Environmental Health & Safety Facility, University of California Campus Building, CA Teaching Facility, US Photos
Environmental Health & Safety Facility in Santa Cruz
Apr 7, 2022
Architects: Miller Hull Partnership
Location: Santa Cruz, California, USA

Photos: Chipper Hatter
Environmental Health & Safety Facility, CA
Designed by The Miller Hull Partnership, the new Environmental Health & Safety Facility on the University of California, Santa Cruz campus manages hazardous waste generated by teaching, research, and campus maintenance activities. The original facility, constructed in 1982, was in compliance with the code in effect at the time but would not meet today?s new requirements. The facility also lacked the space needed to accommodate a projected increase in waste generated by campus growth in instruction and research programs.
The new facility includes laboratories, waste handling facilities, temporary storage, administrative offices, and support space to allow the unit to better respond to the increased requirements for hazardous material handling and other critical life, health, and safety services.

The site includes a small knoll and is defined by the steep ravine and mature redwood trees, which led to siting the building at the edge of the knoll to prioritize mature redwood stands and efficient vehicle movement within a minimal clearing. The building is constructed on caissons to be light on the land and allow natural drainage and existing ...