315 linden

The Build Inc. office building was purchased in 2003 in a transition neighborhood as a permanent home for the design and development companies. Located in Hayes Valley near the Civic Center, Opera, Symphony, and City Hall, Hayes Valley has become a hub or cultural and creative activities.

The building was originally built as a bakery in 1926. In the eighties it was converted to a mixed use of photographers, artists, and residences. By the end of 2004 the entire building was converted to our office space along with a small retail component. In the garage is now the Blue Bottle Coffee Kiosk which has activated the alley and become a hub of the community.

The original interior of the building was gutted to the ground and rebuilt with the inclusion of a third floor and two rooftop gardens. The concept was to pull light into the middle third of the building through the introduction of a third story.  This created a soaring, double high space with flanking mezzanines connected by a bridge. Additionally, by pulling the third story back from the façade, it was possible to create outdoor garden and gathering areas that are further linked to the adjacent indoor areas through the use of expansive sliding glass doors. 

Solar panels generate a significant portion of the electrical requirement, along with a passive solar hydronic system for hot water. Natural ventilation controlled by adjusting openings at either end make year round comfort simple and efficient. The building is constructed with a significant percentage of recycled materials making it a model of efficiency for both the short and long term.