Ground Broken on First Net-Zero Carbon Emissions Mental Health Campus in California

Ground has been broken for five new structures under construction for Cordilleras Health System in San Mateo County, located in California. The project team includes general contractor Skanska and architecture firm CannonDesign.

The project scope includes four new mental health rehabilitation centers containing 16 beds for long-term mental care. The buildings will be single-story, identical footprint buildings. In addition, there will be a new co-housing building to support transitional clients. This will be a three-story building that accommodates 57 residents, with support services that include office space, a commercial kitchen on the ground floor and single bedrooms on the upper two floors with shared living space. Clients will also be able to control their own spaces to meet their comfort needs, while the common areas will have natural ventilation and an air-to-water heat recovery system to allow for pre-heating of the domestic hot water system.

The buildings will be formed around a central open space with sheltered outdoor seating, community gardens and recreation courts. The project includes a large component of site work, as well as the demolition of the existing building after the project’s completion.

Originally constructed as a tuberculosis hospital in 1952 and adapted for behavioral health in 1978, this center will be the first net-zero carbon emissions mental health campus in California and is targeting a LEED Silver certification. There will be solar panels on every roof, including the site parking. Additionally, located in a valley and surrounded by open space and trails, the campus design will provide clients with pleasant outdoor views and a peaceful setting. Instead of building traditional blocks of rooms, the team will construct corridors configured into a V-shape, which will give every room a view into the courtyards.

Construction of the $105-million project is scheduled for completion in December 2023.