Net Zero Campus to replace Camp Wilmont Sweeney

New Campus to provide nurturing support for at-risk youth in Alameda County
Camp Sweeney is a minimum-security residential program for youths in Alameda County. The overall goal is to return each minor to the community as a positive and productive citizen after completion of a level-based treatment program that emphasizes change, growth and progress. Because the current location has inadequate capacity and significant infrastructure issues, the California State Assembly awarded Alameda County Funds to construct a new, “campus-like” facility with a “camp-like” feeling and atmosphere.
Komorous-Towey Architects (KTA) prepared Bridging Documents for this new campus in a new, seismically safe location. It is to house 120 youths, both boys and girls. KTA’s Project Establishment narrative and prototype design focus on the Probation Department’s vision for this project, an environment with a strong community feeling with spaces for staff to work with youth in small group settings.
A strong connection to nature is fostered by the site design and layout of the campus. There is an open air theater, outdoor classroom spaces, a teaching garden with edible and flowering plants, fruit trees and paths through shade trees and native vegetation. Providing opportunities to engage with nature helps promote the Program’s behavioral and educational goals.
The project includes an Administration Building with Visitation and a Medical wing, four Housing buildings, Programs building with classrooms and related educational uses and a Food Service building with a large meeting room, teaching kitchen and a Gymnasium on the second floor. The project also includes a field for a variety of sports. KTA’s team prepared documents describing the required site work, including a new generator, transformer, fire access road and extensive soil preparation.
The project is targeting a Net-Zero, LEED Platinum Certification. The project includes a tight, well-insulated building envelope, high-performance windows and solar panels to generate electricity. Additionally, the buildings and the site utilize numerous water control and saving features and there is a bio treatment basin to treat storm water on site.
- Status : On the Boards
- Client : Alameda County
- Location : San Leandro, CA