Architect: HDR
General Contractor: Devcon Construction

SAP Labs’ facility is a two-level structure on a dramatic hillside site adjacent to the Coyote Hill open-space preserve.

The building is constructed of a movement-resistive steel frame, tilt-up concrete panels for the basement-parking garage and first level and a glass curtainwall for the entire second level. An observation deck on the second level overlooks Coyote Hill, affording a 360-degree view of the South Bay.

The design includes several compelling features:

A 14-ft. canted-glass curtainwall and sloped perimeter ceilings maximize views and interior daylight. Perforated exterior sunscreens help reduce air conditioning requirements without limiting fenestration or views. A balcony, running the entire perimeter of the upper level terminates in a plaza deck punctuated by two large, pyramid-shaped skylights.

Custom-colored concrete—sandblasted to expose its imported aggregate—was used to form the building walls, curved balcony fascia, site retaining walls and concrete flatwork.

Required on-grade parking is placed away from the hillside. The source of the parking lot’s discreet, indirect lighting is not easily visible off site.

Quotable:

“The project has good architectural design. It represents SAP very well and captures the essence of who we are.”

James Robinson,
SAP vice president of operations