Sharp Development Company and Hillhouse Construction collaborated to remodel a beat up racquetball court into a cutting edge, 2 story net zero energy commercial office. The California Energy Commission awarded a $1.5 million grant to the 415 Mathilda project, viewing it as a model for the commercial and financial viability of profitably retrofitting commercial offices to use zero-net energy. This project has been highly documented, measured, and used as a template for future zero-net buildings across the state. Among the project’s numerous energy-saving and sustainable elements are rooftop solar panels, recyclable materials, skylights to help maximize daylight harvesting, and dynamic glass that transitions from clear to dark depending on the sun’s angle to diminish glare, minimize heat gain and energy use, and maintain outdoor views. IDeAs electrical engineers while at a previous employer were part of the integrated project team, collaborating with the developer, architect, and contractor to provide electrical engineering and daylighting consulting.
