Tech giant Google has built a modern and environmentally friendly five-story office building in Sunny Valley, California. The specialty of this building is that the company has used 'mas timber' for the first time in its construction. Mass timber is made by processing wood in various ways. The building will therefore emit 96 percent less carbon than traditional steel and concrete buildings. This office building will create a productive and conducive working environment for the employees.
The building has been designed keeping nature and the needs and requirements of the workers in mind. The name of this Google office building is 1265 Borges.
“It's an example of sustainable building construction,” said Michelle Kaufman, the company's director of research and development for the built environment. It will help people to do their best work.
It is the first building to be built using mass timber. Smaller pieces are joined and laminated to form larger beams and walls. The office is designed in such a way that it creates an environment of collaboration, support and focus.
The building is a symbol of Google's priority of creating environmentally friendly workplaces. According to research, people work best when they are in a natural environment and through this new work environment, Google wants to create an inspiring work environment. Wood has been used inside and outside the office. Some areas of the building are left vacant; which will allow natural light to enter and allow for the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful views of Northern California. Automatic wooden blinds are also installed on the windows. It fluctuates according to the position of the sun and reduces excess light flux.
Mass timber is a very beneficial material for the environment. Because, it can absorb and store carbon over time. So it was a sustainable and eco-friendly decision of Google to use mas timber to construct the building. It also reduces carbon emissions from the extraction, production and transportation of traditional construction materials. In addition, 100 percent of all wood used in the construction of the 1,265 Borges building came from responsibly managed forests. The forest is certified by the 'Forest Stewardship Council' (FSC).
Around three acres of the building's surrounding area has been planted with pollinator-friendly native plants. E.g.—Coast Live Oak, California Wild Rose. This initiative takes the effort to create sustainable and efficient office buildings and spaces a step further. Extensive presence of greenery will help in improving the health of employees. In addition, the building encourages employees to focus and perform better.
References: Yangco Designs
