Founded in 1977, The Miller Hill Partnership is an architecture, urban, and interior design firm. This firm creates dynamic and environmentally responsible buildings that strive for a regenerative and inclusive future. The studio is located in Seattle and San Diego and their work extends across public as well as private clients. Their designs range from single-family to cultural gateways. Sustainability always has been a foundational value of the Mill Hull.
Recognized for innovative and timeless designs, this firm has received over 350 local, regional and national awards, including the AIA National Firm and Architects 50’s top firm for sustainability. Designs are based on the principles of natural forces and systems of earth and continued to be evolved with broadening sustainability concepts.
Some of the sustainable projects by the Miller Hull Partnership are:
1. District House
Location: Oak Park, IL
Client: Ranquist Development
Year of completion: 2018
This project was done in collaboration with North works. A 76,660 sq ft, mixed-use building was built in historic Oak Park. 28 spacious condominiums with indoor parking and ground floor retail were blended in the District house.
The main purpose of this project was to enhance the pedestrian-oriented retail district along Lake street and provide a new destination for residents and visitors. A sophisticated material palette and refined detailing made this project known for its architecture. Expanses of exterior glazing and roof terraces connect the units to the neighborhood.
2. Safari Drive Condominiums
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Client: The Wolff Company
Size: 325,000 SF
Completion: 2008
The design concept evolved from a strong desire to create a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood in a desert climate. The development is self-sustaining situated in the Scottsdale canal.
A microclimate is created using shaded courtyards formed by the clustered housing blocks. Sustainable strategies include the use of thermal mass, deep overhangs, high-performance thermal envelope, locally manufactured material, and a plant hydronic system.
3. Whidbey Island Retreat
Completion: 2018
This site is located on Whidbey Island which was made as a new house and retreat for a family on their farm. The house has a modest and humble look. It was designed as a retreat and part-time residence, flexible as well as durable which reflected the layered history of the family as well as the site.
This house is comfortable for two but can accommodate as many as twenty people, with four bedrooms and a bunkhouse. Basalt stone walls define the courtyard which becomes a visual as well as a physical link that offers separation as well as retreat depending upon the requirement.
4. Bullitt Center
Location: Seattle, WA
Client: Bullitt Foundation
Size: 52,000 SF
Completion: 2013
Based in Seattle, the Bullitt center is a 50,000 square foot, six-story office building, aspiring to be the world’s greenest commercial building. The buildings stand out from other sustainable projects as it has composting toilets, 350 toxic chemical exclusion such as PVC, Mercury, Formaldehyde, etc., as well as strict energy and water budget which under the Living building challenge aims for self-sufficiency. This office is commercially viable as well as aesthetically pleasing.
5. LOTT Clean Water Alliance Regional Services Center
Location: Olympia, WA
Client: LOTT Alliance
Certifications: LEED Platinum
Size: 32,000 SF
Completion: 2010
The LOTT clean water alliance Regional services center is named in a COTE 2011 Top Green Project. The building is supposed to complement its surroundings and hence is designed with a contemporary and industrial aesthetic. The height of the structure makes it iconic in the neighborhood.
This building became much more than a sewage treatment plant, i.e., The public face of LOTT. A pond symbolizes returning of the treated water. Its edges are lined with plants and the water is recycled so that it requires minimal makeup water to sustain. Energy use for this project is approximately 50 percent less than that of a typical building.
6. Gohar (Gawhar) Khatoon Girls’ School
Location: Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan2
Client: Sahar, Janet W. Ketcham Foundation
Size: 2000sq m
Completion: 2015Sahar, Janet W. Ketcham Foundation, Balkh Province Ministry of Education
Gohar Khatoon Girls’ School is a school in which the students, staff, and community were involved in the designing process to induce a sense of ownership in the members. Art was an extremely important medium that was also integrated into the design.
The design process involved a women-only mural design competition whose artworks are proudly displayed throughout the walls of the school. The built-in environmental strategies and self-sufficiency ensure the well functioning of the school under difficult circumstances.
7. Renton Library
Location: Renton, WA
Client: King County Library System
Size: 19,718 SF
Completion: 2015
The beloved library was renovated by The Miller Haul. Original structures were maintained while adding a finely crafted and efficient exterior. Creative solutions were implemented by the team which avoided habitat disruption.
The floor plan of the library is connected to the river below providing an airy atmosphere. Photo Sensor-equipped interior lightning is located near the glazing and the library’s smaller rooms are monitored by occupancy sensors.
8. West Campus Utility Plant
Location: University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Client: University of Washington
Certifications: Envision Gold
Size: 19,300 SF
Completion: 2017
This project reduced the environmental impact of the new campus energy infrastructure. It is a prominent campus gateway. LCDs are installed inside the curtain wall glazing which provides a platform for the content produced by students relating to the environment.
This acts as an information-rich portal that attracts visitors. This building provides for a sustainable future.
9. Del Mar Civic Center
Location: Del Mar, CA
Client: City of Del Mar
Size: 68,000 SF
Completion: 2018
The Del Mar Civic Center, derived from the local context, emphasizes indoor and outdoor public spaces. Warm, natural materials such as colored concrete and wood are used. Cupola tops and clerestory windows provide natural ventilation.
Passive ventilation, site water reuse are methods used in this building. The rooftop solar array and battery system fulfill almost 75 percent of its electrical demand.
10. East County Office & Archives
Location: Santee, CA
Client: County of San Diego
Size: 25,000 SF
Completion: 2019
East County Office and Archives is a public resource and amenity for San Diego. Several governmental and administrative departments are combined in this building. A 140 kW photovoltaic array is utilized which provides the building with enough energy and has a buffer of 10 percent, which can accommodate future growth.
Usage of the hard-wearing palette is minimized and daylight and sun control are maximized.
