Tatiana Bilbao Estudio and TEF Design revealed first images for Hunters Point Substation
16/07/2022.
[San Francisco - California] USA
metalocus, ANDRÉS MATAS
metalocus, ANDRÉS MATAS
Tatiana Bilbao Estudio and TEF Design revealed the first images for the new Pacific Gas & Electric substation located in the Hunters Point Neighborhood in San Francisco.
PG&E has a historical trajectory as a promoter of civic-minded architecture and in this case, it looked to collaborate with architects to regenerate the Hunters Point area, where a former military base was located. The site is located within a broader development that includes several planned parks and trails.
PG&E has a historical trajectory as a promoter of civic-minded architecture and in this case, it looked to collaborate with architects to regenerate the Hunters Point area, where a former military base was located. The site is located within a broader development that includes several planned parks and trails.
Hunters Point Substation by Tatiana Bilbao Estudio and TEF Design. Rendering by Tatiana Bilbao
Hunters Point Substation by Tatiana Bilbao Estudio and TEF Design. Collage by Tatiana Bilbao
Hunters Point Substation by Tatiana Bilbao Estudio and TEF Design. Rendering by Tatiana Bilbao
Hunters Point Substation by Tatiana Bilbao Estudio and TEF Design. Rendering by Tatiana Bilbao
Hunters Point Substation by Tatiana Bilbao Estudio and TEF Design. Rendering by Tatiana Bilbao
Hunters Point Substation by Tatiana Bilbao Estudio and TEF Design. Diagram by Tatiana Bilbao
Hunters Point Substation by Tatiana Bilbao Estudio and TEF Design. Photograph by Tatiana Bilbao
Hunters Point Substation by Tatiana Bilbao Estudio and TEF Design. Model by Tatiana Bilbao
Hunters Point Substation by Tatiana Bilbao Estudio and TEF Design. Model by Tatiana Bilbao
Hunters Point Substation by Tatiana Bilbao Estudio and TEF Design. Rendering by Tatiana Bilbao
The design, by Tatiana Bilbao Estudio teamed with TEF Design, answers the client's commission to develop the substation with a public and semi-private program that includes a plaza and community gardens. PG&E not only wanted to update its infrastructure but foster a tighter community through the project.
The result was developed as a series of stacked masses with the intent of building the community’s identity through a recognizable sculptural mass. The structure will be built with a building’s concrete façade— entailing an innovative precast concrete process—creating a rich layered material depth, reminiscent of rammed earth.
The result was developed as a series of stacked masses with the intent of building the community’s identity through a recognizable sculptural mass. The structure will be built with a building’s concrete façade— entailing an innovative precast concrete process—creating a rich layered material depth, reminiscent of rammed earth.
Project description by TEF Design and Tatiana Bilbao Estudio
Rising from the site of the former military base in the Hunters Point neighbourhood, the new three-story substation will house critical electrical infrastructure to replace an existing substation just across the street. In addition to meeting the practical needs of a San Francisco-based utility giant, this net-zero energy targeted landmark will provide public amenities—designed through active community engagement—and architectural richness to support the revitalization of an area long-neglected by investment. The project is part of a broader development that includes several planned parks and trails.
The client asked the design team to develop the substation to improve the reliability and resilience of the electrical grid and foster a tighter-knit community. Designed in collaboration with 2019 Marcus Prize recipient Tatiana Bilbao, the 30,000-square-fee building is sited to support efficient utility configuration and to define an outdoor plaza, facing Evans Avenue and Jennings Street, that will serve the surrounding neighbourhood.
The building’s “stacked bars” form was developed not only with the help of computational fluid dynamics to achieve maximum thermal efficiency but with the intent of expressing the community’s identity through a recognizable sculptural mass. Shaped by considerations for equipment efficiency, net-zero energy, and the goal of crafting an iconic landmark, the building’s concrete façade—which will entail an innovative precast concrete process—creates a rich layered material depth, reminiscent of rammed earth.
A pattern of geometric shapes is also featured throughout the project, including the plaza pavers and façade perforations, which support natural ventilation and incorporate a luminous exterior band, expressing the energy source within.
Strategies including photovoltaics, natural ventilation, and efficient building systems contribute to the project’s Zero Energy Certification target by the International Living Future Institute.
Project completion is estimated for Fall 2023.
More information
Architects
Tatiana Bilbao Estudio and TEF Design. Design Architect.- Tatiana Bilbao Estudio.
