Thermal Envelope

Byron G. Rogers Federal Building: Denver, Colo.

Modernizing Denver’s 1960s-era Byron G. Rogers Federal Building capitalized on a decision made in 1850 by the original city planners to lay out the downtown streets at 45 degrees to the four cardinal points. Without considering the solar orientation, the design respected the street orientation and the result placed the main buildings facing southwest. While this is great for watching the sun set over the mountains, the building becomes a giant solar heat collector.

UC Davis Health and Wellness Center: Davis, CA

The daylight-filled three-story UC Davis Health and Wellness Center offers physical and mental health services from dermatology to stress reduction strategies for the campus’ 30,000 students.

Mercy Corps World Headquarters: Portland, OR

Responding to international crises isn’t easy when your colleagues are scattered across six separate office spaces. Mercy Corps found its solution in Portland, Ore.’s neglected Packer-Scott Building.

High Tech High: Chula Vista, CA

High Tech High Chula Vista is organized into neighborhoods to promote team teaching as well as provide a sense of ownership and place.

Evie Garrett Dennis Campus: Denver, CO

When Denver Public Schools identified the need for additional schools to serve a growing suburban area, it decided to pursue a net zero energy multi-school campus ...

The Christman Building: Lansing, MI

Adaptive reuse is ideal for older cities that have a large stock of historic buildings. But how much does it cost to design, renovate and operate a repurposed building ...