QKArchiblog

Officials plan to give Cupertino High campus a more college look and feel

Amy — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:46:16 +0000

QKA project Cupertino High School was just featured in the San Jose Mercury News.

The Cupertino High School project combines three programmatic elements of the school into one building: the Administration & Guidance Student Services; the school Library and the Food Service and Café area. The Student Union will be a central gathering place that will be used by the whole school population along the lines of a junior college student union, rather than a standard high school with its separated uses. Open to students all day and used by the community during nights and summers, flexibility is a central programmatic theme.

The building embraces the informal, collaborative and technology based learning that is the core of Silicon Valley culture, creates a collegiate atomosphere and will be the social & academic hub for the school.

Happy Holidays from QKA

Amy — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:23:36 +0000

Christmas 2011

Each year QKA’ers participate in the KZST sponsored Secret Santa program. Despite the economy, QKA’ers generously gave an array of gifts to those in need in our community—what a wonderful reminder of the spirit of the holiday season. Happy Holidays from all of us at QKA!

America’s Greenest High School

Amy — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 22:40:38 +0000

American Canyon High School - December 2011 aerial

Huffington Post contributer Carl Pope recently declared that American Canyon High School is America’s Greenest High School. A model of sustainbility, American Canyon High School is the highest scoring CHPS* verified school in California. Mr. Pope states; “In five years, my hope is that the American Canyon is no longer America’s greenest school — I hope it is simply one of hundreds, a very typical experience for American children.” At QKA we wholeheartedly agree!

*Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS)

Volunteer Spotlight

Amy — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 23:14:37 +0000

With pencil in hand, Lyanne leads discussion at WildCare

Architect Lyanne Schuster was recently honored for her volunteer work at wildlife rescue organization WildCare. Based in San Rafael, WildCare helps care for injured and orphaned wildlife and supports nature education programs that show people how to live well with wildlife so wildlife can live well with us. A volunteer since 2004, Lyanne donates her Sunday mornings to WildCare and is deeply committed to animals and wildlife. When an opportunity arose for WildCare to consider a facility expansion Lyanne asked QKA to consider supporting the process through a pro bono effort. Working with Mark Quattrocchi, Lyanne assisted in the creation of a Programming document that will help guide Wildcare’s planning for the new facility.

American Canyon High School Goes Solar!

Amy — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 22:08:39 +0000

SPG Solar and Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) successfully installed a 1 megawatt DC ground and rooftop solar power system at Napa Valley Unified School District’s, American Canyon High School. This system will generate up to 80% of the campus’ electricity at full occupancy and provide a savings of up to $17,000,000 over the next 25 years.

“Through the great partnership with Napa Valley Unified School District (NVUSD) and QKA, this system will provide long term financial savings and hands-on learning for the students about the positive impact of solar power,” said Chris Robine, CEO and President of SPG Solar.

The over 4,000 American-made solar panels, mounted on the school’s roof and on a fixed-tilt ground mount system, will produce over 1.1 million kilowatt hours annually, equivalent to providing power to over 105 average American homes annually.

American Canyon High School has been certified by the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) – a green building rating system for K-12 school, similar to LEED for Schools. American Canyon High School is the highest ranking CHPS verified school in California.

“The new solar power system at American Canyon High School is an excellent example of NVUSD’s leadership. By building upon the sustainable design of their campus and showing their commitment to the environment the District will save a significant amount of money that can now be used for educational purposes,” said Aaron Jobson, Principal at Quattrocchi Kwok Architects.

At the ribbon cutting celebration Wednesday November 16th, Bill Orr, Executive Director of CHPS was on hand to present the CHPS verified plaque to Principal Mark Brewer and Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sweeney. In honor of this green building certification, Melissa Rodezno, an aide to Congressman Mike Thompson, presented the District with a Congressional Recognition certificate.

Solar Project Receives Gold Resolution

Amy — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:43:11 +0000

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has commended the West Sonoma County Union High School District and Quattrocchi Kwok Architects for their innovative solar project by presenting the project with a Gold Resolution. The 843kW solar power system will provide 80% of the power needs of the District’s three schools: Analy, El Molino and Laguna High Schools. Project consists of 70% elevated solar arrays and 30% ground mounted arrays. The project will not only reduce the District’s carbon footprint and result in energy savings of over $250,000 per year, but will also take advantage of the California Solar Initiative, which will gain the District another $1,200,000 over the next five years. In addition the project provides an educational demonstration for the community and will guide solar curriculum for the District. Fifth District Supervisor Efren Carrillo presented the Gold Resolution at El Molino High School last month and will be speaking again at Analy High School’s ribbon cutting at 4 p.m., Wednesday, November 9th at Analy High School – 6950 Analy Ave. (north student parking lot/easy parking lot access from High School Road), Sebastopol. Join us!

Targeting Net Zero – Energy Design Best Practices

Amy — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:45:27 +0000

Brought to you by the Redwood Empire Chapter of AIA and the City of Santa Rosa,
QKA Project Architect Diane Rappold will be a panelist at this evening’s discussion about how to achieve deep savings in building energy use during the early stages of planning and design.

When: Wed Sep 28th, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: City of Santa Rosa building – 35 Stony Point Road, Santa Rosa

State Superintendent at Aragon High School

Amy — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 21:12:10 +0000

State Superintendent Tom Torlakson announced the recommendations of his Schools of the Future Team at a ceremony to dedicate a 3.72-megawatt solar power system installed at QKA project; Aragon High School and the five other campuses in the San Mateo Union High School District. QKA’s work includes the design and installation of solar PVs at each of these campuses and Mark Quattrocchi was on hand to deliver a few remarks at the dedication this morning. Read the media coverage here.

Voted North Bay Business Journal’s Best Place to Work 4th Year in a Row!

Amy — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 23:21:46 +0000

For the fourth consecutive year, QKA has been selected as one of the North Bay Business Journal’s Best Places to Work. This honor is significant because the nomination and voting are completely employee driven. As we celebrate our 25th year in business, this award is a reminder of the collaborative culture that sets QKA apart.

American Canyon High School featured in The Architect’s Newspaper

Amy — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 22:07:03 +0000

American Canyon High School, American Canyon, CA

“The kids may be out of the classroom for the summer, but school design is definitely in session. Lydia Lee studies how public and private schools are investing in ultra high-performance buildings that provide better learning environments and teach by example.”