Sacramento, California-based public power utility SMUD on Aug. 15 reported that its newest substation “recently attracted national recognition for its bold, geometric architecture and innovative lighting installations,” with recognitions from the Sacramento Business Journal, Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals and the Sacramento Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineering.
The substation -- Station G -- was completed in 2023 “and plays a pivotal role in energizing Sacramento's expanding downtown core with clean, reliable power, supporting SMUD’s commitment to sustainability, reliable service and rates that are consistently among the lowest in California,” it said.
The project was designed by SMUD's civil and substation engineering teams, Black & Veatch Engineering, Moniz Architecture, Sestak Lighting Design, and was built by Roebbelen Contracting and Wilson Construction.
The architecture was designed with community and aesthetics in mind, SMUD noted.
“Station G is accentuated by striking lighting elements designed by Sacramento-based Sestak Lighting Design, that harmonize with the surrounding downtown neighborhood, art scene and landmarks. This approach adds to the aesthetics of the nearby Railyards and surrounding development while providing safe and reliable power and infrastructure modernization, which includes advanced equipment and expansive underground networking,” SMUD said.
Key features of the award-winning and advanced lighting system include:
Programmable colors: The system’s LED lights emit different colors and adapt to various times of the year – allowing SMUD to customize and light up the building to celebrate various events. Multi-color and textured panels adorn all four sides of the Control Building.
Energy-efficient lights: Station G is equipped with 141 ColorGraze MX4 Powercore LED Philips lights, known for their energy efficiency and performance.
Specialty exterior lighting: This lighting includes four-foot sections of Color Kinetics light fixtures on the Control Building façade and the perimeter wall.
Concrete up-lighting: At the Control Building, lighting is cast into the concrete flatwork, up-lighting nearly 400 Ultra High-Performance Panels (UHPC) on the rainscreen cladding system.
Perimeter wall illumination: Lighting washes down on Fiberglass Reinforced Panels (FRP) with decorative, flowing patterns.
Seasonal adaptability: The system can create color schemes to reflect seasons and events throughout the year.
Architectural enhancement: Designed by Moniz Architecture, these lights enhance the building's unique architecture, designed to reflect the City’s streetscape and riverwalks.
"Beyond its technical capabilities of enhancing grid reliability and resilience to serve growing downtown power needs, Station G is a prime example of how utilities can engage deeply with and enrich their communities," said Frankie McDermott, SMUD’s Chief Operating Officer. “The award-winning lighting installations and building design beautify our city and exemplify our dedication to sustainable progress and strengthening community connections through partnerships with local businesses as we create a clean energy future."
Station G received two AOLP Lighting Awards, which commend professional excellence by celebrating innovative and effective lighting designs that push industry standards forward but also enhance aesthetics and functionality in public and private spaces.
SMUD’s Station G has been awarded:
- 2024 AOLP Lighting Awards – Splash of Color Category, Award of Excellence
- 2024 AOLP Lighting Awards – Commercial Category, Award of Merit
- Best Real Estate Project Award from the Sacramento Business Journal
- Nominee for American Society of Civil Engineering Project of the Year, Sacramento Chapter
“The recognition underscores the advanced design and technical proficiency of the lighting installations, which not only elevate the visual appeal of downtown’s streetscape but also enhance the functionality of urban spaces,” SMUD said.
The design of Station G “is unlike any other in SMUD’s fleet, differing significantly from traditional substation design due to the small footprint and aesthetics to enhance the downtown core,” it said.
The building features a geometric silhouette by day with textured, durable concrete panels.
At night, its advanced, computer-controlled lighting system casts a dramatic glow, highlighting the architectural features and reinforcing its presence as a modern downtown landmark.
“The windowless building's neutral tones and textured wall panels are accented by bright orange stepping returns, reflecting SMUD's logo. Surrounding walls feature decorative sculpture panels, and two sides of the site have areas designed as urban parklets.
The 11,286-square-foot building sits on 1.17 acres in downtown Sacramento. It stands 50-feet high and includes a basement and two additional floors.
