“ The Big Ass Fans were critical in cost-effectively driving the building to be sustainable. They've done exactly what we hoped they would do.
Showcasing that eco-friendly building practices are affordable, two California companies partnered for a revolutionary renovation. Sharp Development Company and Hillhouse Construction sought to transform a 1970s office building in Sunnyvale into a vibrant space that produces zero-net energy. To attain their goal, they needed to decrease dependence on air conditioning in the 34,875-sq-ft (3,239-sq-m) facility. Important, too, was that the cooling system be not just cost-effective but silent. “Acoustics is huge for us,” said developer Kevin Bates. “The size of the space meant silent operation was critical.”
The companies installed 31 Haiku® and four Isis® fans from Big Ass Fans®. As part of an occupant-centric system, the fans silently distribute air throughout the large, open space and lower perceived temperatures around 5°F (2.8°C). At night, automatic windows open and the fans draw in cool outdoor air for use the next day, decreasing the need for air conditioning. The fans not only slash energy costs; they also reduce HVAC maintenance and overall environmental impact. The building is so impressive that it now rents for many times the standard premium rate.
