Spectacular Solar-Powered Oakland Zoo Vet Hospital Boasts an EV Charging Station

<a href="http://www.oaklandzoo.org/" target="_blank">Oakland Zoo's</a> new <a href="http://www.nollandtam.com/portfolio/plants_animals/zoo_vet" target="_blank">Veterinary Hospital</a> is focused foremost on animal care, but secondly on sustainability. Designed by <a href="http://www.nollandtam.com/" target="_blank">Noll &amp; Tam Architects</a> the new facility replaces an old, out of date facility with state-of-the-art technology and a slew of energy efficient and environmentally friendly strategies. Built into the hillside overlooking the San Francisco Bay, the building is optimized for passive solar design, features rooftop photovoltaics and all sorts of eco-friendly materials. The facility is the first of its kind in California and was recently awarded LEED Gold certification.

The new <a href="http://www.nollandtam.com/portfolio/plants_animals/zoo_vet" target="_blank">Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital</a> replaces a 1960's facility with advanced equipment and expanded capacity to house and treat animals.

At 77,000-square-foot, the two-story hospital provides space for zoo’s animal care, research, and training programs.

Working with the veterinarians and staff, Noll &amp; Tam Architects designed the space to best meet their needs.

The ground floor provides space for X-ray, surgery, medical support spaces, food preparation facilities, and a laboratory for urgent testing.

Meanwhile, the second floor houses a larger research lab, conference rooms, veterinary staff offices, a staff lounge, and a break room.

Notice there is plenty of light inside thanks to strategic passive design.

Built into the hillside, the building uses solar passive design and orientation to maximize daylight and views while minimizing heat gain.

A rooftop photovoltaic system provides a significant portion of the building's electricity and efficient climate control reduces energy use.

<a href="http://www.nollandtam.com/portfolio/plants_animals/zoo_vet" target="_blank">Noll &amp; Tam Architects</a> also utilized renewable, recycled-content, and high-performance materials, sustainably harvested wood, water conservation strategies, and an electric vehicle charging station.

The project is expected to receive LEED Silver certification.

Sustainability Strategies for the Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital.

Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital floor plans.

Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital site plan.