The client is a leader in advanced waste treatment processes and have won numerous state awards. As a result, they are permitted to discharge their effluent directly into the surrounding wetlands. These wetlands provide habitat for numerous species of birds and other wildlife, and the District welcomes a lot of naturalists, as well as schoolchildren and professionals eager to learn about waste treatment. Here are construction photos as of 3/02, about 95% completion. (The exterior paint scheme was modified subsequent to these photos.)
This building is up on a
little hill
just above the 680
freeway, about five miles north of Concord. We originally
presented a
sweeping, asymetrically curved roof instead of the gable, which
might have supported the avian imagery better, but the gable looks nice
also. The standing seams are set on an angle, which provides
a
nice effect at no added cost.
The building features abundant natural light throughout. The building is adjacent to Shell and Tosco oil refineries; the drum-shaped lobby, reminiscent of the many brightly colored tanks surrounding the site, contains educational exhibits. Inspiration for the stainless steel chandelier was derived from banks of UV tubes which sterilize the effluent near the end of the treatment process.
