Said to be the largest investment in an office building ever made in the US, the new headquarters has been designed as an expressively visual representation of Hyundai’s innovation and creativity.
Consisting of approximately 500,000 gross square feet of space, the new building is a six-storey tower connected to a one-storey, technical services facility. It also includes a free-standing parking structure in the campus.
In addition to the glass panel exterior, the building also features a two-storey high entrance, which leads to an open-to-the sky public courtyard in the building’s centre. A two-storey lobby showcases Hyundai vehicles and is visible from the 405 Freeway side of the new structure.
The sleek and modern building is classic in its design. It features translucent glass office floors floating over a precast concrete base. All exterior perimeter glass panels are installed in the respective places.
The high-performance exterior glass curtain wall system is comprised of 900 panels. In place of ordinary reflective glass, the custom-designed large insulated glass (IGU) 5′ x 10′ glazed panels have been used to provide optimal energy efficiency, as well as exceptional visual clarity from both inside and outside the building.
Calibrated to provide significant solar, light and acoustic benefits, each curtain wall glass panel is comprised of a series of glass layers, performance coatings and a ceramic composition “frit.” White frit “speed lines” on the glass reduces heat by providing solar shading. Maximising daylight penetrations as well as providing a clear view outside, clear glass substrates in the panels have been used.
Using glass curtain wall’s energy-efficient design, Hyundai is aspiring for LEED Gold certification. The general contractor for the project is Hyundai Amco America, Inc. Construction of the new building is expected to be completed by the end of 2013.
