San Mateo County Office Building 3: A Model of Sustainable Civic Architecture with Mass Timber

San Mateo County has set a remarkable precedent in sustainable civic architecture with the newly completed County Office Building 3 (COB3) in Redwood City. This nearly 208,000-square-foot structure, built with Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) and designed to achieve Net-Zero energy standards, marks the first Civic Building in the United States to combine CLT construction with an energy-efficient design that aligns with SmartLam’s vision of sustainable mass timber solutions.

As the latest workplace for over 600 San Mateo County employees, COB3 is both a sustainable innovation and a powerful statement of environmental responsibility in the civic sector.

Why Mass Timber? The Environmental and Structural Benefits

Mass timber, including wood columns, beams, and CLT floor decks, was selected for COB3 for its sustainable and structural advantages. Wood is a renewable material that dramatically reduces the building’s carbon footprint by decreasing the reliance on energy-intensive steel and concrete. SmartLam’s mass timber products, such as CLT, not only provide aesthetic appeal but also align with environmental goals by storing carbon and offering a lower-emission alternative to traditional construction materials.

Beyond environmental impact, wood’s inherent properties contribute to the building’s seismic resilience. The lightweight nature of mass timber allows for smaller foundations and improves the structure’s response to lateral seismic loads—critical for a region like the Bay Area. COB3 incorporates four traditional steel cores that house elevators and egress stairs, providing additional lateral stability. By balancing the seismic strength of steel with the environmental benefits of timber, COB3 showcases a forward-thinking approach to structural design that prioritizes resilience and sustainability.

Achieving Net-Zero Energy Standards: Leading by Example

COB3 embodies San Mateo County’s commitment to sustainability by being designed to produce 100% of its own operational energy, setting a powerful example for future civic projects. Solar arrays on the building’s rooftop and adjacent parking garage generate the necessary power, effectively achieving Net-Zero energy status. This design decision not only reflects SmartLam’s own vision of sustainable building but also shows the possibilities for mass timber structures to enhance energy efficiency and independence.

Additionally, COB3 is equipped with advanced energy-saving features, such as automated roller shades and operable windows, designed to reduce energy consumption while maximizing natural light and ventilation. With these state-of-the-art efficiency measures in place, the County aims to achieve LEED Platinum Certification, a testament to the building’s high performance and environmental consciousness.

A Shared Vision for Sustainable Civic Infrastructure

COB3 stands as a groundbreaking model of sustainable civic infrastructure, setting a new standard for environmental stewardship in public construction. At SmartLam, we are proud to support projects like COB3 that not only prioritize structural integrity and resilience but also emphasize sustainable and responsible building practices. This project is a testament to our shared commitment to creating spaces that connect people to the natural environment, illustrating how mass timber can transform civic buildings into landmarks of sustainability.

For more information about COB3 and San Mateo County’s sustainability initiatives, please visit the official project page here.