Winner of Best Overall / Solar / Custom in MCA’s 2023 Design Awards
Located in Santa Clara, California, Thirty75 is a state-of-the-art building, not only a testament to modern design but also a beacon of sustainability, featuring innovative uses of metal and other eco-friendly elements that contribute to its environmental consciousness. #MagnificentMetalMonday takes a deeper dive into why it was selected as MCA’s overall winner in their 2023 Design Awards.
Judges Choice
The MCA Judges were unanimous in awarding Thirty75 the top spot, citing the radiant work and spiritual feel it achieves. The metal louvers for the façade create a visual experience that attracts attention at first sight. Although the façade is static in construction, the metal louvers provide a dynamic experience based on the viewer’s position and daylight angle. The complexity of the louvers is not random and is based on performative needs to mitigate heat gain and glare in what otherwise is an all-glass structure. (Source: Building Enclosure)
Design Features
Sleek Modern Aesthetics
Thirty75 stands out in the Santa Clara skyline with its sleek and contemporary design, complimenting the surrounding urban landscape. The building’s clean lines and modern façade are a result of careful planning and execution, with an emphasis on simplicity and elegance.
Innovative Use of Metal
Metal plays a pivotal role in the design of Thirty75, contributing to both its aesthetics and functionality. The exterior of the building showcases a combination of steel and aluminum, providing a durable and low-maintenance façade. The strategic use of metal not only enhances the building’s visual appeal but also ensures its longevity in the face of environmental elements given that almost half the building envelop is facing a strong south and west solar exposure.
Open and Collaborative Spaces
Internally, Thirty75 features open and collaborative spaces, fostering a sense of community and interaction among its occupants. Metal is used in interior design elements, such as staircases, railings, and partitions, contributing to the building’s overall modern and industrial feel. These metal accents create a harmonious balance between the structure’s external and internal design elements.
Sustainability at Its Core
Energy-Efficient Design
According to the building’s architectural firm, Verse Design, “Efficient strategies were implemented through forward thinking, supported by architectural and landscape elements that apply sustainable principles. A shading screen that wraps around the south-west glazing was designed as a vertical louver that strategically rotates to break the sunlight and mitigate heat gain. Other sustainable components include a green infrastructure in the form of bioswales and mindful grading, and a vegetated screen around the parking structure for shading, cleaning, and cooling the permeating air.”
Metal’s Role in Sustainability
Metal is a sustainable building material due to its durability, recyclability, and low maintenance requirements. In the case of Thirty75, the use of metal in the building’s structure and façade contributes to its longevity, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing the environmental impact associated with construction materials.
Community Impact
Beyond its physical attributes, Thirty75 is designed to have a positive impact on the Santa Clara community. The building includes communal spaces that encourage collaboration and social interaction, fostering a sense of community among its occupants. By integrating sustainable practices, Thirty75 sets an example for environmentally conscious development through the use of metal, inspiring other structures to follow.
Thirty75 — Santa Clara, California
MCA Member Company: PPG Industries
Architect: Verse Design Los Angeles
Metal Installer: AGA/AGS, Viking Steel, SME
Contractor: Truebeck Construction
