Projects

Exploratorium

Exploratorium

San Francisco, California
United States
Exploratorium

Introba provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and commissioning services for the Exploratorium in San Francisco, CA, United States.

This internationally acclaimed science museum’s new home is on San Francisco’s historic Piers 15 and 17, bringing life to a formerly dormant section of San Francisco’s waterfront. Introba (formerly Integral Group) performed the building’s mechanical engineering, plumbing design, and fundamental commissioning. The team designed the building to be a zero net energy and net zero carbon building. It houses an observatory, public exhibitions, classrooms, programs, a restaurant and café, a museum store, a national center for teacher development, event space, laboratory space, exhibit fabrication spaces and workshops, and ancillary offices. 

With integrated design, the team reduced the building’s load to less than half that of a conventional museum building – the building will meet the remainder of the energy required using a large 1,400-kW solar photovoltaic system. After Zero Energy operation is confirmed, it will be the world’s largest public Zero Energy museum. Innovative mechanical and energy-efficient system designs include a bay water heat exchange system, radiant slab heating and cooling, natural ventilation, daylighting, and heat pump heating. All electric heating allows for net zero energy. The building also features a rainwater harvesting system for toilet flushing.

Sustainability

  • LEED Platinum Certified 

  • Zero Net Energy 

  • Net Zero Carbon 

Project Highlights

  • Complete reinvigoration of Pier 15, adding more public access to the waterfront access 

  • Houses an observatory, public exhibitions/event space, classrooms, a restaurant/café, a store, a national center for teacher development, laboratory space, fabrication workshops, and offices 

  • LEED Platinum, zero net energy and net zero carbon certified; world’s largest public Zero Energy museum 

  • Energy-efficient system designs include a bay water heat exchange system, radiant slab heating and cooling, natural ventilation, daylighting, and heat pump heating 

  • Rainwater harvesting system for toilet flushing 

  • Operates at 55% lower energy consumption, and water efficiency is 65% better compared to typical US museums 

Photo Credit: © Bruce Damonte

Services

At the Exploratorium, Green Design is Always on Exhibit

Awards
Business Environmental Award (BEA), 2018
Acterra
COTE Top Ten Awards, 2016
American Institute of Architects
Design Awards, Special Commendation, 2015
American Institute of Architects, San Francisco Chapter
Honor Award Energy + Sustainability, 2014
American Institute of Architects, San Francisco Chapter
Preservation Design Award, Rehabilitation, 2014
Preservation Design Award
Regional First Place Technology Award for New Public Assembly Facilities, 2014
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
Global Awards for Excellence , 2014
Urban Land Institute
Best Rehab/Renovation Real Estate Deal of the Year, 2012
San Francisco Business Times

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