More Platinum in Palo Alto at 102 University Avenue
Bill Brown called Bryan just before noon and asked if he could be in Palo Alto to look at some concrete walls.
‘No problem – meet you there,’ said Bryan.
Background
102 University Avenue is a mixed-use development that is pursuing LEED Platinum certification. The sign at the project site outlines the key features of the building, including the Location and Linkages. This building is located in downtown Palo Alto and is across the street from the train station, which goes to downtown San Francisco. Also, the building is only minutes away from Stanford University. A great location.
This is the second site in Palo Alto that we toured that is pursuing LEED Platinum certification. The first site is under the LEED for Homes program, and is located at 2180 Bryant Street.
Sign outlining the building features for LEED Platinum certification. The complete text of this sign is on the architect's web site (see below).
102 University project between 116 University (left) and parking garage (right).
At the street level, 102 University is between two existing buildings – on the left side is 116 University, which has the architect’s office and Facebook’s corporate cafeteria. On the right side is a parking garage.
Looking left at the screens over the windows of 116 University Avenue.
102 University project site.
Right side of project site, showing existing parking garage.
The architect is Joseph Bellomo. He designs and builds modern, minimalist and environmentally friendly buildings. HIs work is exemplary.
Window to Joseph Bellomo's offices, with plants, concrete, wood, glass and steel.
The complete text of the signage describing the pursuit of LEED Platinum certification is on the archtect’s web site.
Touring 102 University Avenue
After presenting Bryan with a white visitor’s hard hat, Bill took Bryan to the highest floor and showed him the concrete walls that are being formed and poured. Bill explained they are using Xact2Form to give the interior concrete walls a smooth exposed finish for the residential units.
Also, Bill commented that the same 70% slag mix that he poured for our structural slab at 17509 Via Sereno is the same mix that he used at 102 University Avenue. This concrete mix will help both projects earn LEED points.
Project site showing temporary steps leading to the second floor, where there is an immense amount of reinforcing steel being used.
Interior exposed concrete wall, made using Xact2Form.
Close up photo of the exposed interior concrete wall.
View of interior exposed concrete wall showing Xact2Form. Note the sheen on the exposed concrete.
Knife edge exposed concrete wall in the retail space on the ground level.
Stairs
Then, Bill showed Bryan each floor and then went into the car elevator, which has temporary steps, leading to the below grade structure. Given our current interest in designing the stairs to our lower level, Bill showed Bryan the steel and concrete stairs.
Bill Brown going down temporary stairs in car elevator, which will take the cars to the underground parking garage.
Bottom of stair treads, ready to be mounted on steel rails.
Looking into stairwell, showing formed concrete beams for the stairs.
Stair treads on steel rail, sitting on formed concrete beam.
Facebook’s Corporate Cafeteria Under 116 University Avenue
Facebook’s corporate cafeteria is located under 116 University Avenue. The architect’s web site has a description of Facebook’s corporate cafeteria and photos of the space. The entrance and stairway to the cafeteria is spectacular.
Looking into the window, with reflection of Alma Street.
Close up of the front face of 116 University Avenue, with steel, glass and concrete.
Stairs on east side of building going up to second floor. Note the lights inside the building.
Outdoor patio below grade with tall sliding glass doors that bringing natural light into Facebook's corporate cafeteria.
Tags: 120 University Avenue, Bill Brown, Facebook, Joseph Bellomo, LEED Platinum, Xact2Form
