Prioritizing a Greener Tomorrow
Campus at Horton’s
Adaptive Approach
The History of Horton
A Storied Past
Nestled in the heart of downtown San Diego, the formerly named Horton Plaza boasted a rich heritage tracing back to the city’s foundational years. It started as a public park in 1870 and was central to many civic events. It later evolved in the 1980s with the introduction of Horton Plaza Mall. Though celebrated for its unique design, the mall eventually faced 21st-century challenges, prompting redevelopment and reuse to ensure its continued relevance in San Diego’s urban fabric.
Our Approach
The Changing Landscape of Architecture and Construction
As climate concerns escalate, architecture stands as a vital force for environmental innovation. Recognizing the ecological impact of structures, there’s a concerted effort to champion sustainable methodologies. No longer just a catchphrase, sustainability defines modern architectural values.
Campus at Horton is a shining representation of this shift, blending these values and acting as a beacon for progressive sustainable architecture.
Welcome to Campus at Horton
Urban Mixed-Use Adaptive Reuse Encompassing
1M
square feet
10
acres
7
city blocks
1M
square feet
10
acres
7
city blocks
Maximizing Sustainability
Campus at Horton: A Case Study in Adaptive Reuse
Embracing the Past for the Future
Campus at Horton stands as a shining example of how adaptive reuse can breathe new life into old structures. By prioritizing the preservation of existing materials and incorporating them into new designs, the project showcases how history and modernity can coexist harmoniously.
A tour of The Site
San Diego’s New Tech Epicenter
Campus at Horton will provide a diverse and dynamic mix of food, shopping, entertainment, health and wellness options, as well as unique cultural venues and programming. The campus will offer the city’s largest and most convenient on-site parking, covered spaces, and valet services for office and retail employees and guests.
1.25 Acre Park
700K Office
300K Retail
Life Science Tower
4th Street Garage
Future Tower
Building C
Building D
Plaza
Building B
G Street Garage
The Clearing
Promenade
Building E
Kiosks
Food Hall
Events
Park Cafe
Design Principles
The Sustainability Blueprint
Embodied
Carbon
Renewable
Energy
Water
Reuse
Health &
Wellness
Future
Resilience
Understanding Embodied Carbon
Carbon’s Invisible Footprint
Embodied carbon is increasingly recognized in evaluating a building’s environmental footprint. As emissions from heating and cooling drop with improved designs, embodied carbon from material production and construction rises. These emissions, often released before a building’s use, intensify with the global urbanization-driven construction boom.
Considering both operational and embodied carbon throughout a building’s lifecycle is vital for a full environmental assessment. This holistic view is gaining traction in regulatory and market trends, signaling a move towards sustainable construction practices.
What is embodied carbon?
Embodied carbon refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production, transportation, construction and demolition of building materials and components.
Campus at Horton
saw a
reduction in
embodied carbon
compared to a new build
What is embodied carbon?
Embodied carbon refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production, transportation, construction and demolition of building materials and components.
Campus at Horton
saw a
reduction in
embodied carbon
compared to a new build
The Full Embodied Carbon Cycle
The Full Embodied Carbon Cycle
Achievements of Campus at Horton
(This placeholder text. Need more specifics about Horton related to embodied carbon.) Through meticulous planning and design, Campus at Horton has managed to achieve a 73% reduction in embodied carbon compared to what would have been emitted had it been a new construction. This significant feat underscores its commitment to a greener future.Â
Solar Solutions for Energy Efficiency
Harnessing the Power of the Sun
Nestled within one of the sunniest cities in America, it was a natural choice to utilize the power of the sun across the 10 acre campus. 5,658 individual solar panels form an array capable of producing 5,171 MWh of energy annually. The solar energy not only helps the environment through plentiful generation of renewable energy, but drastically reduces energy costs for the tenants of Campus at Horton.
solar heat map study
How we measure renewable energy.
MWh (Megawatt-hour): This is a measure of energy, representing how much power is used, or produced, over a period of time.
1 MWh represents the energy consumed when a device requiring 1 million watts, operates continuously for one hour. Or, the energy consumed when 1 million devices, requiring 1 watt each, operate continuously for one hour.
The 5658 panel solar
array has
of total production
potential
thats enought power to fully charge
2,872 electric vehicles for a year.
