Arch|Nexus SAC Headquarters Design

Designates projects that provide innovative and sustainable solutions for our clients

With the goal of demonstrating industry leadership in design, Arch Nexus sought to develop a new office that would exemplify the cutting edge of building design. They selected Tetra Tech to provide an MEP design and the energy analysis necessary to make the new facility truly sustainable and regenerative.

Arch|Nexus SAC achieved Net-Positive Energy and the U.S. Green Building Council’s most rigorous certification—LEED v4 Platinum . The building also is designed to provide 100 percent of its own water on-site. The building Energy Usage Intensity (EUI) was measured at 26, less than half that of a typical office building.

The design of Arch|Nexus SAC was a rehabilitation of an aging building into one of the most high-performing offices spaces in the country. With a project site prone to drought but featuring ample sunlight, the decision pursue Net Zero Water and Net Zero energy was one borne both out of necessity and practicality.

Our team’s design features a rooftop photovoltaic array large enough to power the entire office and a rainwater harvesting system that contributes to a robust graywater reuse system, providing water for toilet use and green wall irrigation. Waterless urinals, composting toilets, and low-flow fixtures also contribute to mitigating on-site water use. On-site sewage treatment eliminates output to the local sewer system. An air-cooled variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system combines with operable windows to create an energy-efficient HVAC system.

This project is the first Living Certified project in the state of California, and just the 19th in the world.

Photos courtesy of Arch Nexus