Project Overview
Headquarters for a California high voltage electric grid operator, this LEED Platinum building consists of three wings designed to meet three distinct functional requirements. Each wing serves as a different function: a facility for state-of-the-art grid operations and data, offices for 500 employees, and meeting and training spaces. The office wing lent itself to a regular form, with uniform bay spacing that benefited from the hybrid moment frame. This approach achieved the aesthetic goals while providing an economical system.
Precast Solution
Precast insulated wall panels were selected for the mission-critical operations and data center wing because they could be fabricated off-site while site work was underway and facilitated close-in before winter. The office areas had uniform bay spacing and a precast hybrid moment frame system was selected for cost, seismic, and aesthetic reasons. The precast columns and beams with hollow core planks were left exposed and provided a loft-like quality to the space. The system also allowed large exterior openings for extensive day lighting. The building is equipped with raised access floors and an under-floor HVAC system. Insulated wall panels cut energy use and the mass of the floor system serves as a heat sink. |