The Cucamonga Valley Water District (CVWD) spearheads the Frontier Project as a community service initiative that educates customers on green technology and resource conservation awareness. Located to the southwest of the water district’s headquarters, the project actually serves as a wind shade by blocking the prevailing winds.
Inside the 14,000 square-foot demonstration building are examples of numerous sustainable building technologies and strategies. Tours are open to the public every weekday from 9 am to 3 pm, while kiosks provide more information on the eco-friendly kitchen and living room, green roof, solar panel array, and the native and waterless garden area. There is also an exhibition space for special events and demonstrations.
The Frontier Project not only shows off and educates the community on good green design — it also utilizes it. The roof features three technologies that help regulate the interior temperature while reducing energy use from heating and cooling. A photovoltaic array soaks up the sun’s energy and converts it into electricity, a green roof provides insulation and infiltration, and a cool roof surface reflects the sun’s light away. A sun shade on the south side of the courtyard (made from reclaimed wood from a nearby vineyard) protects the interior from excess heat.
Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) are used for the structure of the building, and large full-height north-facing windows bring natural light to the interior. A cool tower in the center brings in fresh air and cools it with mist, and hot air escapes out of two solar chimneys. The landscaping surrounding the center features pervious paving materials, native and drought tolerant landscaping and rainwater collection. The center officially received LEED Platinum certification in May 2010.
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The Frontier Project is an incredible eco building located in Rancho Cucamonga in Southern California that serves as a headquarters for the educational non-profit under the same name. The LEED platinum building is dedicated to educating residents, and
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The Frontier Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the community on sustainable building strategies and resource conservation. The organization was founded by the Cucamonga Valley Water District.
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The building showcases sustainable technologies and building strategies for the area residents and building contractors. Tours are available during the week to learn about the building.
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Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are used to provide both structure and insulation for the building, which makes the most of Southern California’s warm desert climate.
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The roof features three cooling systems: 1) A photovoltaic array that soaks up the sun’s energy and converts it into electricity. 2) A green roof that insulates the building and infiltrates rainwater. 3) A cool roof surface that reflects sunlight.
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Anyone can tour the 14,000 sq ft building during the day to learn more about sustainable building technologies and see exhibitions and demonstrations.
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An eco-friendly kitchen features green finishes like flooring, cabinets and counter tops as well as energy-efficient appliances.
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A courtyard on the north east side of the building provides a sheltered space for people to enjoy, and large north-facing windows bring tons of daylight into the space.
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The building also features a conference room for up to 80 people to attend workshops, classes, and seminars. An office workspace for up to 15 employees demonstrates the “office of the future” in a bright, open workspace.
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A cool tower and solar chimneys provide natural ventilation and cooling.
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Outside, a native and drought tolerant landscape features the best in sustainable landscaping. Rainwater is collected and stored.
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HMC Architects are responsible for the design of the building.
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The building was completed in October of 2009 and received its LEED Platinum certification in May 2010.
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