599 Castro Office

Timeless Mediterranean Design: 599 Castro Office with GFRC Precast Panels

The 599 Castro Office in Mountain View, CA, features a stunning Mediterranean-inspired design using Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) panels. Designed by Arc Tec Inc. and built by Devcon Construction, this 110,000 sq. ft. mixed-use project includes Class A office, retail, and residential spaces, showcasing Willis Construction’s expertise in innovative precast solutions.
Mountain View, CA
Arc Tec Inc.
Structural Engineers Inc.
Devcon Construction
Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC)
50,500 SF consisting of 518 panels

Project Overview

The 599 Castro Office project, located in the heart of downtown Mountain View, CA, is a premier example of modern mixed-use development with a timeless Mediterranean architectural style. Owned by the Sobrato Corporation and designed by Arc Tec Inc., this 110,000-square-foot, four-story building includes Class A office spaces, retail, and residential units, along with three levels of below-grade parking. Sharing the site with the historic St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, the project’s design pays homage to the church’s traditional Mediterranean style.

The project utilized 50,500 square feet of Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) panels, consisting of 518 individual panels. These panels were cast with two mix designs, both finished with a light sandblast to enhance their aesthetic appeal. Additionally, 3000 custom-fabricated limestone pieces were integrated into the GFRC panels to create the arched lintels and vertical window surrounds, adding intricate detailing to the facade.

The decision to use GFRC as the primary facade material was driven by its high quality, lasting durability, and architectural versatility. GFRC allowed the design team to incorporate the Mediterranean details essential for achieving the project’s aesthetic goals. The combination of GFRC panels and custom carved limestone provided a high-quality, permanent feel that aligns with the developer’s vision for a timeless and distinguished headquarters. 

Innovative Mediterranean Design with GFRC

599 Castro Office showcases the versatility and beauty of GFRC in creating a Mediterranean-inspired facade that blends seamlessly with its urban surroundings. The use of GFRC panels enabled the incorporation of intricate details and custom carved limestone pieces, delivering a facade that is both durable and visually stunning.

The design team faced the challenge of incorporating high levels of Mediterranean detailing while ensuring the project’s constructibility within the constraints of a zero lot line urban site. The panelized GFRC system proved to be an ideal solution, allowing for efficient installation in confined spaces and meeting the project’s tight construction schedule. The light sandblasted finish of the GFRC panels, combined with the custom limestone elements, creates a sophisticated and timeless aesthetic that enhances the building’s overall appeal.

By choosing GFRC, the project not only achieved the desired architectural look and feel but also ensured lasting durability and low maintenance. The use of GFRC panels provided a high-performance facade that contributes to the building’s energy efficiency and sustainability goals.

The 599 Castro Office project in Mountain View, CA, is a testament to the innovative application of GFRC in achieving a high-quality Mediterranean-inspired design. Willis Construction’s expertise in precast solutions enabled the seamless integration of custom details and materials, resulting in a timeless and durable building facade. For architects, builders, and developers seeking to create distinctive and efficient mixed-use spaces, Willis Construction offers the experience and creativity necessary to bring visionary projects to life.

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