237 MPD

This project is carefully designed with future generations at heart – the concept pushes the boundaries of design by making it the largest renovation project based on regenerative principles. Fully powered by 100% renewable energy, provided by photovoltaic panels that deliver over two megawatts, and featuring zero plastic or single-use waste, as well as on-site water recycling, which captures, stores, and filters 260,000 gallons of rainwater on average per year.

The four petals of Living Building Challenge (LBC) certification are currently being pursued, Materials, Equity, Beauty, and Place, which when achieved will represent one of the largest Living Building Challenge Material Petal renovations. Elements of the new workspace reference water, energy, health, happiness, equity, and beauty—all rigorously researched, intentionally designed, and implemented. The project is also targeting LEED v4 Platinum Certification and Zero Carbon Certification.

We also thought about how to cultivate healthy spaces during the development process for 237 MPD. As a part of the Materials Petal Certification, we managed a rigorous sourcing and review process for thousands of materials based on the LBC’s requirements for healthy materials, which includes ensuring we aren’t using any materials on their red list. During this exercise, we were also able to identify and salvage over 30 materials for use across the building. For example, our team sourced a wood door veneer from oaks taken from the recent wildfires in northern California with a percentage of the profits from the purchase going towards supporting local communities.

The engagement and integration of nature are not limited to building design or interiors. For example, we worked with an ecological consultant to replace areas with little to no natural vegetation with native landscaping to interact with and support native wildlife. We retained the existing heritage coast live oaks and planted new ones that circle the complex entry. This initiative was in support of the re-oaking Silicon Valley vision, which helps improve biodiversity, carbon storage, and creates shaded areas for wildlife and people. Undulating earth forms representing a cross-section of the geologic layers of the site surround the area’s bioretention “wet meadow”, which can be traversed by a boardwalk. The earth forms also provide acoustical benefits, buffering the sounds from the nearby freeway. These spaces, along with an olive orchard that enhances an outdoor dining area, create a safe environment for a new ecosystem. All these features reference the history of place and pay homage to the once vast orchards of Silicon Valley.

To better showcase to users their influence on the building’s sustainability goals, net-zero energy efforts, rainwater reclamation, and waste reduction measures, we, along with our experiential design partners, implemented interactive moments within the space– like a light sculpture called Pulse – which illuminates the building’s live energy data. These graphic experiences offer opportunities to educate users on the unique sustainability stories behind the design as well as reiterate the importance of the symbiotic relationship between people, nature, and the built environment.