The California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) Headquarters Complex is a mixed-use development integrating corporate office space, retail space and below-grade parking. The site comprises two contiguous blocks located in Sacramento's downtown adjacent to their existing headquarters. The building's design is a response to both Sacramento's urban fabric and to CalPERS' sustainable design goals.
Exterior photo of the CalPERS Headquarters Complex east side

The Complex is composed of 2 U-shaped buildings of 4 and 6 floors that form a public courtyard. The structures are linked by exterior walkways and bisected by a public plaza and a mews for pedestrians and vehicles. A grand trellis-covered veranda embraces a 6-story sculptured glass Entry Pavilion, the Complex's iconic centerpiece and its new main entry.

The design for CalPERS' new headquarters is cohesive and integrated in its architecture and high-quality work environment. Spaces encourage easy orientation and movement and an open exchange among employees and members.

Exemplifying a fully integrated approach to sustainability, this complex achieved a LEED New Construction (NC) Gold rating in 2005. The exterior skin incorporates sunshades, light shelves, and planters, helping the building exceed California's aggressive energy efficiency requirements. The clear glass curtain wall integrates canopies and trellises to effectively blend interior and exterior space. In addition, the building's fenestration changes from street to street in response to sun orientation, internal program requirements, and neighborhood adjacencies. Underground rather than the required surface parking reduces the project's urban heat island effect and minimized its footprint. A central courtyard offers both employees and the public a sheltered urban retreat, while a dramatic multi-story glass atrium brings light into the core of the building.

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National Institute of Building Sciences