100 Altair: Reimagining the Workplace in Sunnyvale
The rise of remote work is upping the ante for office buildings. Tenants and communities want human-centric office design and pedestrian-friendly commercial districts dotted with beautiful, environmentally sound buildings.
During our over 45 years of experience, South Bay Construction (SBC) has seen many commercial real estate trends come and go. We’re proud to have been a part of some of the most important regional projects along the way.
SBC’s commitment to exceeding expectations on previous projects fosters trust and confidence with many of our repeat clients. Our proven track record with the client, The Minkoff Group, and the architecture firm HGA proved a significant advantage.
The Minkoff Group’s 100 Altair building, a visionary office space in Sunnyvale, California, is the latest cutting-edge project we helped bring to life. Designed to redefine the workplace experience, 100 Altair goes beyond functionality to create a sustainable, inspiring environment that fosters creativity and well-being.
Like our work in the Bay Area’s burgeoning Life Sciences sector, 100 Altair is yet another groundbreaking testament to the project team’s vision and SBC’s expertise and dedication to innovation.
Project Overview
100 Altair is a stunning eight-story commercial office building boasting 143,486 square feet of prime workspace. The project was completed in January 2024 and encompasses the office space and four levels of underground parking.
Sustainability was a key priority throughout the construction process. The building boasts a state-of-the-art, all-electric design, eliminating reliance on natural gas. 100 Altair was built to LEED Gold standards to underscore the project’s commitment to green building excellence.
Challenges and Solutions
Every groundbreaking project presents its own set of challenges. For 100 Altair, the initial hurdle lay in the site’s history. Removing an old post office and extensive site work required complete demolition and transformation to accommodate the vision for a modern, inspiring workplace.
Another key to success was implementing Building Information Modeling (BIM) throughout the construction process. BIM is a collaborative technology that creates a virtual model to facilitate clash detection, minimizing the potential for costly delays and rework caused by unforeseen conflicts between different building components.
Furthermore, SBC prioritizes clear and consistent communication throughout the project. Regular meetings and open dialogue keep all parties informed, aligned, and able to address any challenges promptly. This collaborative approach and innovative technology played a crucial role in the smooth execution of the 100 Altair project.
Design and Collaboration
HGA, an architectural firm renowned for creating inspiring and functional spaces, brought the design vision for 100 Altair to life. Their design prioritizes not just aesthetics but also the well-being and productivity of future tenants.
Several unique features contribute to the building’s innovative character:
- Destination Control Elevator System: Waiting for multiple elevator stops is a common frustration for employees and visitors. 100 Altair boasts a smart elevator system that utilizes destination control technology. This system significantly improves efficiency by considering desired floors and passenger volume, minimizing wait times, and maximizing convenience.
- Two-Story Living Wall: Stepping into the lobby of 100 Altair is akin to entering a vibrant oasis. A breathtaking two-story living wall, teeming with lush greenery, creates a calming atmosphere. This connection to nature fosters a sense of well-being and enhances air quality within the building.
- Rooftop Terrace Amenity Space: 100 Altair recognizes the importance of breaks and a change of scenery. The building features a stunning rooftop terrace designed as an amenity space for tenants. This open-air haven provides a perfect spot to enjoy fresh air, relax during a workday, or even host informal meetings.
The seamless integration of interior and exterior pavers creates a cohesive aesthetic that extends from the lobby to the surrounding sidewalks and streetscape. This subtle detail exemplifies the thoughtful design considerations that went into integrating the building into the environment.
Integrating Sustainability
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for the 100 Altair project; it’s a driving force. The project’s commitment to eco-consciousness extends beyond the building itself.
Their design prioritizes aesthetics and the well-being and productivity of future tenants while adhering to ambitious sustainability goals.
100 Altair takes a refreshingly innovative approach to “green design.” The building breathes new life into an existing plaza, creating a welcoming indoor/outdoor lobby that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding public space. Material sourcing strategies prioritize eco-friendly options.
Natural light floods the interior thanks to a fully transparent curtain wall system on the north facade. Operable windows throughout the building allow for natural ventilation, reducing reliance on mechanical systems.
The building features ample bike parking and showers, encouraging tenants to choose healthy and environmentally conscious modes of transportation. The project’s location within easy walking distance of public transit further minimizes reliance on personal vehicles.
These details and the building’s all-electric, energy-efficient design contribute to a significantly reduced carbon footprint.
Conclusion
The 100 Altair project represents a significant South Bay Construction (SBC) milestone. It showcases our ability to transform a vision into reality, navigate challenges with innovative solutions, and prioritize sustainable practices.
Through a successful partnership with The Minkoff Group, HGA architects, and other vital stakeholders, SBC delivered a project that will undoubtedly help influence future workplace design.
With a commitment to quality and a collaborative spirit, SBC consistently delivers projects that meet the evolving needs of the region’s businesses.
Ready to learn more about how SBC can turn your vision into reality? Contact us today, and let’s discuss your next project!
