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.
Sustainability diagram labeled ‘SBCAST’ showing an isometric view of a mixed-use building complex. The legend identifies 19 features: (1) Preservation/reuse of existing pre-engineered metal building, (2) Permeable paving, (3) Rainwater cistern, (4) Native and drought tolerant landscaping, (5) Cool decking/roofing, (6) Rooftop landscape, (7) Photovoltaic system/optimized solar orientation, (8) Solar hot water heating system, (9) Energy-Star ceiling fans, (10) Minimum triple aspect for natural light and passive ventilation, (11) Integrally-colored stucco, (12) Bike parking, (13) Clean air vehicle parking, (14) Community garden, (15) Trash/recycling/compost, (16) Spray foam insulation, (17) Weathering steel rainscreen cladding, (18) Low/no VOC paints, (19) Water use reduction through efficient plumbing. Notes indicate a walk score of 94, bike score of 97, advanced framing construction, hydronic heating using solar-heated water, and sub-metering for all units.