Siegel & Strain Architects | Bishop O’Dowd Center for Environmental Studies

Center for Environmental Studies | Photo by David Wakely

Center for Environmental Studies | Photo by Donovan Rittenbach

Bishop O’Dowd Center for Environmental Studies

Oakland, California

Bishop O’Dowd High School’s Center for Environmental Studies (CES) is home to the school’s environmental science and engineering program. Designed to complement the Living Lab – a 4.5-acre hillside restoration site, ecological study area, and wildlife habitat at the perimeter of the campus – a new building and landscape elements tie the Living Lab to the campus core. The new academic building features two large laboratory classrooms, a faculty office and prep space, restrooms, and storage. Sustainable building systems and materials – locally sourced, renewable building materials; roof-mounted photovoltaic panels for renewable power; on-site collection and treatment of storm water, and rainwater harvesting – are easily accessed to serve as teaching tools.

The roof extends well beyond the building envelope to shelter variously-sized patios accessible from the classrooms. The largest covered space functions as an outdoor classroom or a shelter for group gatherings with panoramic views of the Bay. Beyond the porch, wide steps open onto a generous amphitheater.

LEED PLATINUM; ZERO NET-ENERGY VERIFIED; BAY FRIENDLY-RATED LANDSCAPE

AWARDS:

AIA East Bay COTE Honorable Mention Award for Sustainable Design
New Buildings Institute ZNE California Schools Leadership Award for Outstanding Building
Engineering New Record–California: Award of Merit, K-12
Acterra Business Environmental Award for Sustainable Built Environment

SIZE: 3,700 sf Science Center

1,500 sf Outdoor Classrooms

COST: $2.8M

STATUS: Completed 2014

CLIENT: Bishop O’Dowd High School

PHOTOGRAPHY: David Wakely &
Donovan Rittenbach (aerial)

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN FEATURES: Building orientation; high-performing building envelope; low-emissivity dual glazed windows plus shading; daylighting and natural ventilation; high-efficiency mechanical, electrical and lighting systems; radiant-heated concrete slab with electric heat pump; 11.5 kW photovoltaic array provides 100% of the building’s energy; roof water collected into a 4,500 gallon cistern used for toilets; site water captured, cleansed by the bioswale and directed to the Living Lab tank system and pond; low-flow plumbing fixtures reduce water usage by 60%; high-recycled content building materials; wood siding reclaimed from detention trees; repurposed materials from previous campus projects; FSC wood; low or free formaldehyde and VOC building materials.

“This building has exceeded our expectations. As educational professionals, we understand that the academic program that the Center for Environmental Studies and Living Lab support are what really matters. That is why the major emphasis now is on student learning. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do to make the CES a reality.”

— STEPHEN PHELPS, ED.D., FORMER PRESIDENT, BISHOP O’DOWD HIGH SCHOOL