Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy for a unique building systems test bed facility designed to address technical challenges of low-energy buildings. Researchers, practitioners and manufacturers will be able to change out prototype building systems such as envelope components (windows, curtain walls, shading,roofs and skylights), as well as mechanical systems, lighting, and control systems. Loisos + Ubbelohde provided assistance with identifying potential user requirements, and future technologies that will require testing,  developing a solar access analysis for the site next to Building 90. We also provided thermal analysis of the envelope and consulting on construction detailing focusing on resolving control of thermal flux while maintaining seismic integrity. Of particular concern was the potential for thermal bridging between adjacent test cells which might be heated or cooled to simulate conditions in extreme climates and condensation within the cavity. THERM analysis was used to identify paths of heat flow and potential for condensation.

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ARCHITECT
Stantec / Anshen & Allen
LOCATION
Berkeley, CA

CURRENT STATUS
In Design

Above: South testing walls.

Below: THERM analysis of exterior wall detail.

Top and middle images courtesy of Stantec.