Kaiser Berkeley Medical Office Building TI

Challenge

The Kaiser Berkeley Medical Office Building project involved the buildout and tenant improvement of a previously constructed 62,000 square feet cold shell Medical Office Building (MOB) comprising three stories. The MOB was designed to offer a diverse range of medical services, including adult family medicine, pediatrics, mental health care, outpatient services, and a pharmacy, along with a cafe for the convenience of patients and visitors.

Solution

The design of this project was executed with a strong emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability. The team aimed to achieve LEED Gold certification according to the LEED V4/4a rating system. Compliance with ASHRAE Guideline 36 was meticulously followed to ensure best-in-class HVAC control sequences, enhancing energy efficiency during building operation. Additionally, a non-recirculating tempered water plumbing system was implemented to supply water to lavatories and sinks equipped with sensor faucets, reducing the need for extensive piping and insulation. Automatic lighting controls were extensively utilized throughout the building, integrated with the Building Automation System (BAS) via BACnet, ensuring efficient daylight harvesting and occupancy sensing. Despite budget constraints, effective collaboration with the architect allowed for the integration of various lighting features in specific locations, enhancing the building’s aesthetics and functionality.

Impact

The project successfully achieved its sustainability goals, contributing to the targeted LEED Gold certification. The innovative HVAC control sequences and non-recirculating tempered water plumbing system significantly reduced operational costs while maintaining comfortable indoor environments for occupants. The automatic lighting controls optimized energy savings and ensured seamless communication of occupancy status to the BAS. The integration of various lighting features improved the building’s aesthetics and user experience, demonstrating the effectiveness of the collaborative approach despite budget constraints.