Adroit Solar Energy Engineering projects win three AIA Awards, including 'Home of the Year'

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Every year, the AIA gives the ultimate design achievement recognition for local projects and firms. The organization’s website cites the awards, “…celebrate the spirit of innovation and creativity found among the practitioners who make San Diego County their home as well as the patrons with the vision to take chances and make design achievement a reality.”

Adroit involved projects were nominated for eight of the sixteen categories. The company, along with the lead project architects, ended up taking home awards for “Home of the Year” – by Hubbell and Hubbell, the “Unbuilt Award” by Miller Hull / JCJ Architects, and a merit award for “Mixed Use” by Rob Quigley Architects.

Adroit’s VP of Engineering, William Chen, says, “Adroit is very proud to be able to contribute our architecturally integrated energy systems on such innovative projects. These completed buildings prove that new energy efficient buildings can be cost effective, while maintaining beautiful aesthetics. and aesthetically pleasing. It is inevitable that these type of projects will soon become the new standard in buildings."

The “Home of the Year Award” went to the Farrar residence in Escondido, a verified Net Zero home. Adroit designed and installed a ground source geothermal heating and cooling system, which also heats the pool. The system is topped off with a 5.4kW photovoltaic system. The US Green Building Council rated the 3,400 SF home as LEED Platinum.

San Diego’s Mesa College Bookstore, Cafeteria, and Culinary Arts Building won the “Unbuilt Award.” Adroit is on the Integrated Project Delivery team to design and build the 36 million dollar project. Chen says the company designed, and is currently installing, an architecturally integrated façade mounted solar thermal system that also sends energy to the central plant when the primary loads are satisfied. He mentions their work also includes radiant heating and cooling system for the dining commons.

A 30,000 SF project in San Diego’s East Village, on 13th and J, by Tor Kaelen, took home the Merit Award for “Mixed Use.” This project includes two separate 7.4kW photovoltaic systems for the office and residential spaces. In addition, Adroit included a combination solar thermal domestic hot water and radiant floor heating system, with exterior deck heating.

“At Adroit, it’s important to work with the Design Teams early on in projects to help focus the energy goals. It makes it possible to seamlessly integrate the most efficient systems and innovative ideas with the designer’s vision,” said Katy Hamilton, Adroit’s VP of Architectural Energy.

Adroit Solar Energy Engineering is a leading renewable energy engineering, procurement, and construction company. Based in San Diego for over 28 years, Adroit also has offices in Hawaii and San Francisco. The company specializes in commercial, industrial, government, and high-end residential projects. Find out more at www.adroitsolar.com.