Building Like A Meadow – A building designed for flexibility over time

YouTube Headquarters,
San Bruno, California

Occupants feel as though they are spending the day outside, enjoying abundant daylight, fresh air at their control and multiple views of the outdoors. Loft-like openness and generous common spaces encourage both planned and informal interaction, creating a strong sense of community. The undulating 70,000 square foot roof is covered in native grasses and wildflowers, echoing the coastal savannah ecosystem. While responding to the surrounding terrain, this grass roof reduces stormwater from the site, provides tempering thermal mass, protects the roof membrane, and dampens noise from the nearby airport.

The building integrates many innovative design strategies, including raised flooring, displacement ventilation, operable windows and extensive daylighting, all justified through rigorous cost-benefit analyses. As a result of its unique advanced integration of building systems, Pacific Gas and Electric has recognized the building as the second-most energy-efficient office building in the state.