“Remodel” doesn’t nearly convey the extent of the complete design overhaul for this Bay Area high tech firm specializing in electronic dynamic glazing products. Construction began on the multi-phase project in Spring of 2019 and is still in progress as the project scope and client needs continue to evolve. The current scope includes exterior facade work, roof skylights and site work to bring the property into ADA compliance, as well as a total re-make of the interior space.
On the exteriors, the existing 6’-0” windows are being replaced with full-height 10’-0” windows to showcase the company’s electronically-enhanced glazing units that are easily programmed to change color and opacity in response to occupant and weather needs. The 12’-0” entrance lobby windows highlight one of the company’s newest products: apparently clear glazing which in fact functions as a computer monitor similar to a large format desktop or laptop. To date, half of the window construction is complete (on the South and half of the East Elevations) and half is in design phase. The design and installation of the new angled skylights is also complete.
The redesign of the existing 42,000 sf interior office space called for new Everything. The interior volume, with its steeply-angled ceilings, was re-organized into new openplan work spaces, meeting rooms, and cafeteria. All furnishings, carpet, ceiling and lighting are new, and currently under construction Phase III. The entrance lobby will feature a green “living wall” and a dramatic spiral glass light fixture suspended from the ceiling. About half of the interior renovations are complete at this time.
In light of the global Covid-19 pandemic, the company decided to re-visit the original design of the exterior patio gathering space and significantly increased its size to implement green design and emphasize health and wellness. The new patio will link to the interior all-hands room via an openable Nanawall system, enabling the glazing to be completely folded aside so that occupants may pass freely between indoors and out.
