Desert Beauty

Lancaster wants to be the first “net zero” city in the world, meaning it produces at least as much energy as it consumes. Kaiser Permanente’s new medical office building embodies the city’s goal. The three-story, 136,000-square-foot structure features rooftop solar panels, solar-heated water and not-yet-functional windmills. Inside, the room configurations and window orientation take advantage of natural light. The main façade has an “undulating curtain wall” of glass, built at an angle to slow down the High Desert wind as it flows around the building. Interior décor includes reclaimed wood, LED lighting and lobby furniture made from airplanes in reference to the region’s aviation heritage. Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley Medical Offices 615 West Avenue L, Lancaster Architect: Taylor Design, Irvine Contractor: McCarthy Building Cos., St. Louis Cost: Did not disclose Units: 66 medical offices and 94 exam rooms Features: Pharmacy, X-ray lab, infusion center and 16 specialty departments including cardiology, oncology, orthopedics and urology. It also has physical therapy, occupational therapy and a sleep study practice. Quote: “Our new building takes advantage of the Antelope Valley’s natural resources, incorporating wind and sun as energy sources,” said Dr. David Kohl, medical director for Kaiser in the Antelope Valley. – Joel Russell