The second phase of NVIDIA's headquarters, Voyager, grew from the idea that people do their best work in a natural environment.
The 750,000-square-foot space is a manifestation of the client’s goal to create a workplace that instills a connection to nature. Voyager encourages exploration and discovery both inside and out, blurring the lines between its interior and exterior and emulating the experience of working outside while indoors.
Like in a natural landscape, navigation of the building’s interior is intuitive. Enclosed rooms form literal landmarks, creating the backdrop for workspaces that open to the soaring ceiling and transparent exterior wall. Outdoor spaces like a four-acre “backyard” accommodating 1,300 employees and circular “treehouses” for collaboration and gathering offer a variety of distinct experiences.
A critical design consideration was creating an optimal environment for a less siloed workplace, necessitating a specific approach to sound and light. The result is a unique, undulating roof shaped to bounce sound without reverberation and acoustical ceiling material to help absorb noise. The even distribution of natural light was addressed with the strategic placement of several triangular skylights – a nod to the wireframes at the heart of one of NVIDIA’s key businesses – that reduce reliance on electrical lighting and maximize daylight.
A commitment to sustainability in the built environment primes Voyager to contribute to a healthier planet now and in the future. The LEED v4 NC Gold Certified structure features a trellis lined with solar panels that produces approximately 50,000 watts of power. Mindful of the region’s water supply, there is a 66 percent savings in outdoor potable water demand due to low water use vegetation and irrigation efficiency.
With a refined design that promotes autonomy, wellbeing, and resiliency, Voyager exemplifies the workplace as a destination, not an obligation.
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