Google Borregas, a five-story, 182,500-square-foot office building, exemplifies cutting-edge biophilic and structural design, advanced construction techniques, sustainable material sourcing, and significant carbon reduction. As Google’s first ground-up mass timber development, it sets a new benchmark for environmentally conscious architecture.
Achieving LEED Platinum certification, the building uses mass timber to significantly cut carbon emissions while fostering a welcoming and healthy work environment. Its design integrates single- and double-height spaces, all linked by a four-story atrium bathed in natural light from a glulam skylight, creating dynamic visual and physical connections among occupants. The project features Douglas Fir 3-, 7-, 9 -ply floor and roof panels, totaling 3100 m³, along with glulam girders, purlins, and columns amounting to 2000 m³.
The building’s innovative envelope system includes climate-responsive wooden blinds and high-performance glass that filter light, enhance energy efficiency, reduce glare, and maintain external views. This adaptive design not only cuts energy costs but also improves indoor comfort.
Exterior highlights include expansive 14-foot cantilevered floor plates, offering sheltered outdoor seating and increased natural light indoors. These cantilevers were made possible by a wood-concrete composite system that connects CLT panels with concrete beams and slabs, optimizing span and load capacities while minimizing beam depth.
A hybrid structural design ensures the building’s seismic resilience, with CLT floor panels serving as a horizontal diaphragm and buckling-restrained steel braced frames integrated into the mass timber gravity system. By blending the mix of materials in both mass timber and steel provided a complementary aesthetic look. Also, this approach allows for exposed steel frames without additional fireproofing.
Biophilic design elements emphasize occupant wellness, blending natural materials, ample daylight, scenic views, and organic textures. This design philosophy supports Google’s culture of innovation and collaboration.
Google Borregas highlights the company’s dedication to sustainability and occupant health, demonstrating how mass timber can meet ambitious biophilic and environmental goals. This project exemplifies Google’s vision for scalable, sustainable building solutions as they aim for carbon-free operations by 2030.
