The Chicago Athenaeum BACK TO HOMEPAGE >
American Arch.
1021 O Street State Office Building | Sacramento - California | 2021

1021 O Street State Office Building | Sacramento - California | 2021

Architects: Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum (HOK)
Lead Architect: Paul Woolford
Design Team: Zorana Bosnic and Daniel Herriott
Associate Architects: Dreyfuss + Blackford Architects
General Contractor: Hensel Phelps Construction Co.
Structural Engineer: Crosby Group
Client: California Department of General Services
Photographers: Alan Karchmer | OTTO


Situated in the heart of Sacramento’s historic government center, the 1021 O Street State Office Building enables the continuity of the democratic process through purposeful design that is rooted in community and a paragon of sustainability. This 10-story, LEED Platinum, Net-Zero Energy and Carbon building provides a transitional home for California’s Legislature and Executive Branch and facilitates public access to legislative hearings while the 67-year-old Capitol Annex is rebuilt.

Reimagining the traditional arrangement of a solid central core, the design splits the building façade from north to south, creating a vibrant and verdant central opening known as the Heart. This space establishes vertical connections between the office floors via open stairways, great rooms with access to natural light, and views to the State Capitol. It also creates a flexible environment where state representatives and staff can hold meetings or do focused work. Lush outdoor terraces interspersed on different levels provide occupants with spaces for respite and a direct connection with nature.

The pedestrian-scaled, transparent base of the building features two levels of publicly oriented space, a double-height main lobby, daylit waiting areas, and a suite of public hearing rooms to the east and west of the floorplates where constituents can participate in government. The transparent glass façade provides an open and inviting public face that weaves together interior and exterior spaces. A two-story portico with expressive structural columns invites people into the main lobby. The classical, symmetrical window configurations are reminiscent of California’s traditional civic architecture and complement the nearby State Capitol building.

The facade’s orientations adjust to changing climatic conditions, while light shelves and vertical fins balance solar heat gain, daylight, and views. Deep energy savings have been realized on this half-million-square-foot, Net-Zero, all-electric building through a high-performance façade and innovative low-friction air delivery system that maximizes occupant comfort and productivity.

A centralized Building Management System enables real-time analysis of building performance and fine-tuning of mechanical systems. This is further supported by a regional solar share program to supply 100% of the building’s electrical needs with renewable energy. The building also features 100% LED lighting, individual task lights, and EV-charging stations. Inspired by nature and the unique place of Sacramento, the design enhances occupant health and well-being throughout the building, maximizing occupant comfort, indoor air quality, and access to daylight and views. Irresistible stairs at the center of the building encourage physical activity while the third-floor café serves local and healthy foods.

Biophilic design elements such as lush outdoor terraces, natural materials, and a landscaped streetscape provide occupants with a direct connection to nature and the outdoors. After the new Capitol Annex project is finished, this building will accommodate up to 2,200 legislative and executive staff in a highly flexible, collaborative office space. Overall, the project serves as a benchmark for future California state office buildings, setting the standard for sustainable design, energy efficiency, and health and wellness.


1021 O Street State Office Building
1021 O Street State Office Building
1021 O Street State Office Building

BACK TO LIST
American Architecture
The Chicago Athenaeum | 601 South Prospect Street
Galena, Illinois 61036, USA | Tel: 815/777-4444 | Fax: 815/777-2471
E-mail: curatorial@chicagoathenaeum.org