Architect-of-Record.- TEF Design.
Architect-of-Record.- TEF Design.
Tatiana Bilbao Estudio Design Team
Principal.- Tatiana Bilbao
Partners.- Catia Bilbao, Juan Pablo Benlliure, Mariano Castillo, Alba Cortés, Soledad Rodriguez
Project Manager: Simona Solorzano. Former Project Director.- Udayan Mazumdar. Design Team.- Sofia Betancur, Alicja Wozniak, Francisco Lozano, Mónica Lamela, Shilpa Mevada, Gonzalo Mauleón, Renata de Miguel, Sonia Castañon, Steven Beltrán, Yarla Rangel.
Model Team Manager.- Isaac Monterrosa. Model Team: Victor Castañeda, Veronica Nazar, Eliana Lopez, Ángela Silva, Patricia Morales.
Partners.- Catia Bilbao, Juan Pablo Benlliure, Mariano Castillo, Alba Cortés, Soledad Rodriguez
Project Manager: Simona Solorzano. Former Project Director.- Udayan Mazumdar. Design Team.- Sofia Betancur, Alicja Wozniak, Francisco Lozano, Mónica Lamela, Shilpa Mevada, Gonzalo Mauleón, Renata de Miguel, Sonia Castañon, Steven Beltrán, Yarla Rangel.
Model Team Manager.- Isaac Monterrosa. Model Team: Victor Castañeda, Veronica Nazar, Eliana Lopez, Ángela Silva, Patricia Morales.
TEF Design project team
Principal-in-Charge.- Paul Cooper, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, NCARB, DBIA
Supporting Principals.- Doug Tom, FAIA, LEED AP & Andrew Wolfram, AIA, LEED AP, LFI.
Project Manager.- Laudan Siahpolo, AIA.
Project Architect.- Stan Vinokur.
Core Team Members.- Gretchen Korsmo, Veronica Kaplinskiy, Paul Leveriza, David Bradshaw.
Supporting Team Members.- Carol Kim, Amber Taranto, Justin Blinn, Mark Froemsdorf, Maryam Rostami, Robbie Willcock, Samantha Rose, Justin Tang, Ken Lin, Paul Pasquariello, David Ko, Viral Vithalani, Greta Gardner.
Supporting Principals.- Doug Tom, FAIA, LEED AP & Andrew Wolfram, AIA, LEED AP, LFI.
Project Manager.- Laudan Siahpolo, AIA.
Project Architect.- Stan Vinokur.
Core Team Members.- Gretchen Korsmo, Veronica Kaplinskiy, Paul Leveriza, David Bradshaw.
Supporting Team Members.- Carol Kim, Amber Taranto, Justin Blinn, Mark Froemsdorf, Maryam Rostami, Robbie Willcock, Samantha Rose, Justin Tang, Ken Lin, Paul Pasquariello, David Ko, Viral Vithalani, Greta Gardner.
Collaborators
Landscape.- Creo Landscape Architecture.
Mechanical/Electrical.- MHC. Engineers, Inc. and ACG Engineers Inc.
Civil Engineer.- BKF Engineers.
Structural Engineer.- Forell Elsesser Engineers, Inc.
Energy Modeling.- Thornton Tomasetti.
Lighting.- Architecture + Light.
Building Envelope.- Simpson. Gumpertz & Heger.
Acoustical.- Salter.
Specifications.- White + GreenSpec.
Cost Estimating.- TBD Consultants.
Utility Consultant/Owners Representative.- Urb-in (Jon Manzo, Principal).
Mechanical/Electrical.- MHC. Engineers, Inc. and ACG Engineers Inc.
Civil Engineer.- BKF Engineers.
Structural Engineer.- Forell Elsesser Engineers, Inc.
Energy Modeling.- Thornton Tomasetti.
Lighting.- Architecture + Light.
Building Envelope.- Simpson. Gumpertz & Heger.
Acoustical.- Salter.
Specifications.- White + GreenSpec.
Cost Estimating.- TBD Consultants.
Utility Consultant/Owners Representative.- Urb-in (Jon Manzo, Principal).
Client
PG&E.
Area
2,787 m². (30,000 sqf.)
Dates
Master Plan.- 2016.
Design.- July 2022.
Project completion is estimated for Fall 2023.
Design.- July 2022.
