The Placer County Health and Human Services Center is a significant new facility located in Auburn, California. This innovative building represents Placer County’s first zero-net energy structure. It is designed to provide a wide range of health services in a single, accessible location.
The building spans about 147,000 square feet and consolidates various essential services for the Auburn and Foothills area, making it a pivotal resource for the community.
The architectural design reflects a commitment to sustainability and community engagement, showcasing modern innovations in energy efficiency. With its recent completion in February 2024, this facility not only serves as a health services hub but also embodies a forward-thinking approach to public building design.
Those interested in design and engineering will find the planning and construction of this center a noteworthy example of how functionality can blend with environmental responsibility.
As Placer County continues to grow, this center aims to meet the increasing demand for health and human services. By focusing on a “one-stop” service model, it simplifies access for residents while enhancing the quality of care. The center stands as a testament to the county’s dedication to improving community health and well-being, showcasing the transformative power of well-planned architecture.
Further insights into architectural approaches can be found in various industry articles, such as those from Engineers and Architects of America.
Project Overview
The Placer County Health and Human Services Center is a significant architectural achievement that combines innovative design with sustainable goals. This project, located in Auburn, features a skilled team focused on creating a facility that serves the community efficiently while prioritizing energy conservation.
Design-Build Team
The design-build team for this project includes Turner Construction and AC Martin. They brought their expertise to create a structure that meets both functional and aesthetic needs.
The facility spans approximately 148,000 square feet and consists of two stories with a steel frame, providing robust support along with modern design elements. This collaboration allowed for streamlined communication and effective problem-solving throughout the construction process.
Moreover, the team’s commitment to quality is evident in the facility’s architectural details. This innovative project stands out as the first Zero Net-Energy Facility in Placer County, emphasizing the importance of community-centered design. Turner’s experience in delivering similar projects enhances the successful execution of this health and human services center.
Zero Net Energy Goals
Achieving Zero Net Energy was a top priority for the Placer County Health and Human Services Center. This means the building is designed to produce as much energy as it consumes on an annual basis.
The facility includes photovoltaic panels that harness solar energy, contributing to its energy-efficient systems.
The design incorporates various energy-saving measures, such as advanced HVAC systems and high-performance insulation. These choices reduce energy consumption while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.
The successful integration of these elements is essential for fulfilling the project’s Green Building objectives.
The grand opening in February 2024 marks the completion of a facility committed to sustainability and innovation, setting a standard for future developments in the area. This project represents a blend of community service and environmental responsibility.
Facility Design
The design of the Placer County Health and Human Services Center emphasizes both functionality and sustainability. Its architecture promotes collaboration while providing a welcoming environment for all visitors.
Interior Arrangement
The interior layout of the Health and Human Services Center prioritizes collaboration and accessibility. AC Martin, the design firm, created spaces that enhance teamwork among various county service groups.
The interior features clearly defined areas, allowing for seamless interaction between different services. Dedicated training and meeting spaces are equipped with modern technology to facilitate effective communication and learning.
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Daylighted office spaces promote a positive atmosphere, utilizing natural light to improve overall well-being. Moreover, the introduction of a Visitor Management System ensures safety and efficiency as guests navigate the facility. This thoughtful arrangement reflects a commitment to providing optimum service to the community.
Exterior Features
The exterior of the facility blends modern design with sustainable building practices. Key features include a beautifully landscaped entry that provides an inviting first impression.
The use of a photovoltaic system allows the center to harness solar energy, contributing to its status as a Zero-Net-Energy building. This aligns with Placer County’s commitment to sustainability, making the facility both practical and environmentally responsible.
Another architectural highlight is the design of Collaboration Street, which connects different sections of the building. This open area encourages interaction among visitors and staff, creating a sense of community.
Overall, the exterior design is a testament to timeless architecture, reflecting a balance of aesthetics and functionality.
Sustainable Building Techniques
The Placer County Health and Human Services Center incorporates sustainable building techniques that emphasize energy efficiency and eco-friendliness. By utilizing advanced systems, this facility sets a standard for future developments in the region.
Photovoltaic Implementation
A key feature of the center is its photovoltaic system, which consists of numerous solar panels installed on the roof. This system captures sunlight and converts it into electricity, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
The 750 kW photovoltaic system is designed to provide significant energy savings and supports the building’s goal of being a Zero Net Energy Facility. By producing as much energy as it consumes, this building exemplifies an effective way to promote sustainability.
The integration of solar technology not only lowers operating costs but also minimizes carbon emissions.
Energy Savings
The facility employs various energy-efficient systems that enhance its overall sustainability.
Lighting is optimized with LED fixtures, which consume less power and have a longer lifespan than traditional bulbs. Additionally, climate control systems are designed for maximum efficiency, allowing for better temperature regulation with reduced energy use.
By focusing on these energy-saving measures, the building ensures a comfortable environment for its users.
The Zero Net Energy Building designation means that energy consumption aligns closely with the energy produced, achieving a balance that supports both the environment and the local community.
