Caltrans District 7 Headquarters

Caltrans District 7 Headquarters is one of the State of California’s first pure design-build projects. The complex features 1142 underground parking spaces, an auto shop, warehouse, teleconference room, public cafeteria, and a childcare facility for employees and the public. Working together, the project team used innovative techniques to construct a high profile building that exemplifies design excellence, while saving the state time and money.

Constructing the complicated exterior wall system was one of the most significant challenges for the design-build team. The skin features adjustable perforated panels, resembling a giant screen, which serve as a shading device for the building. Sensors automatically close off panels of the facade that are exposed to the hot California sun and open sections that are in the shade. The system significantly reduces the heat gain on the building. Architecturally, the facade is striking — at dusk the building is transparent, with exposed windows everywhere; while at midday the structure is buttoned up against the sun, appearing to be devoid of windows entirely.

The south facing facade features a photovoltaic array incorporated into the building envelope — serving the dual purpose of sunshade and capture of solar energy for electrical power. This installation is one of the largest integrated exterior wall / solar cell arrays in the western United States.

The structural system of the building itself is unique as well. The exterior “urban”; lobby spans 72 feet wide and 140 feet long, with 10 floors slabs above. The north end of the building cantilevers over First Street by 30 feet from floors six through thirteen, and a cantilevered open-air fire exit stair hangs from the south end of the building. All of these structural elements were designed into an extremely cost effective moment-framed steel skeleton, averaging only 17 pounds per square foot.