Project completion is estimated for Fall 2023.
Location
Hunters Point, San Francisco, USA.
Renderings
TATIANA BILBAO
Tatiana Bilbao (Mexico City, 1972). Graduated from Architecture and Urbanism at Universidad Iberoamericana in 1996, in 1998 she won honorable mention for her career and also appreciation for the best thesis of the year. Advisor for Urban Projects at the Urban Housing and Development Department of Mexico City in 1998-99. As advisor for the government, Tatiana was member of the urban council of the city.
In 1999 co-founds LCM S.C. In 2004 starts Tatiana Bilbao S.C. with projects in China, Spain, France and Mexico. Also in 2004 founds MXDF along with architects Derek Dellekamp, Arturo Ortiz and Michel Rojkind. MXDF is an urban research center, attending the production of space, its occupation, its defense and control in Mexico City.
In 2005 becomes design professor at Universidad Iberoamericana. Awarded with the Design Vanguard for one of the top 10 emerging firms of the year in 2007 by Architecture Record. Visiting professor at Andres Bello University in Santiago de Chile in Autumn 2008. Named as Emerging Voice by the Architecture League of NY in 2009.
In 2010 two partners joined David Vaner and Catia Bilbao. In December 2010 three projects where acquired by the Centre George Pompidou in Paris, France to be part of their Architectural Permanent Collection. Critics in universities such as Techknik Munich, MIT, UPenn, ETH etc. Spring semester 2013 she is visiting professor at FH Düsseldorf, Germany.
Douglas Tom. TEF Design
TEF Design is an architecture and interior design firm located in San Francisco and founded by Douglas Tom in 1997.
Their staff of over 30 is distinguished by the convergence of “large firm” experience delivered through the culture and care of a small practice. They combine these skills with a deep commitment to craftsmanship, value, and responsibility to create memorable places where people come together to share ideas and build community.
Douglas Tom's first job out of architecture school was a year-long stint as a VISTA volunteer in the underserved Pico Union neighbourhood of central Los Angeles. Working with other volunteers on projects that made a real difference in people’s lives had a strong impact on him, igniting a passion for socially-relevant work, particularly in educating young people.
A true collaborator, his deep connection to serving the community has shaped TEF’s culture and portfolio and informs our work with educational, non-profit, and community clients including the Boys & Girls Club of San Francisco, the Child Abuse Prevention Center, Crissy Field Environmental Education Center, and the Presidio Institute.
He has led several non-profit educational organizations to bring innovative learning opportunities to disadvantaged young people through nationally-acclaimed programs, including the establishment of the award-winning Build SF program of the Architectural Foundation of San Francisco, which connects public high school students with real world experience through mentors in the design and construction industry. He was a founding board member of Envision Schools and a board member of the San Francisco Education Fund.
With more than four decades of experience, his steadfast belief in architecture’s role as a mechanism for social agency continues to drive his practice whether breathing new life into an historic public library or crafting a first-of-its-kind clinic in the Bayview serving children and families experiencing trauma.
Their staff of over 30 is distinguished by the convergence of “large firm” experience delivered through the culture and care of a small practice. They combine these skills with a deep commitment to craftsmanship, value, and responsibility to create memorable places where people come together to share ideas and build community.
Douglas Tom's first job out of architecture school was a year-long stint as a VISTA volunteer in the underserved Pico Union neighbourhood of central Los Angeles. Working with other volunteers on projects that made a real difference in people’s lives had a strong impact on him, igniting a passion for socially-relevant work, particularly in educating young people.
A true collaborator, his deep connection to serving the community has shaped TEF’s culture and portfolio and informs our work with educational, non-profit, and community clients including the Boys & Girls Club of San Francisco, the Child Abuse Prevention Center, Crissy Field Environmental Education Center, and the Presidio Institute.
He has led several non-profit educational organizations to bring innovative learning opportunities to disadvantaged young people through nationally-acclaimed programs, including the establishment of the award-winning Build SF program of the Architectural Foundation of San Francisco, which connects public high school students with real world experience through mentors in the design and construction industry. He was a founding board member of Envision Schools and a board member of the San Francisco Education Fund.
With more than four decades of experience, his steadfast belief in architecture’s role as a mechanism for social agency continues to drive his practice whether breathing new life into an historic public library or crafting a first-of-its-kind clinic in the Bayview serving children and families experiencing trauma.
Categories
Our selection
