Verdical Group is collaborating with NAC Architecture to advise on sustainability measures to achieve Net Zero. The project will support 525 students through a distributed model of academic, faculty, and administrative spaces.

One of the most remarkable design features of this project is the integration of PV trellises with shading strategies. The distinctive canopy supports a 360kW dc PV array that generates renewable energy onsite to support the project’s energy needs, in addition to shading windows and outdoor classrooms. The addition of vertical fins further enhances the shading effectiveness of the PV trellises, ensuring optimal performance across different orientations.

Daylight was maximized by appropriately sizing glass panels to allow natural light into the building, reducing the need for artificial lighting. The size of the glass panels and shading devices were carefully designed via parametric analyses and were positioned to optimize daylight harvest, balancing light entry with minimal solar heat gain. High-performing Solar Ban 60 glass was selected for both its energy-saving and glare-reduction properties.

The building envelope features 2-inch rigid insulation over metal framing, which minimizes heat transfer, reduces demand for heating and cooling, and prevents thermal bridging. This results in a more consistent indoor temperature, greater energy efficiency, and improved comfort.

Exterior sun louvers, a radiant heating and cooling system, a high-performance heat recovery chiller, and high-efficiency plumbing and lighting also contributed to energy reduction onsite. The HVAC system features separate AHUs for labs, kitchen areas, classrooms, and meeting rooms, which require different operational hours and air quality. The design also included several operable windows with awnings to allow for passive cooling and reduce reliance on mechanical HVAC systems. The interior program area was reduced throughout the design process to minimize energy use by increasing the utility of outdoor spaces for academic activities.

The project site’s natural environment was also heavily prioritized throughout the design process. The natural topography and hydrology of the site were reinstated to fully restore two acres of the adjacent Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area (ESHA). This, combined with trees and site walls which were located to mitigate seasonal high winds, further support outdoor activities.

Locally-sourced concrete aggregate pairs with weathered copper cladding to mimic the colors and textures of the hillside and form an accessible, layered, fire-resistant building envelope. Non-combustible materials and strategic landscaping also enable the school to serve as a secure community wildfire shelter. A drought-resistant plant palette, 10,561SF of permeable paving, and a reclaimed water system conserve water, contributing to overall resiliency.

Finally, the project adheres to Malibu Coast’s Dark Skies Ordinance by limiting light pollution levels to those required for safety. This included shielding the ESHA and eliminating up-lighting onsite.

This unique project challenges traditional academic environments and offers a resilient approach to addressing climate threats.

Read about the design strategies that make this project unique in the LA Times, Fast Company, Marketplace, Architectural Record, Dezeen, and The Plan.

In 2026, Malibu High School was honored with an AIA California Design Honor Award and the A4LE Southwest Region Monarch Project of Distinction Award and was named as a James D. MacConnell Award finalist for the fourth consecutive year. In 2024, this project won an Award of Excellence in the Project in Design category of the CASH/AIA CA Leroy F. Greene Design & Planning Awards. It was also the recipient of a 2024 USGBC California Green Building Merit Award in the Energy / Operational Category.