Process & Team

Pre-Design

The pre-design process involved numerous programming efforts with the client and consultants. Three rounds of early discussions established expectations on lighting levels and work conditions, both in terms of target air temperature and ability to modify air temperature. White papers, climate data, ASHRAE targets, and a matrix of options with pros and cons helped to frame conversations. Ultimately the client’s dedication to “living lightly” provided the team with a road map for selecting the best system. Other considerations like carbon neutrality, net-zero energy, and regional considerations influenced the discussions as well.
Hypothetical Image of Water Resources Center with Arrows Pointing Up and Out of the Building

Design


At the midway phase of design development, the contractor became more involved in discussions around the building's systems, processes, procurement, and sources. As the design was refined and made more specific, the team conducted modeling runs on eQuest and Radiance using modeling information from the engineers, which in turn were used in design check-ins. The LEED Checklist helped the team create the story of sustainability in a checklist form. The team-architect, engineers, users, and builder-revisited their early targets and interests in order to maintain clarity on the message of water conservation. The message that water conservation equates to energy conservation became a motto for not only the design engineers but also the sub-trades and the general contractor.

Construction


Throughout the construction process, the owner was very active in insuring that all aspects of the sustainable design were included in the final result. This type of support was critical for the success of the delivery method and the overall success of the entire project. Without that support, the process would have led to a result that would have lacked many of the sustainability goals set forth in the pre-design and design phases.

Post-Occupancy


The measurement and verification plan helped ensure that devices were incorporated into the system and would later provide results for the organization for operation control and education.

Primary Design Team Members


Sam Nunes
WRNS Studio
Architect (Principal in charge)
San Francisco, CA

Pauline Souza
WRNS Studio
Architect (Principal in charge of sustainability)
San Francisco, CA

Adam Woltag
WRNS Studio
Architect (Design Partner)
San Francisco, CA

Eileen Ong
WRNS Studio
Architect (Sr. Technical Architect)
San Francisco, CA

Lihsing Kuo
WRNS Studio
Architect (Project Architect)
San Francisco, CA

Jeff LaBoskey
WRNS Studio
Architect (Junior Designer)
San Francisco, CA

Bob Geyer
City of Watsonville
Owner/Developer
Watsonville, CA

David Koch
City of Watsonville
Owner/Developer
Watsonville, CA

Steve Palmisano
City of Watsonville
Owner/Developer
Watsonville, CA

The design also included:
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Plumbing Engineer