SBCAST was conceived according to sensible sustainable principles:
- Durable, low-maintenance, resource-efficient (in terms of materials, energy, water and money).
- Simple building forms and layouts that are highly adaptable over time (ref. S. Brand “How Buildings Learn”). The SBCAST project is simple and versatile.
- Maximizes use of recycled/re-used (and re-usable) building materials: SBCAST was originally designed with ISBU’s (now oriented to equivalent modular construction); retaining and re-using the existing pre-engineered metal building, etc.).
- Application of extensive/integrated storm water management and re-use system (i.e. high-albedo pervious paving, storage tanks, green roof areas, etc.). Net-Zero Energy (low-energy systems, PV and solar water heating systems, bikes, etc.).
- The site was selected because it was in an “industrial” C-M Zone, a run-down area, that was, nevertheless, close to downtown and therefore, highly accessible, bike-able and walk-able.
