The design of Confluence Park in Santa Clarita, California features sloping roofs, reminiscent of the iconic landforms of Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park. The park has received multiple awards for its overall design and sustainability features.
Some of his awards include, the American Institute of Architects Orange Country (AIA OC) Design Award – Citation, Best Interiors; Gold Nugget Grand Award: Best Community Facility; Gold Nugget Grand Award: Best Design for Energy; The San Fernando Valley Business Journal (SFVBJ) Awarded for Commercial Real Estate – Sustainable; and LA Business Journal (LABJ) Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Awards: Gold Award, Sustainability.
The 25,827-m2 The park (278,000 square meters), designed by AO Architects, serves as the central axis of a residential network, called FivePoint Valencia, which consists of approximately 4,000 homes. This interconnected community incorporates pedestrian paths and electric vehicle tracks.
AO’s design team faced the challenge of developing west-facing buildings, strategically orienting the three concrete walls and pitched roofs to optimize the solar orientation of the integrated photovoltaic (PV) panels. The team achieved cost-effective solutions while maintaining a distinct architectural identity unique to the residential community.
The central park covers an area of 2.6 hectares (6.4 acres) and includes an advanced complex of three swimming pools. It includes a youth Olympic competition pool, an adult swimming facility and a family pool and spa area. Poolside cabanas surround the pools and the deck is divided into two main sections by a covered pool bar/BBQ area and showers. Next to the pools, a separate bath building is seamlessly integrated into the hillside. In addition, there is a 344-m2 (3,700 sq. ft.) community building that can host resident functions and seasonal events. To promote sustainability, the pools are heated naturally using geothermal technology from underground sources, and photovoltaic panels are strategically incorporated throughout the park to save energy.
Located to the north of the pool area, there is a community garden together with a feature dual purpose building. This structure houses a modern seed library and features a steel design that mimics the shape of the library building, forming a trellis. Within this space, residents can enjoy an outdoor event area for community workshops, as well as raised vegetable garden planters for growing organic produce.
Other contributors to the project were the landscape designer, BrightView Design Group; structural engineer, KPFF; mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineer (MEP), NV5; interior designer, FF&E: RDC; and lighting designer, Illuminate.
