The San Jacinto Animal Shelter in California has received a Merit Award in the Public/Civic Category from the Concrete Masonry Association of California and Nevada (CMACN), co-sponsored by AIA California Council (AIACC). The program recognizes and encourages outstanding architectural design that incorporates the use of concrete masonry in the building envelope.
The use of masonry is a key determinant in the character of the whole campus and the result evokes an agrarian quality that befits the humane treatment of animals in a rural setting. Though the 10 building complex accommodates a wide range of programmatic function, they share a common palette that references the local vernacular of simple forms and economic building systems. The main building is constructed with concrete masonry units with a honed surface in a neutral color that matches the ground material. Not only does its load bearing capabilities provide the primary structural system, but its thermal mass reduces the load on the mechanical systems, saving energy. The animal holding areas need to be able to stand up to an extremely intensive maintenance program, but also provide an attractive backdrop for the adoption of pets. In response, a glazed masonry unit was selected for its self-finished characteristics, in addition to the wide range of colors available, providing the opportunity to create a pixilated interpretation of the surrounding rural landscape.
The Jury commented, ‘we believe that the architecture of this project might improve the experience of visiting an animal shelter and might even increase the rate of pet adoption. Good design is good business!’
The Awards Banquet will be held at the Island Hotel, in Newport Beach, California on September 18.
For more information, contact Gary Leivers AIA, RIBA, LEED AP Phone: (619) 929 2854 Email: gpleivers@hedev.com
