Seattle-based firm The Miller Hull Partnership has designed an important new laboratory building for the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) that will have a light impact on the lush natural landscape that surrounds it. 

Developed to offset the anticipated growth of UCSC’s research and instruction, the new Environmental Health & Safety Facility includes space for laboratories, waste management, storage, and administrative offices in addition to providing room for life, health, and safety resources.

Per the architects: “The site includes a small knoll and is defined by the steep ravine and mature redwood trees. The building is constructed on caissons to be light on the land and allow natural drainage and existing root systems to remain below the building. All stormwater is managed on-site with direct infiltration, and a below-grade storm drain detention structure with outfall to level spreaders distributed across the site.”

In response to Northern California’s mild climate (much of the Santa Cruz Mountains is considered a temperate rainforest), the design team created an open-air circular ventilation hallway that separates hazardous areas while reducing energy consumption using a redwood timber screen. High windows further enhance the sustainability of the 7,000-square-foot structure by decreasing the reliance on artificial light in the storage and hazardous waste handling areas. 

Overall, the facility will help UCSC comply with state and federal guidelines. It also aligns perfectly with the new EMission Zero initiative that was launched by the firm earlier this year. 

“EMission Zero is an evolution of the sustainable design principles that have been foundational to Miller Hull since its inception,” the firm's researcher Alex Ianchenko said in a recent interview. “As our profession learns more and sustainable priorities come into greater focus, we tailor our work to achieve the best performance and health goals for our clients. Being accountable for our project’s emissions is in line with Miller Hull’s Sustainability Action Plan and our values — Do Good. Go Deep. Be Bold.”