Pursuing LEED Gold accreditation and delivered via progressive design-build, the innovative $96-million, 115,000-sq-ft building is a long-awaited athletics and educational resource for the college and surrounding community. Among its many distinctive features is an activated roof and canopy system, a signature architectural element designed to mimic the undulation of the surrounding ridgeline. Cantilevering 30 ft beyond the building and assembled on site in modules, the 60-ft-high canopy reduces solar heat gain on the second-floor curtain wall while providing partial shading to the 35,000-sq-ft roof. Coordination of exposed mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems using three-dimensional modeling ensured that their placement complemented other architectural elements.

Photo by Bruce Damonte

Structurally, the building transitions from ground-level brace frames to steel moment frames at the second floor and roof trellis. The building exterior features more than 60 different skin conditions, with translucent wall panels adorning its spine. With wildfires a constant threat, the building’s fire alarm network includes flame detectors to monitor the base of the translucent wall panel system. 

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Photo by Bruce Damonte

This feature enabled removal of fire insulation from the translucent panels, thereby improving facade aesthetics while meeting safety codes. Nearly all of the concrete salvaged from demolition of the school’s outmoded 1960s-era gymnasium was repurposed as base rock beneath the building foundation and was used for other surface elements as well.