Residential Qualifications

Sweetwater Spectrum Community

Sonoma, CA

TYPE: SIZE: ACCREDIATION:

New Construction 16,500 SF

PG&E ZNE Pilot Project

The firm provided MEP engineering design services for this award-winning community which integrates autism spectrum-specific design, universal design and sustainable design strategies. The project includes four 3,250 SF 4-bedroom homes, a 2,300 SF community center with exercise/activity spaces and a teaching kitchen, large therapy pool and spas and an urban farm, orchard and greenhouse. Particular care was taken with the selection of the building materials and systems to promote healthy indoor air quality, acoustical control, and comfortable, super efficient HVAC systems. Since ceiling fans can be a negative stimulus to people on the autism spectrum, a radiant slab heating and cooling system was used with a low-velocity ventilation system. The site was designed to maximize passive solar orientation, daylight, and natural ventilation. All buildings incorporate photovoltaic solar panels and solar hot water. Other energy-saving strategies include high R-value insulation in walls and roofs; high-performance insulated windows; low- reflective “cool” roofs; solar tube skylights at interior halls; sun control where needed with overhangs, trellises, and operable exterior sunshades; high efficiency air-to-water heat pumps; energy-efficient light fixtures; Energy Star appliances; induction cook tops; and a building management system. Overall, these strategies improved energy performance by +30% better than California Title 24 energy requirements. Low-flow plumbing fixtures throughout reduce water consumption. An on-site well was drilled to supply water to all site irrigation systems, including site landscaping and the organic farm and orchards. Drought-tolerant plants minimize irrigation needs, and permeable paving and bioswales manage stormwater.

The project is a Pacific Gas & Electric Zero Net Energy Pilot Project and exceeds the 2030 Commitment designed to reduce energy use by 88% .