Reaching Critical Mass: Silicon Valley's skyline is evolving as a new construction material gains traction

Mass timber in Silicon Valley 

Google hired XL Construction to complete their recent mass timber building at 1265 Borregas in Sunnyvale last year and biophilia was a part of that decision process.

“We’re continually looking for ways to integrate biophilic design into the workplace,” said Michelle Kaufmann, director of R+D Lab at Google, in a video posted to Google’s YouTube channel last November. “These biophilic elements all complement the building’s other sustainability features, including being all-electric LEED platinum and having solar panels on the roof.”

Dave Beck, VP and founder at XL Construction echoes Kaufmann’s thoughts.

“With those biophilic benefits these clients; they’re trying to attract and retain employees, and kind of lure them away,” Beck said. “When you look at these buildings, they’re absolutely stunning.”

A cost-saving aesthetic

As with most things, money is another leading factor for businesses to choose mass timber.

“The timber structure itself is more expensive than a steel structure,” said Beck about the upfront cost of mass timber compared to conventional building. “But then there’s a lot of things you don’t have to do.”

Because the timber elements of a mass timber building are meant to be seen, there is less cost in the finishing stages of construction.

“We’re not wrapping everything in sheet rock. We’re not painting all this stuff. We’re not having to put in t-bar ceilings to hide everything,” said Beck.

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