Commercial Architecture November 2015 - (Page 20)

exteriors PROJECT Google's headquarters in Sunnyvale, CA, features a distinctive awning over its central plaza that acts like leaves in the sun. Fabric Filters Sunlight Sefar Architecture's Tenara fabric controls sun exposure at Googleplex. W After many experiments, the designers settled on an unusual curved shape, which was shallow in depth, yet allowed the membrane to tension evenly. hen the sun shines through the leaves Mountain View, CA, envisioned a solution to use fabric within the steel geometry. Each triangle had to be within of a tree, it creates an illusion of move- to create a patio covering that actually let the light in 1 1/2 in. of the connector hubs when fully tensioned. To ment-of light interacting with the vari- while keeping the elements out. accomplish the design goals, the fabricator and installer, ants of green, reflecting on the ground below. This illu- With a name synonymous with search, Google metic- Duvall Design Inc., Rockland, ME, experimented with sion inspired a recent expansion at Google headquarters ulously investigated options to find the perfect fabric, de- different shapes and patterns of fabric membranes to find in Sunnyvale, CA, which features a distinctive awning signer, and final look for the patio's canopy. There were the best fit. over its central plaza that acts like leaves in the sun. no doubts that the outcome would be spectacular. "We started the Google project by producing several Google's Sunnyvale headquarters, referred to as the Designers chose Sefar Architecture's (Depew, NY) Te- mock-up triangles, which we tensioned on steel frames Googleplex, required a unique covering to match its inno- nara fabric to shade the Googleplex's central plaza, and and shipped to the job site," said Charles Duvall of Duvall vative style-no plain awning would be accepted. This the fabric has completely transformed the newly outfitted Design Inc. "After many experiments, we found an un- desire to live up to the Google brand motivated the proj- space. The plaza features a large, curved steel trellis, with usual curved shape, which was shallow in depth, yet al- ect team to come up with an adventurous design plan. several hundred tensioned triangles of Tenara fabric, to lowed the membrane to tension evenly. This curve is The project team of designer Valerio Dewalt Train Associ- create a patchwork look. somewhat flat across center and pointed at the corners of ates, Palo Alto, CA, and engineers at Thornton Tomasetti, 20 COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T URE NOV/DEC 2015 The project required nine distinct triangle shapes to fit commercialarchitecturemagazine.com the triangle." http://www.commercialarchitecturemagazine.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Architecture November 2015

Company Profile
Lighting Makes, Breaks Retail
Materials Create Honest Expression In High School
Fabric Filters Sunlight
Exteriors Products
Healthcare Puts Demands On Fixtures
HVAC & Plumbing Products
Aerospace Distribution Center Opts For Intelligent LEDs
Lighting & Electrical Products
Signature Space Created For PR Firm
Interiors Products
Office Fronts Encourage Interaction, Ensure Privacy
Windows & Doors Products
Adaptive Reuse Gives A L ift To Former Eatery
Building Technology Products
Showcase
Index
Portfolio

Commercial Architecture November 2015