How we measure renewable energy.
MWh (Megawatt-hour): This is a measure of energy, representing how much power is used, or produced, over a period of time.
1 MWh represents the energy consumed when a device requiring 1 million watts, operates continuously for one hour. Or, the energy consumed when 1 million devices, requiring 1 watt each, operate continuously for one hour.
The 5658 panel solar
array has
of total production
potential
thats enought power to fully charge
2,872 electric vehicles for a year.
Designing Shade
(Placeholder. There is no text for this section.) Pioneering a sustainable future, the Campus at Horton has harnessed the power of its 400,000 square foot rooftop, outfitting it with 5,658 solar panels. This remarkable setup can yield 5,171 MWh of energy annually. This installation not only reduces the carbon footprint but also translates to significant cost savings over time.
south facade design
west facade design
maximized
desk space
maximized hours without
needing shade or tint
visual
comfort
thermal
comfort
daylighting
potential
simplified
mechanical potential
color
rendering
clear
views out
The Largest Blackwater System of its Kind
Water Reuse & Conservation
(This placeholder text. Need more specifics.) In an age where water scarcity is a looming threat, sustainable water practices have never been more crucial. The campus proudly hosts the largest blackwater treatment and reuse system of its kind. This innovative system treats wastewater on-site, turning it into reusable water, thereby minimizing waste and promoting water conservation.
Wastewater Recycling System
Graywater
Greywater is water that has been used or contaminated with soap, household cleaners or small amounts of food. Greywater comes from many sources, including: bathroom sinks, showers and bathtubs and washing machines.
G Street Garage
Blackwater
Blackwater is wastewater that contains biological or chemical waste, typically from toilets, or industrial kitchens, which requires treatment before being released into the environment.
Aerobic Chamber
This chamber uses oxygen to support bacteria that break down organic pollutants and kill harmful microorganisms.
Membrane Filtration
Acts as a physical barrier to remove suspended particles and pathogens by forcing water through fine pores.
UV Disinfection
UV light is used to inactivate bacteria and viruses, providing chemical-free water disinfection.
Anoxic Chamber
Reduces nitrates and phosphorus by facilitating bacteria to convert them into harmless gases.
Treated Water Storage
The treated water is then reused for on-site irrigation, feeding the cooling towers and reenters the cycle feeding the toilets and repeating the process.
City Resources
Municipal Recycled Water is used in addition to the water recycled on site.
Placeholder Title
(Placeholder. Need more specifics.) The Campus at Horton will include San Diego County’s largest greywater/blackwater treatment system reducing potable water 7.3M gallons per year or 58%. That’s the equivalent of 11 olympic swimming pools
Reusing enough
water to fill
swimming pools
Biophilic Design
(Placeholder. Need more specifics.) Biophilic design, which seeks to connect occupants with nature, is evident throughout the campus. From indoor plants to natural lighting, the design elements aim to enhance well-being and productivity.
Digital Infrastructure & Its Role in Wellness
Modern technology intertwines with sustainable design at Campus at Horton. Advanced digital infrastructure supports a healthy living environment, emphasizing both physical and mental wellness.
Sustainable Certifications
Projected Outcomes
LEED certification is a prestigious, eco-friendly building credential that evaluates energy use, water efficiency, CO2 emissions, indoor environmental quality, resource management, and sensitivity to their impacts on the environment and human health.
The Certified Carbon Neutral Global Standard represents a commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions through quantifying, reducing, and offsetting carbon output, following internationally recognized practices to combat climate change.
Wired Certification is a commercial real estate rating system that certifies building connectivity and digital infrastructure, ensuring tenants have access to robust and reliable internet services critical for modern business operations.
The WELL Building Standard is an evidence-based system for measuring, certifying, and monitoring building features that impact human health and well-being, encompassing air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mental health.
The WELL Health-Safety Rating is a facility-based accreditation that signifies a building’s adherence to stringent health and safety protocols, including sanitation procedures, emergency preparedness, and health service resources, to ensure safe and healthy environments.
The TRUE certification program recognizes facilities that achieve a zero waste threshold by diverting all end-use material from landfills, incineration (waste-to-energy), and the environment, through reduction, reuse, and recycling practices.
Looking Ahead