Located in Oceanside, California, the new County of San Diego North Coastal Live Well Health Center building is a Zero Net Energy (ZNE) facility inspired by the local natural resources it’s designed to protect.

The requirement for numerous parking spaces posed a challenge given the building’s needs and the outdoor areas intended for wellness. So, we designed the south wing to be three stories, essentially lofting the two-story mass above a parking structure that could be easily converted into workspace as the agency grows. Powered entirely by the sun and using no fossil fuels, the building improves workplace health, productivity, and well-being by inviting sunlight and natural ventilation and by utilizing thoughtful hardscaping and landscaping features. The interior tells a coastal story, featuring warm, natural wood tones resembling driftwood, vibrant wall colors, and flooring inspired by local flora. Vertical Teflon-coated fiberglass shade sails protect the naturally ventilated lobby and glass from solar heat gain, while operable windows throughout the building summon ocean breezes. Outside, high-efficiency photovoltaic arrays power the facility. Narrow wings and large windows maximize daylight, while integrated shading devices reduce glare. The landscape design consists of three main elements: Native plant material that evokes the nearby coastal bluff landscapes; subsurface drip irrigation to encourage water conservation; and several low rock arroyos to retain and safely direct site water into a series of on-site detention basins.

A shining example of high-performance architecture, the three-story, 36,000-square-foot facility houses Aging and Independence Services, a Military and Veterans Resource Center, Community Health Promotions, Regional Administration, Public Health Services, and Behavioral Health Services. The facility, which has already achieved LEED Platinum Certification, is the only County-owned ZNE project listed in California and the only County-owned medical office to achieve LEED Platinum.