The client acquired this former HP headquarters, a 500,000-square-foot Brutalist building, and desired to split it for two separate commercial life-science tenants. The project scope was to convert drab existing conditions into graceful and functional spaces to transform an unwelcoming back entrance into a dynamic, museum-quality main entry experience for one of the building’s tenants.

Previously, the second entrance was an un-ceremonial indent within a dismal, dark-brown, metal-and-glass façade. The project design provides a colorful entry experience from the road through the parking lot, leading to an elegant, light, and airy two-story glazed lobby. The building is now a beacon that improves wayfinding by standing out and offering a sophisticated image for the tenants. Framing and shading the new entrance is a 35-foot-high by 80-foot-wide-open structure clad with composite aluminum panels on the outside, lined underneath with wood laminate panels that add warmth and a sense of welcome. Lantern-like clerestory windows wrap the lobby on all four sides, celebrating light and openness. Brighter composite aluminum panels replaced the existing dark brown facia flanking the updated entrance.

Deep exterior overhangs and metal louvers control the amount of sunlight entering the lobby, reducing HVAC energy consumption. CALGreen standards were met, and ceiling height requirements adhered to seismic and fire-rating codes.

White and gray finishes for interior walls and flooring help amplify the natural light, and the same wood-look laminate paneling from the exterior is embedded behind planters to satisfy the client’s request for biophilic design elements while lending texture and enhancing the indoor-outdoor connection.

Collaborating with the landscape architect created a colorful, engaging entry procession to the building from the street. A new colored-concrete drive aisle leads from the existing parking lot and provides a formal sense of arrival along with newly planted trees and foliage.

COVID-19 and material price increases led to locally sourced metal-panel solutions. Perforated aluminum and composite panels, along with wood-like laminate siding, kept the project on schedule and within budget.