Xero Studio | 2016-2017

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Architects: Studio Ma, Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Client: Studio Ma, Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Photographers: Bill Timmerman

Demonstrating that all commercial buildings can use zero energy, recycle water, and even regenerate nature, this national architecture firm has created an eco-conscious, elegant new headquarters adapted from a nondescript former dentist office structure in the desert city of Phoenix, Arizona. The recently unveiled building, dubbed Xero Studio, is drawing national attention as much for its handsome kebonized wood scrim and decidedly modern image as for its pioneering concept for a black-water-to-potable system and impressive energy and environmental performance. It is also a comfortable, alluring workspace and community landmark reflecting the architects’ tripartite mission supporting social equity, regenerative bioclimatic design, and an ethos of “architecture for everyone.” "To realize those principles for ourselves, the design community and our city, we decided to build our own office. And we held ourselves to the same high standards we ask of our clients,” the architects state.

The cost-conscious adaptation results in an office building that (a) reuses existing materials, (b) requires net-zero energy thanks to daylighting, ventilation and new photovoltaics, and (c) encourages staff to walk or bike to work — unusual in a city where everyone drives and average temperatures hit over 85°F seven months of the year. To arrive at the solution, the redesign orients the building slightly away from the street, making it more inviting and less monolithic. Using principles from the Living Building Challenge, the sustainable renovation began by stripping back the existing structure and wrapping it with a continuous layer of insulation, and then recladding with a screen of sturdy wood fins on three sides to reduce solar heat gain and glare. Large 20-foot windows on the east and west sides, set behind the fin walls, reveal plantings by the main entrance. The fourth side is shaded by a tall hedge planted close to the building. The retrofit HVAC systems provide for natural ventilation to complement the daylight harvesting inside, where open studio workstations are paired with collaboration spaces and work amenities. The building’s new “porches” hold bike parking at the front door and plantings that soften light — a relaxing influence for the designers and visitors.

The landscaping employs xeriscape (low-water-use) grounds left opened to the street, a rarity in Phoenix. The result presents a strong connection to its place while also allowing private enjoyment, becoming part of the public realm. In terms of green building achievement, the new headquarters reuses all original materials high in embodied carbon, especially masonry and concrete, and adds new operable skylights and windows to provide daylight year-round and natural ventilation for nine months during the year. The site manages 100% of precipitation, collecting stormwater in xeriscaped vegetated areas. An Energy Star analysis shows the building offers a 71% regional energy reduction (predicted energy use intensity of 42 kBtu per square foot annually) before the on-site renewable energy contribution, which will bring it to zero -- and even net-positive -- in the next few months.