The Webster Redevelopment project is dedicated to Adaptive Reuse urban development using salvage materials, upcycled features, and the expression of the important structural elements. The project converted a 1918 corner autoshop garage in uptown Oakland into three large offices. The first-floor space is the architecture firm’s office, conceptualized as a “storefront” for architecture that hosts cultural events for First Fridays and invites urban collaboration.
In the vein of cultural sustainability, The firm’s design intention was to honor the evolution of the building and its two major eras of construction 1968 and 1918, while planning for its continued growth and resilience. Architectural expression of its adaptive reuse also meant preparing the space for future with 3 kitchens and 3 full bathrooms with showers with the potential for live/work rezoning in mind. Upcycled material elements and adaptive reuse of an existing building, greatly reduce the project’s carbon impact with super-efficient heat-pump heating and cooling and instant hot water heating.