Exploratorium

This internationally acclaimed science museum’s new home is on San Francisco’s historic Piers 15 and 17, bringing life to a formerly dormant section of San Francisco’s waterfront. Introba (formerly Integral Group) performed the building’s mechanical engineering, plumbing design, and fundamental commissioning. The team designed the building to be a zero net energy and net zero carbon building. It houses an observatory, public exhibitions, classrooms, programs, a restaurant and café, a museum store, a national center for teacher development, event space, laboratory space, exhibit fabrication spaces and workshops, and ancillary offices. 

With integrated design, the team reduced the building’s load to less than half that of a conventional museum building – the building will meet the remainder of the energy required using a large 1,400-kW solar photovoltaic system. After Zero Energy operation is confirmed, it will be the world’s largest public Zero Energy museum. Innovative mechanical and energy-efficient system designs include a bay water heat exchange system, radiant slab heating and cooling, natural ventilation, daylighting, and heat pump heating. All electric heating allows for net zero energy. The building also features a rainwater harvesting system for toilet flushing.

Sustainability

• LEED Platinum Certified 

• Zero Net Energy 

• Net Zero Carbon 

Project Highlights

• Complete reinvigoration of Pier 15, adding more public access to the waterfront access 

• Houses an observatory, public exhibitions/event space, classrooms, a restaurant/café, a store, a national center for teacher development, laboratory space, fabrication workshops, and offices 

• LEED Platinum, zero net energy and net zero carbon certified; world’s largest public Zero Energy museum 

• Energy-efficient system designs include a bay water heat exchange system, radiant slab heating and cooling, natural ventilation, daylighting, and heat pump heating 

• Rainwater harvesting system for toilet flushing 

• Operates at 55% lower energy consumption, and water efficiency is 65% better compared to typical US museums 

Photo Credit: © Bruce Damonte