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ZGF conceals a Stanford University power plant behind metal screens

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Oregon-based ZGF Architects has used a variety of design elements to help minimise the visual impact of a new energy facility on Stanford University's scenic campus (+ slideshow).

Photograph by Steve Proehl Stanford University Central Energy Facility by ZGF Architects in California, USA
Photograph by Steve Proehl

Called the Central Energy Facility, the building encompasses 125,600 square feet (11,700 square metres). It is located on the west side of Stanford University's main campus in Palo Alto, California.

Photograph by Robert Canfield Stanford University Central Energy Facility by ZGF Architects in California, USA
Photograph by Robert Canfield

The university's original campus master plan was conceived in 1888 by Frederick Law Olmsted, the noted landscape architect who designed New York's Central Park.

Photograph by Robert Canfield Stanford University Central Energy Facility by ZGF Architects in California, USA
Photograph by Robert Canfield

The new energy facility "respects Olmsted's original axial campus plan" and aligns with the school's central quad, said ZGF, a 500-employee firm based in Portland, Oregon, that was founded in 1942.

Photograph by Robert Canfield Stanford University Central Energy Facility by ZGF Architects in California, USA
Photograph by Robert Canfield

The energy complex consists of five distinct programmatic elements: a volume containing an entry court, administrative offices and teaching facilities; a heat recovery chiller plant; a power plant for the medical school and a children's hospital; an electrical substation; and a service yard.

The new facility covers nearly three acres (1.2 hectares).

Photograph by Robert Canfield Stanford University Central Energy Facility by ZGF Architects in California, USA
Photograph by Robert Canfield

The complex contains three massive water tanks that store a total of 12 million gallons (45 million litres) of heated and chilled water.

Photograph by Robert Canfield Stanford University Central Energy Facility by ZGF Architects in California, USA
Photograph by Robert Canfield

The firm sought to lessen the plant's visual impact on the historic campus, which is well known for its Richardsonian Romanesque and Mission-style architecture.

The entry court is situated on the east side and faces the campus, while the substations are on the opposing side and look toward a golf course.

Photograph by Tim Griffith Stanford University Central Energy Facility by ZGF Architects in California, USA
Photograph by Tim Griffith

"The massing and arrangement of the various components minimise the overall facility's impact, with additional visual shielding provided by elegant metal screens," the firm said.

"The overall architectural expression is one of lightness, transparency and sustainability to express the facility's purpose."

Photograph by Tim Griffith Stanford University Central Energy Facility by ZGF Architects in California, USA
Photograph by Tim Griffith

The design team incorporated glass, dark steel columns and polished aluminium to create a contemporary aesthetic. To add warmth to an arcade, it used reclaimed wood to form the soffits.

Photograph by Tim Griffith Photograph by Stanford University Central Energy Facility by ZGF Architects in California, USA
Photograph by Tim Griffith

Ample glazing on the administrative and teaching building ushers in daylight and also enables views both into and out of the building. A large photovoltaic canopy provides shade while also generating electricity for occupants.

Photograph by Tim Griffith Stanford University Central Energy Facility by ZGF Architects in California, USA
Photograph by Tim Griffith

"Glass-enclosed office spaces and an outdoor, multi-use room float above the entrance, providing views out to central campus as well as into the hub of the facility," the firm described.

Photograph by Robert Canfield Stanford University Central Energy Facility by ZGF Architects in California, USA
Photograph by Robert Canfield

One of the water tanks was painted cardinal red – the university's official colour – and is visible through a metal screen wrapping the basin.

Photograph by Robert Canfield Stanford University Central Energy Facility by ZGF Architects in California, USA
Photograph by Robert Canfield

"At night, lights directed through slender perforated steel columns transform the facility's centrepiece hot water tank into a red, glowing beacon that serves as the heart of the facility," the firm explained.

Photograph by Robert Canfield Stanford University Central Energy Facility by ZGF Architects in California, USA
Photograph by Robert Canfield

The building "embodies the latest technological advances in heat recovery".

The plant utilises software developed and patented by Stanford that predicts campus energy loads, grid prices and weather conditions – and then steers "the system to optimal efficiency". The software also reviews its own performance.

Photograph by Matthew Anderson Stanford University Central Energy Facility by ZGF Architects in California, USA
Photograph by Matthew Anderson

The plant is part of a university-wide initiative to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.

Other measures include converting the heat supply for all buildings from steam to hot water, constructing an extensive heat-recovery loop system and drawing power from an off-site solar farm.

Photograph by Matthew Anderson Stanford University Central Energy Facility by ZGF Architects in California, USA
Photograph by Matthew Anderson

"This comprehensive Stanford Energy System Innovation (SESI) initiative will eliminate 150,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, the equivalent of removing 32,000 cars from the road every year," said the firm.

"Expected energy savings to Stanford over 35 years is $425 million (£300 million)."

Photograph by Steve Proehl Stanford University Central Energy Facility by ZGF Architects in California, USA
Photograph by Steve Proehl

Other recent infrastructure projects include a water-cooling facility at Ohio State University by Leers Weinzapfel Associates and a salt shed and garage for New York's sanitation department by Dattner Architects and WXY.

Project credits:

Client: Stanford University
Design architect: ZGF Architects
Lead mechanical, eletrical and plumbing engineer: AEI Consulting Engineers
Civil engineering: BFK Engineers
Structural engineering: Rutherford + Chekene
Landscape: Tom Leader Studio
Construction contractor: The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Location plan of Stanford University Central Energy Facility by ZGF Architects in California, USA
Location plan – click for larger image
Ground floor plan of Stanford University Central Energy Facility by ZGF Architects in California, USA
Ground floor plan – click for larger image
First floor plan of Stanford University Central Energy Facility by ZGF Architects in California, USA
First floor plan – click for larger image
Sections of Stanford University Central Energy Facility by ZGF Architects in California, USA
Sections – click for larger image
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