Completion Date:     9/1/2014

Square Footage:      136580

Building Use:           The Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley Medical Offices occupy a three-story, 136,580 sq. ft. medical offices that span over 44 acres in the desert climate of Lancaster, California. The facility, which opened its doors in September 2014, was designed to serve the growing area population by offering specialty care services from up to 66 clinicians in more than 20 specialties. The medical offices not only serve patients, but also stand as a beautiful oasis that promotes wellness and infuses a welcome vitality within the community.

Location:                 Lancaster, California

Project Description:

The Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley Medical Offices occupy a three-story, 136,580 sq. ft. medical offices that span over 44 acres in the desert climate of Lancaster, California. The facility, which opened its doors in September 2014, was designed to serve the growing area population by offering specialty care services from up to 66 clinicians in more than 20 specialties. The medical offices not only serve patients, but also stand as a beautiful oasis that promotes wellness and infuses a welcome vitality within the community.

Kaiser Permanente sought to “break the mold” by re-imagining the design and performance potential of model medical offices. With a strong focus on community and sustainability, the Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley Medical Offices were designed to reflect the surrounding community and desert environment. The poppies and butterflies that are local to the area, are graphically morphed together to offer playful imagery that greets patients, staff, visitors, and those just passing by.

The façade design was a result of complex modeling including wind, daylight and energy simulations resulted in a curvilinear curtain wall that is a spirited tribute to nature’s forces at the site. Its 10 degrees forward angle provides additional shading from the hot summer sun and with smart shading systems, allows patients to enjoy ample natural sunlight and healing views of the mountains in a comfortable, controlled setting. The facility’s unique design leverages the desert wind’s power as an energy resource, but was also purposely sculpted to calm desert winds throughout entryways, walking areas and healing paths, to protect its patients and visitors. The building’s interior features eco-friendly materials aligned with Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to purchase furniture free from toxic, flame-retardant chemicals.

“Thrivewalk” pathways and outdoor-programmed spaces, including an amphitheater, inspire active living and connection with the surrounding community. The Healing Garden courtyard with reflection pool is intended to provide an area of respite that helps rejuvenate the desert space with cooler, moister air.

The Antelope Valley Medical Offices are on target to achieve LEED Platinum Certification, and near Net Zero energy usage goals. To meet the rigorous standards of LEED Platinum Certification, the design team focused on the surrounding landscape, natural elements and high desert climate to guide the final facility shape, orientation and material selection.

Wind: The 750KW, 246-foot tall wind turbine generates electricity year-round, nearly offsetting the entire amount of energy that the building consumes. The financing mechanism for the turbine relied heavily on the design’s low energy consumption, EUI=42.8 kBtu/sq. ft. per year.

Sun: Solar thermal domestic hot water system: 1,688 sq. ft of solar collectors arrayed on the roof will produce approximately 75% of the building’s hot water needs.

Water: Reclaimed water system: Complex negotiations took place between the owner, architect, civil engineer, state agencies and the municipal provider to extend the newly created reclaimed water system to the project site and deliver a sufficient quantity of recycled water to satisfy 100% of the project’s wastewater conveyance and irrigation demand.

C.O.T.E. | Committee on the Environment

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