutral interior color palette and materials. Innovative systems include a passive downdraft system, solar thermal heating, water cooled chiller, renewable energy, daylighting, automated shading system, recycled water for toilets and cooling tower, potable water conservation, debris basin, preserved natural landscape, green roof, and permeable pavement."
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