Solano County in Northern California built a transit center to relieve the growing congestion on Interstate 80, which connects Sacramento to the Bay Area. Set between the cities of Vacaville and Fairfield, the transit station is designed to be self-sustaining and provide commuters with transportation alternatives to relieve the pressure on the highway, improve quality of life and lessen the environmental burden of the daily commute.

The project has achieved Net Zero Energy. Glumac provided lighting design. Roof-mounted photovoltaic panels provide power to the entire facility, and are arranged to provide shade to commuters in the summer, shelter in the winter and keep them well-lit and safe throughout the year. Glumac designed an LED lighting system for the passenger loading platforms and 245-space parking lot, which features controls allowing the fixtures to run at 50% during dawn and dusk, and motion sensors that bring them to 100% if movement is detected. This also helps limit light pollution at night. The glass windscreens that divide the passenger islands make use of sanded edges that diffuse light, which contributes to an relaxing ambiance while decreasing energy usage. Additional features include six electric vehicle charging stations, with space for more than 40 to be added in the future.

As the area grows, Solano County is focused on creating a more transit oriented community, with access to park and ride facilities and public transportation. The Vacaville Station was designed to be a catalyst for that community, providing a foundation for an expanding infrastructure that is connected and sustainable.

Size: 5,200sf
Cost: $3,800,000
Completion Date: February 2011
Architect: Indigo Hammond + Playle Architects
Owner: City of Vacaville

Images Courtesy of Indigo Architects