River Oaks

The redevelopment of these tilt-up buildings centered not only around a modernization of the exterior and interior appearance, but more significantly on the creation of a wide range of exterior amenities to emphasize the campus-like nature of the facility.

The three buildings are arranged around a central open space, with tiered lawn areas, cafe and informal Adirondack seating, and a new vehicular approach that creates a sense of ceremony and significance for visitors and tenants alike.

The buildings have a new tenant – a client who recognizes the value of the exterior environment, the campus feel, and the qualities of the buildings as a corporate headquarters facility. The new client retained Studio G Architects to carry out tenant improvements, including a wide range of collaborative spaces and extensive labs.

The Campus

In the 1980’s, tilt-up construction was the norm for low-rise buildings in Silicon Valley. To create variation, architects often resorted to deeply recessed lobbies and window lines, and angled awnings. These projects are now quite dated both in terms of exterior appearance and interior fit-out.

This project was radically upgraded through a close partnership with Bixby Land, and the landscape architect HMH. Key interventions included:

  • A new exterior appearance with extensive glass lines and metal panel to highlight the lobbies
  • A rich, park-like amenity area between the buildings, that creates a work-play dynamic
  • A largely open-plan interior, with a shared break / all-hands area adjoining the outdoor amenities.