A recurring feature of buildings posted on this site feature the solar canopy. One of the earliest PV canopy buildings selected was the ground breaking Bullitt Centre in Seattle, Washington designed by Seattle architects Miller Hull Partnership https://millerhull.com/project/bullitt-center/ . This is a building that is designed to maximise PV power generation in a city with relatively low 2170 annual average sunshine hours. It is well worth reading more about here: Bullitt Centre

With the Kandeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design at Georgia Insitute of Technology, Miller Hull Partnership https://millerhull.com/project/the-kendeda-building/ in collaboration with Lord Aeck Sargent https://www.lordaecksargent.com have very neatly combined aesthetics and function. The 917 PV panel, 330 kW canopy generates over 400,000 kWh per year that directly serves the building’s energy demands including lighting, HVAC system, water system, and plug loads. The second important function of the canopy is shade. Georgia has a humid subtropical climate, with long, hot summers and the shade provided by the canopy reduces the heat load on the building and immediate surrounds and this in turn reduces building energy requirements.

Average annual sunlight in Georgia 2986 hours and the PV array is designed to meet the building’s energy demands, with a safety factor of 10 percent, plus the 5 percent net positive factor that is required for Living Building Challenge certification.

When the PV array is not producing adequate amounts of energy, the building loads run off of electricity from the grid. When the PV array is producing more electricity for the building than needed, the building supplies electricity back to the grid. The PV array has also been sized to account for energy used from the campus chilled water connection. Water from the campus connection is metered, energy is calculated, and an energy offset is supplied to the grid in order to meet the annual net positive requirements. By harnessing more energy than the building consumes, the systems create a net positive energy facility on an annual basis. A lithium ion battery exclusively charged by the PV array serves as an emergency back-up in the event of power outages.

“ At the heart of our work is a connection to the power of natural surroundings. Our legacy of environmentally responsible buildings is inspired by the efficiency and elegance of passive systems and regional materials. We leverage the openness and flexibility of modernist form to celebrate connections inside and out.”

— Miller Hull

“Since 1977, sustainability has been a foundational value of Miller Hull. While we have considered natural systems and climatic conditions since our very first project, we continue to evolve with broadening sustainability concepts, technology, and increasing scientific knowledge.
In addition to designing ecologically, our own company’s operations reflect those principles as well. Both of our studios are Living Building Petal Certified providing comfortable, daylit and Red List-free environments for our staff.
Our passion for sustainability has led to successful projects for our clients and recognized by the industry with eight AIA Committee on the Environment Awards, five certified Living Buildings and recognition as a Top Firm for Sustainability by Architect Magazine.
In 2021, we launched EMission Zero which is an initiative targeting the elimination of greenhouse gas emissions in the buildings we design.”

— MILLER HULL

“EMission Zero

Launched by Miller Hull in 2021, EMission Zero is an initiative targeting the elimination of greenhouse gas emissions in the buildings we design.
The building industry is responsible for nearly 40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Although we continue to work toward reducing our climate impact, it is clear that we need to do more, and improve at a faster rate, in order to mitigate the worst effects caused by climate change.
Despite our ongoing efforts, we realize that Miller Hull has not yet done enough to reduce greenhouse gas emissions incurred by the buildings we design, and therefore, our work is part of the problem. It is time for us to take responsibility for our contribution to the environment and do everything in our power to support the health, safety and welfare of our planet.
EMission Zero is an initiative that combines our actions through Design, our ongoing efforts to Educate and Advocate and then our commitment to Offset the greenhouse gas emissions released up to the point of occupancy for all of our built projects. This document outlines the scope of the initiative to reinforce accountability in every aspect of our business.”

— MILLER HULL

Project Team

Design Architect: The Miller Hull Partnership, LLP
Collaborating Architect & Prime Architect: Lord Aeck Sargent Planning and Design, Inc.
Contractor: Skanska USA
Landscape Architect: Andropogon
Civil Engineer: Long Engineering
Mechanical, Electrical & Plumping Engineer: PAE and Newcomb & Boyd
Structural Engineer: Uzun & Case
Greywater Systems: Biohabitats