Google European Headquarters
Award Winning Commercial project for Global Giant
Innovation
The new headquarters for Google, to handle its European, Middle Eastern and African (EMEA) operations would always be a leader in innovation, architectural techniques, and engineering expertise.
Camenzind Evolution and Henry J. Lyons collaborated on the project, which comprises four buildings, the tallest of which, Google Docks, is fourteen storeys high, and is the tallest commercial building in Dublin. Each of the fourteen floors is dedicated to one of Google’s landmark functions, and has a central communication hub as its main area.
Further work, a bridge designed by HLW with Reddy Architecture to connect three of the buildings, is planned for the near future.
Design Challenges
Google’s demand for a holistic approach to the project posed unique challenges for the architects and their expert sub-contractors. They were asked to produce a healthy work environment that would encourage and stimulate communication and interaction in the work force, whilst at the same time leaning heavily towards sustainable materials and an environmentally friendly approach.
LEED Accreditation and Certification
All Google buildings seek to comply with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) regulations, and the new campus gained the prestigious LEED Gold and LEED Platinum certification.
Specialist joinery and micro kitchen designs
GEM Joinery were awarded the contract for the design, supply and installation of the specialist joinery and micro kitchen.This involved detailed design to develop the architect’s conceptual ideas for the project, and included all elements from floor finishes to bespoke curtain installation and Google Letters. GEM achieved the strict programme requirements and completed on budget and within time.
Velasco Building on Dublin’s Grand Canal open by Taoiseach
On 8th February 2018, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar officially opened the Velasco Building, Google’s newest offices in Ireland, which will serve as a home to Google’s growing Enterprise and Cloud teams in Dublin. Google employees have nicknamed the site “1 GC”. The ceremony marked the completion of a triumphant collaboration in architecture, engineering, design and technology.
Awards
- Fit Out Project of the Year 2013 Award
- IDA International Design Awards 2013 “Interior Design Office” – Gold
- A’ Design Awards 2014 “Interior Space” – Platinum