This forward-thinking approach reflects the collaborative efforts of Turner Construction and AC Martin, who designed and built this innovative structure.
Community and Accessibility
The design of the Placer County Health and Human Services Center emphasizes community engagement and accessibility for all visitors. Its features reflect a commitment to welcoming families and ensuring that services are easy to access.
Family-Friendly Design
A standout aspect of the Health and Human Services Center is its family-friendly design. The facility includes a dedicated Play Area for Children, allowing parents to attend to their needs without worry. This thoughtfully designed space offers a safe environment for kids, making visits less stressful for families.
The layout of the center promotes easy movement and interaction. Rooms are arranged to minimize long walks, which is particularly beneficial for families with strollers. Additionally, wide corridors ensure that individuals with mobility challenges can navigate the building comfortably.
Public Access Features
Accessibility extends into the public access features of the center. The building has a streamlined entrance that accommodates various needs, supported by a modern Visitor Management System. This system enhances safety and efficiency, allowing visitors to check-in quickly.
Strategically placed information kiosks provide directions and resource information, ensuring that individuals can easily find the services they need.
The facility is designed for public access, making it simple for residents of Auburn and surrounding areas to utilize resources related to health and human services.
In combining these elements, the design promotes community well-being and ensures that the Health and Human Services Center serves as an inclusive hub for support.
Construction and Management
The construction and management processes behind the Placer County Health and Human Services Center reflect a commitment to efficiency and innovation. The design-build approach utilized significantly streamlined the project timeline while ensuring high-quality outcomes.
Project Management Approaches
The project management for the Health and Human Services Center emphasizes collaboration and communication. Turner Construction Company, along with AC Martin, adopted a hands-on approach to oversee various phases of the project.
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Key strategies included regular meetings with stakeholders to address concerns promptly and keep the project on track. Fiscal responsibility was a priority; managing the $79.8 million budget required careful planning and resource allocation.
Additionally, the team utilized project management software for real-time updates, helping to monitor progress and manage timelines effectively. This approach ensured that the project adhered to deadlines and maintained high standards.
Design-Build Process
The design-build process is integral to this project, allowing for a cohesive workflow. By integrating design and construction, Turner Construction and AC Martin minimized delays and facilitated quicker decision-making.
This method promotes collaboration between architects and builders from the initial stages. It also allowed for the Health and Human Services Center to achieve its status as the county’s first Zero-Net-Energy building.
The result is not only an innovative facility but also one that embodies sustainable design principles. Throughout the construction, both firms emphasized quality control, ensuring that each phase met strict standards and regulations.
Innovations and Collaborations
The Placer County Health and Human Services Center showcases innovative design features and collaborative spaces that foster community support and efficient service delivery. Its commitment to sustainable architecture enhances the overall functionality of the building.
Meeting and Training Spaces
This facility includes specialized meeting and training spaces designed to accommodate diverse needs. The Conference Center offers a modern area for workshops, seminars, and community events, supporting up to 200 participants. With advanced audio-visual systems, these spaces enhance communication and collaboration among attendees.
Additionally, there are Training Spaces tailored for both county employees and community partners. These adaptable rooms can be reorganized for different activities, such as hands-on training, meetings, or presentations. Such flexibility ensures that the facility effectively meets the needs of various groups.
Collaborative Efforts
A key feature of the health center is Collaboration Street, a unique design element that encourages interaction between different service groups. This open area connects various departments, promoting partnership and streamlined workflows.
The Design-Build Team, consisting of Turner Construction and AC Martin, worked together with the county to ensure that these collaborative aspects were integral to the project.
Their approach emphasizes efficiency and innovation, leading to a space that is not only functional but also supportive of community engagement through teamwork.
Economic Impact
The construction and operation of the Placer County Health and Human Services Center brings significant economic benefits to the region. It enhances job opportunities while demonstrating fiscal responsibility through sustainable practices.
Job Creation
The development of the Health and Human Services Center serves as a major Employment Center, creating hundreds of jobs during both construction and ongoing operations.
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Construction Jobs: The project employed a diverse workforce, including skilled laborers, engineers, and project managers. This influx helped boost the local economy.
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Permanent Positions: Upon completion, the facility will provide jobs in healthcare, administration, and support services, ensuring long-term employment for residents.
In addition to direct job creation, the center fosters ancillary business growth.
Local suppliers and service providers benefit from increased demand for goods and services.
Long-Term Fiscal Planning
The Health and Human Services Center was designed as a Zero Net-Energy Facility. This means it will generate as much energy as it consumes, contributing to long-term cost savings.
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Operational Efficiency: Through innovative technologies, the facility will reduce energy costs. This will allow funds to be reallocated to community services.
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Sustainable Growth: Fiscal responsibility is ensured by minimizing reliance on external energy sources. This enhances the county’s budget management.
By focusing on sustainable practices and efficient operations, Placer County is setting a precedent for future projects. This strategy supports the overall well-being of the community while promoting economic stability.
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