Phoenix Porn Shop Transformed Into the World’s Largest Net-Zero Energy Building

Who would have thought that the <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1682216/this-former-porn-shop-is-now-the-biggest-net-zero-energy-building-in-the-world#1" target="_blank">world's largest zero energy building</a> would be a renovated porn shop? Turns out though the former <a href="http://www.castlemegastore.com/" target="_blank">Castle Boutique Megastore</a> in Phoenix had great bones, and it was so well insulated that sustainable construction firm <a href="http://www.dpr.com/projects/dpr-construction-phoenix-regional-office" target="_blank">DPR Construction</a> decided to make it their new office. Using passive technologies like operable windows, solar chimneys, shading and daylighting, DPR was able to bring down their energy use so much that they could power the whole office with a 79 kW solar system. In fact the office is the second to be <a href="http://living-future.org/news/zhome-dpr-construction-phoenix-office-projects-earn-net-zero-energy-building-certification" target="_blank">certified in the US as a Net-Zero Energy Building</a> (NZEB) from the <a href="http://living-future.org/" target="_blank">International Living Future Institute (ILFI)</a> and the largest building in the world to hold the honor.

When DPR went hunting for a building for their regional offices in Phoenix, they were surprised to find a good option in a space that used to house a porn mega store.

"When we first went to look at it, we went down with a broker in June. It was 105 or 110 degrees, but inside the building was still in the low 80s, which told us that the building was well-insulated and able to manage itself," Dave Elrod, regional manager at DPR Construction <a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/1682216/this-former-porn-shop-is-now-the-biggest-net-zero-energy-building-in-the-world#1" target="_blank">tells Fast Co.Exist</a>. We knew the building could perform well given the right prescriptive changes."

DPR teamed up with architecture firm <a href="http://www.smithgroupjjr.com/projects/phoenix-regional-office#.Ua9c7WRAR68" target="_blank">SmithGroupJJR</a> and the sustainability consultants at <a href="http://www.dnvkema.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">DNV KEMA Energy and Sustainability</a> to retrofit and upgrade the building into a super sustainable and energy-efficient office space.

The 16,533 sq ft office building located in Phoenix’s Discovery Triangle prioritizes passive strategies to keep cool.

The exterior features vegetated shade screens and 87 operable windows that take advantage of fresh air on comfortable days, while an 87 ft solar chimney sucks hot air up and out of the building while pulling cooler air in.

Daylighting from the windows is aided by 82 Solatubes in the roof that all but eliminates the need for artificial lighting during the day.

<a href="http://www.bigassfans.com/">Big Ass Fans</a> circulate air inside, while "shower tower" evaporative coolers help bring down temps.

At night, all the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/whole-house-on-off-switch/" target="_blank">vampire loads</a> in the building can be turned off with one main switch, and a <a href="http://buildingdashboard.net/dpr/#/dpr/phoenix/" target="_blank">whole-building monitoring system</a> keeps track of the weather, indoor climate, energy use and energy production.

Energy is produced through a 79 kW photovoltaic system installed on the top of a car port next to the building.

<a href="http://www.dpr.com/media/press-releases/dpr-constructions-phoenix-office-first-net-zero-energy-commercial-building" target="_blank">DPR Construction's Phoenix Office</a> works as a living laboratory and it has helped the company understand the intricacies of designing and building a totally net zero energy building.

DPR's Phoenix Office before renovation.