Google 1265 Borregas Won ENR’s Global Best Projects Award: Green Project

The XL, SERA, and MGA design-build team was thoughtfully assembled by Google, bringing together international thought leaders with a proven ability to collaborate and function as one team. This team set a new standard for biophilic and structural design, construction techniques, material sourcing, and carbon reduction using mass timber. As Google’s first ground-up building constructed from sustainable mass timber material, the project is a high-performance, low carbon building that showcases both sustainable architecture and innovative workplace design.

Mass timber is a new type of engineered wood that involves layering and laminating pieces together. The primary mass timber products utilized were cross-laminated timber (CLT), which is comprised of crisscrossed panels providing lateral stability, and glulam, panels oriented in the same direction to serve as load-bearing structural beams. The material provides environmental benefits due to its regenerative properties and 100% of the structural mass timber for 1265 Borregas was procured from responsibly managed forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Its wooden columns, beams, and panels have precise notches and slots that can lock in place, resulting in faster assembly and less construction noise and waste.

The design-build team aimed to create a scalable building solution that puts wellbeing and sustainability first. Biophilic design principles, such as exposed wood with daylight and views, were incorporated to promote employee wellbeing and a space to do their best work. Importantly, 1265 Borregas is projected to have 96% fewer embodied carbon emissions than an equivalent steel and concrete structure, factoring in sequestration. The LEED Platinum, all-electric building leverages mass timber as a way to dramatically reduce carbon emissions and creates a workspace that supports collaboration, focus, and wellbeing.

Teamwork and Overcoming Challenges

With XL and SERA in California and MGA in Vancouver, this team executed outstanding collaboration and coordination – especially with critical work happening during the COVID-19 pandemic. To foster team spirit and connection, they came together for in-person workshops every three weeks and scheduled periodic outings to visit manufacturers or simply to have fun as a team. They collaborated remotely through online workshops, completing reviews using GoPro Cameras, and using virtual reality, Bluebeam, and Mural interactively. In addition, using Google’s online tools helped the team share and get feedback on work products daily, allowing them to strike a productive balance.

The team incorporated budget into our collaborative approach to design and used Target Value Design (TVD) to drive innovation, achieve the budget, and add optimal value. We found enhanced creativity and problem solving through consideration of many ideas and narrowing them based on what fit Google’s vision for the project, what was constructible, and what would achieve the project’s budget and schedule targets.

We used an interactive management platform to make sure adjustments to the design were reflected in transparent reporting. We also held weekly meetings to keep stakeholder input top of mind. From initial alignment throughout the design, weekly meetings functioned to make sure all voices were considered as the design evolved. Our design-build trade partners actively contributed to options analyses and managing the design.

The team worked with our team as true partners, offering solutions every step of the way.

Kathy Popovec, Director, Development Executive, Google

The design-build team evaluated system opportunities starting in concept design. We worked with our engineering partners to influence massing and floorplate decisions. We analyzed the systems holistically, discovering options to optimize the relationship between architecture, structure, mechanical, and daylighting. Our process, repeated for each major decision, included determining drivers, developing test scenarios, and identifying differentiators.

This is a rare project where the process was equally as beautiful as the product.

Kate Turpin, Director, Programs & Innovation, Global Real Estate, Google, Regarding 1265 Borregas

First-In-The-US Closed Cavity Facade

A closed cavity façade was provided by international facade specialist Permasteelisa. It was chosen for superior thermal performance, enhanced solar control, reduced maintenance, and to provide acoustic insulation, design flexibility, and energy efficiency. Each system was built with a sealed cavity housing solar shading devices and automated controls that were installed during factory assembly. This cavity is continuously supplied with dry, filtered air, which prevents condensation and dust accumulation, ensuring optimal performance and clarity.

XL Construction has been a thoughtful and diligent innovation partner… We have been working with XL Construction on the new construction methodology as a way to dramatically reduce carbon and waste while creating an extraordinary user experience.

Michelle Kaufmann, Architect-in-Residence, Head of R+D for Built Environment, Google

Installation and Protection

With over 20 contributing architects, suppliers, and consultants throughout the US, Europe and Canada, it was essential to draw on the expertise of all team members, including mass timber specialists. The project was created through rigorous R&D with Google, using innovative design materials, technology, and practices before construction began.

To preserve the natural beauty of the exposed wood, the team investigated how to move timber with forklifts, sand and finish marks, and prevent UV fading and staining. They identified effective and budget-conscious sealing and finishing solutions.

Timber erection planning included picking hardware, crane logistics, and reviewing pre-work. Temporary bracing, column block out sizes, manpower for erection, and follow-up work were carefully planned. A temporary roof membrane was tested to protect the CLT during construction.

The team erected the structure in only twelve weeks. The COVID-19 international shipping crisis delayed receipt of the facade coming from the Netherlands. XL immediately added and maintained protection to the exposed structure for 3+ months to prevent water damage.