-By Holly Richmond, Photography by Cesar Rubio

There could not be a better fit than the Energy Foundation for being the first project in San Francisco—and one of only 13 worldwide—to achieve LEED-CI Platinum certification, the highest level under the USGBC's program for commercial interiors. Since its founding in 1991, the Energy Foundation has worked with a $90 million annual budget to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy in the world's largest and fastest growing markets, most notably the United States and China. "We recognize the importance of energy efficiency in buildings, which are responsible for 39 percent of U.S. energy production alone," explains Jacqui Wilson, assistant to the Foundation's president, Eric Heitz. "For 18 years we've been the leading (and sometimes the only) provider of grants to non-profit groups who work to advance new energy technologies."

In 2007, when the Energy Foundation had outgrown its previous office space in the Presidio, it looked for a design firm that could create a new space to capture its corporate character as well as fulfill its mission of sustainability. TannerHecht Architecture, also based in San Francisco, prides itself on creating projects that enrich their communities, and thus became the Energy Foundation's ideal partner. David Hecht, the firm's principal-in-charge, remarks, "These people truly are making a difference in the world, and the goal was to create a space to reflect that vibrancy and dedication. The design needed to support the Foundation's work style and action-oriented approach, and part of that meant conveying a sense of appropriateness to funders and other constituents."


The new, 17,600-sq.-ft. offices occupy the entire sixth floor of the seven-story Bently Reserve Building (formerly the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank), located in the heart of the city. Proximity to public transportation was essential for LEED site selection standards because all Energy Foundation employees either take public transportation, walk, or ride their bikes to work. The design comprises 25 private offices, 42 open workstations, three small conference rooms, two kitchenettes, a large "non-board room," and a "copy café." "We work collaboratively yet require spaces that are quiet enough to enable a level of privacy and promote focus on our individual tasks. People really appreciate the openness as well as the fact that it doesn't feel like a cube farm," Wilson says with a laugh.

The design exposes the building's historic rustic steel, brick, and concrete, thereby reducing the use of new materials. Office walls, workstation panels, and conference room walls incorporate interior windows—including clerestories between offices—to take full advantage of the abundant natural light and city views afforded by the building's original 8-ft. by 9-ft. windows and to reduce the need for artificial lighting. Fourteen-ft. tall ceilings showcase many exposed design elements and promote the "raw" aesthetic the Foundation wished to capture. "The space is exceptionally, and obviously, environmentally focused without being too 'granola,'" says Hecht. "That sensibility was key to the design. The offices had to communicate the level of international advocacy that the Foundation undertakes without appearing ostentatious."

Advanced lighting control systems, daylight harvesting, and independent climate controls allow employees to reduce energy use yet maintain their preferred level of comfort. Other resource-conserving elements include GreenGuard-certified workstations and chairs, recycled denim acoustical insulation, wood fiber ceiling tiles, and high-recycled-content carpet tiles. The "non-boardroom"—a space that accommodates 40 people and enables a range of casual day-to-day uses, as well as formal board meetings—was a particular challenge for Hecht and his team. "Sustainability drove the overall design direction, yet we sought out materials that would take the project beyond predictable green palettes and let the inherent strengths of the space become the central elements," he notes.

To that end, the "non-boardroom" features a 33-ft.-long table constructed of three pieces of recycled Douglas fir and decommissioned photovoltaic panels. "The dark, reflective PV panels add visual interest to a long plank of wood and also give it a techy feel," adds Hecht. The table is fitted with the latest A/V functions as well as microphones for teleconferencing (essential for the Foundation's business with China). Six whiteboards surround the table, making it an ideal place for brainstorming during formal and informal gatherings.

While the non-boardroom gets plenty of use, Wilson says that the staff's preferred collaboration and kick-back area is the "copy café," which was designed—and thus named—to be a space that incorporates the main kitchenette and break area with mail and copy functions. The space is large enough to host informal gatherings, though several clustered seating areas allow employees to interact in small groups as well.

Hecht believes the project is such a success because of the push for LEED-CI Platinum certification and what that means to the employees, and because "the aesthetics have a nice vigor without being overdone." Wilson concurs, noting that the Energy Foundation could not be happier with TannerHecht's ability to deliver an office space that is both high-tech and low-impact. She says, "It's a great mix of modern design and efficient functionality. In other words, it's practical and beautiful at the same time."


who
Project,  client: The Energy Foundation. Architect: TANNERHECHT Architecture. Interior designer: Gail Gordon Design. Green building consultant: Simon & Associates.
Mechanical/electrical engineer: CB Engineers. General contractor: bcci Construction.
Owner’s Representative: Terrasset Management Group. Lighting designer: revolver design. Acoustical engineer, A/V design: Charles Salter Associates. AV installation: Avidex. Furniture dealer: Vangard Concept Offices, COG Interiors, Prouve Contract. Photographer: Cesar Rubio Photography.

what
Paint: Benjamin Moore. Dry wall: SheetRock. Carpet/carpet tile:Tandus/C&A. Carpet fiber: Dynex. Carpet backing:Tile backing manufactured from 100% recycled content. Ceiling: Tectum (compressed Aspen fibers; 2’x8’ panels suspended in USG heavy-duty t-bar system. Lighting: Pinnacle, Prudential, Del Ray, Lamar, Cooper. Doors: Eggers. Door hardware: Schlage. Window frames/wall systems: Wilson Partitions. Window treatments: MechoShade. Workstations: Teknion. Private office desks: DFM. Reception desk: DatesWeiser. Reception coffee table: OHIO Design. Task chairs: Haworth. Office  side chairs: Stylex, Knoll. Lounge seating: Room & Board. Kitchenette stools: Andreu World.    Reception bench: Davis, Pollack. Upholstery: Luna fabrics for workstations and private office desks. Board Room Conference table:    Designed by TANNERHECHT Architecture; fabricated by Adrian Burns Fabrication. Stacking side chairs: Davis. Kitchenette table: Design by TANNERHECHT; fabricated by SF Millwork. Other tables: DFM. Files: Allsteel. Shelving: fabricated by Adrian Burns Fabrication. Architectural woodworking: Cabinetmaking: San Francisco Millwork; fabricated from FSC Apply Ply from Panel Source of Oregon. Planters, accessories: Reception area planter: Hot rolled sheet metal fabricated by Adrian Burns Fabrication. Signage: West Coast Signworks. Lighting: Lutron. Plumbing fixtures: Kohler, Sloan, Zurn, Elkay, Chicago Faucets.

where
Location:  San Francisco, Calif. Total floor area: 17,600 sq. ft. No. of floors: 1. Total staff size:  approx. 35 (accommodates 65).