Environmental Construction

United States Federal Office Building

• San Francisco, California
• 600,000 square feet
• Completed in 53 months
• Owner: General Service Administration, U.S. Government

Rising like a gleaming, futuristic solar reflector from its three-acre site in downtown San Francisco, the new 600,000 square foot Federal Office Building complex commands the attention and admiration of all who inhabit, work and visit the building.

The 19-story office tower contains courtrooms, a day care center, an adjoining four-story annex and one level of underground parking. A one-story restaurant pavilion, a covered garden complex and a sky garden add soft, welcoming dimensions to the office environment.

Aside from its striking visual impact, the building was designed and engineered to LEED Silver Standards.

One of its most notable features is the lack of any visible air conditioning equipment. Innovative technology controls the interior environment using a double layer of computer controlled exterior openings, which open and shut automatically, moderating both temperature and ventilation. Most interior spaces rely on natural light during the day.

Another unique feature: all elevators stop only on every third floor, encouraging building users to walk between floors.