San Francisco Waterfront Partners, LLC is proud to present evolved plans that aim to incorporate the ideals and principals set forth in the Waterfront Land Use Plan and the Northeast Embarcadero Study. 8 Washington builds on the momentum of improvements to the central and northern waterfront that began after the removal of the Embarcadero Freeway.
The project is located on a 3.2 acre, triangle-shaped site in downtown San Francisco, on the north side of Washington Street between the Embarcadero and Drumm Street.The project includes renovation of the existing private recreational facilities and transformation of a surface parking lot into a vibrant waterfront community of residential housing, neighborhood-serving retail, restaurants, underground public parking serving the Ferry Building Waterfront Area, recreation and public open space and parks.
The design, as led by Craig Hartman and the local team at Skidmore Owings and Merrill, draws inspiration from adjacent neighborhoods, the historic structures along the waterfront, and the gracious collection of open spaces which surround the project, articulating principals of contemporary and environmentally conscious design.
Specific sustainable design measures proposed are the following :
Solar Hot Water System
Solar heating systems utilize thermal collectors to transfer heat generated from the sun to water for domestic usage. Water heating can be a more efficient use of Solar Energy than electric generation via photovoltaics.
Green Roof Gardens
The majority of the unoccupied roofs of the project are green roofs which reduce heating and cooling loads on a building and also buffer outflow into the City's combined stormwater system.
Operable Sun Shading Devices
Operable shading devices encourage an active and customizable role in determining the amount of light, air and heat allowed to enter a space. Exterior shading devices reduce mechanical load by blocking solar energy before it penetrates the building envelope.
Low-E Insulated Glazing
An added metallic Low-E coating acts to further reflect solar radiation and prevent heat transfer.
Deep Recessed Windows
Recessed windows play an important role in the passive solar shading strategy of the building, permitting views while being particularly effective in blocking high or oblique sun angles.
Geothermal Water Cooling
This system utilizes a series of pumps to expel heated water through a circuit of pipes sub grade. The water is cooled through contact with the naturally cooler environment and is then pumped back to the building for cold water uses including air conditioning. This potentially reduces the amount of energy required by conventional cooling towers.