Timmons Design Engineers in association with ARUP were commissioned by KMD Architects to carry out the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and sustainable design services for the new 14-story San Francisco Administration Building. The building encompasses 221,830 sq ft of innovative rental space. Design features include: PV panels on the roof, operable windows, radiant heating and cooling, natural ventilation, and daylighting. The project has been designed to achieve LEED Silver rating by the Green Building Council.

Great emphasis was placed into harnessing natural daylight where appropriate to reduce the electrical lighting load from the building. The building was designed around a central core allowing natural light to enter the areas furthest from the perimeter windows. The lighting design was developed around maximizing the natural daylight entering the public and administrative areas. To maximize daylight from the perimeter glazing, light shelves we’re integrated into the window walls.

A photovoltaic system is integrated into the building design to provide power, reduce heat loads on the higher floors, and serve as a work of art. Solar greenhouses are included on every floor to represent San Francisco’s natural soil and vegetation conditions at the corresponding elevation.