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Corporate headquarters for a leading global provider of data center facilities. The client’s goal for the project was to provide a functional, efficient layout that would help their firm expand their operations while providing a distinct and memorable experience for client visitors and a stimulating, collaborative work environment for employees.

Our client leased 60% of an existing four-story office building located overlooking the lagoon in Redwood City, CA. The scope of the design work consisted of removing most of the existing interior improvements to accommodate Equinix’s particular requirements. The client’s program included offices and furniture workstations (cubicles) for a staff of 325 people and the requisite support spaces. Because the HQ hosts many large Fortune 500 client visitors a 4,000SF Executive Briefing Center was included, directly adjacent to the main reception area on the fourth floor and includes a variety of fully-equipped meeting facilities and supporting lounge area. The balance of the program included a large fully equipped board room, a 350SF server room, sub-dividable training room for 60 people, conference rooms, break areas, storage rooms, and other typical office support spaces. Interaction between employees was crucial. 5 break kitchens featuring café lighting and counter seating were located at circulation hubs. 5 comfortable work lounges were nestled next to balconies and surrounded with open views to the outside. The game room lounge brought in a sense of playfulness to stimulate creativity with bold stripes of rubber flooring and a fabric wall with a large video display and patterned light boxes. This space hosts a wide range of internal gatherings easily with flexible modular furnishings and is one of the many features designed to help attract and retain staff.

To leverage the beautiful lagoon view to the East many of the important visitor focused and group work spaces were oriented along that side of the floor plates and glass panels were strategically located to allow the view to be seen from deep within the floor area. To minimize the long cross view and to add visual interest between work groups, “superstripes” were created in the floor utilizing four distinct carpet patterns and colors. Private offices were located so that open office areas were broken up into smaller more intimate teaming zones.

A corporate look that was consistent with the company’s data center branding standard and marketing collateral featuring a palette of gray and black with red accents was important to incorporate into the project. Additionally eucalyptus wood veneer, cork flooring and bold fabrics were selected to expand the palette and to add a more personable feel for the staff.

An existing interconnecting stair was extensively remodeled to make it the hub of communication between the two top floors. Formal and informal meeting points were strategically located at the upper and lower temini to support impromptu collaboration. Glass handrails and open space surround the stair to provide a visual connection between the two levels.

The space was designed to meet LEED Silver Certification standards.

Leasing Team:
Steve Levere JLL
Rich Branning JLL
Tony Guglielmi JLL

Project Manager:
Mark Grieco JLL

Contractor:
Novo Construction

Consultants:
TMAD  Taylor & Gaines - MEP/S
Avidex - Audio Visual
Photos by Robert Canfield