Google Cambridge Headquarters\ Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA PROGRAM 38,700 m2 high rise urban campus replaced an outdated 4-story 9,750 m2 office building and includes: • 31,900 m2 of office space on 16 floors • 3,900 m2 of retail/public space at three lower levels • 232 m2 reimagined public roof garden.
Designed as a landmark building for Cambridge’s Kendall Square, Google’s new headquarters promotes collaboration across two existing buildings to create an urban campus and connection to the community. Shaped as a shifting a parallelogram, the building opens to connect Kendall Square with an elevated public roof garden. Articulating its massing, a series of inset “apertures” naturally illuminate interior gathering spaces and create year-round outdoor terraces. At the building’s main entry, a warm wood atrium celebrates the connection between 325 and 355 Main Street while creating a retail-filled through-block connection for the community.
The LEED v4 CS-Platinum building prioritizes sustainability and health and wellness with the superior design of its enclosure, mechanical systems, and energy efficiency. An integrative team-wide design process resulted in energy-efficient systems that reduce energy consumption by 42% and water-efficient systems that reduce water consumption by 40%.
Additional strategies and features include: SITE / PLACEMAKING Built upon a 2,230 m2 remediated brownfield, 325 Main significantly enhances the pedestrian experience while enlivening the public realm with activated ground and second floor retail. Two mid-block connectors offer direct access to the Marriott Hotel and to the main public connector/living room space. A welcoming pedestrian connection from Kendall Plaza up to the roof garden creates a multi-level public terrace overlooking Main Street and Kendall Plaza with opportunities for programming. TRANSIT The project included the design of a new Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority headhouse serving the Kendall Red Line station.
When completed, it will directly connect the train station to the public terrace. Exceeding LEED bike storage requirements, the project includes 73 long term bike storage units and 9 short-term units. The site connects directly to the local bicycle network. HEALTH & SAFETY The workplace’s design accommodates the future of work and includes significant space for socially distanced meetings, open workspaces, advanced air handling, abundant outdoor greenspace and state-of-the-art technology that enables hybrid work. Sophisticated technologies allow occupants to move from entry to workstations with minimal touch points. All building entry, security, and elevator operation are managed through individual key cards ensuring health conscious operation and protection of team members.
The Owner also developed and is implementing a green cleaning policy as well as an integrated pest management policy. AIR QUALITY Efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems exceed the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010 and includes outdoor airflow monitors. All units that deliver outdoor air as supply air are equipped with MERV 13 filters. WATER Low flush and high efficiency plumbing fixtures reduce potable water consumption by 40% over baseline. Rainwater management decreases the volume of stormwater runoff and capture and treats runoff using best management practices such as rainwater collection and reuse for cooling tower makeup water and irrigation, green roof areas, and an underground infiltration system.
ENERGY The high-performance enclosure is insulated Low-E glazing to control solar heat gain and enhance u-values. Floor-to-ceiling glass in workspaces offers abundant natural light and views. Smart lighting systems and LED fixtures assure light quality. Building-wide energy meters facilitate energy management and identify opportunities for additional energy savings. Occupancy sensors and automatically dimming, energy-efficient lighting significantly reduce energy usage. Integrated systems include active chilled beams (ACB), high-efficiency chillers, and an energy recovery system for the chilled beams. Light-colored roof and hardscape materials reduce the heat island effect. The project also implemented light pollution reduction technologies for all exterior lighting. Additionally, the project includes a 132kW rooftop PV system that is predicted to offset building energy costs by ~4% on an annual basis. MATERIALS Material selection prioritized EPDs and material ingredient disclosure reports such as HPDs, Declare labels, and Cradle 2 Cradle certificates to evaluate transparency and ensure the lowest possible environmental impacts and highest quality indoor environment. Interior finishes with low VOC content and emissions were selected to improve indoor air quality.
During the construction of the building, the construction manager diverted 85% of the construction and demolition waste from landfill. AMENITIES Designed and programmed for health and wellness, on-site amenities include a café and dining area. Adjacent to the building are a density of amenities including multiple dining options, a fitness center, and a variety of retail. BIOPHILIA Biophilic design creates interior and exterior spaces that engage users with an abundance of natural elements and experiences such as daylight, green spaces, and natural materials.
Ample green spaces offer a respite in nature and can be activated to support meetings, collaboration, and socialization. These include the public roof garden, and outdoor terraces throughout the office floors. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The roof garden, multi-level public terrace overlooking Main Street, and Kendall Plaza all provide public community programming and events year round. Kendall Plaza offers permanent art installations as well as temporary pop ups.
Category:ArchitectureYear:2024Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USAArchitects:Pickard ChiltonArchitects of Record:StantecInterior Architects:Utile, Inc., Merge ArchitectsLandscape Architects:Lemon BrookeGeneral Contractor: Turner Construction CompanyDevelopers:Boston Properties, Inc. (BXP)Photographers:David Sundberg/Esto