Life Sciences Research Lab Rooftop

South of San Francisco, a hub of bioscience and pharmaceutical companies is growing. Tournesol had the opportunity to work on a project atop a new 245,000-square-foot laboratory building with modern offices and R&D. The building was designed by Flad Architects, with landscape design by JETT Landscape Architecture + Design, who specified Tournesol for our product customization, engineering, and production capabilities.

JETT created a thriving natural environment eight floors up, where pollinators enjoy sedums, lupines, delosperma, native grasses, and olive trees. It's fantastic for the tenants to work in this natural habitat, enjoy a community gathering, or just a space to breathe fresh air and reflect while in nature.

The design was inspired by different plant patterns, especially leaf patterns. Bruce Jett explained, "We landed on the giant philodendron leaf and used that as a framework for the landscape. The inspiration went all the way through to create a remarkable space." With curved weathering steel walls and custom site-specific benches, "…it becomes the space people gather in to enjoy a unique outdoor environment."

Due to powerful winds, especially on a rooftop, Jett's landscape architects worked with wind consultants to learn more about manipulating wind to make a pleasant environment eight floors up in the fog belt. Said Bruce in our interview with him, "You don't notice the wind when you're up there, and it didn't take much to create an attractive windbreak."

Within the curves, small hills dotted with olive trees and native California plants screen the view of surrounding buildings. Tournesol's custom benches with power and data outlets offer a comfortable spot to take in the stunning view of the San Francisco Bay and beyond. At night, the rooftop's subtle lighting includes strategic up lights in Tournesol's benches that create an inviting space to close out the day and enjoy the view.

Bring this look to your next project with Tournesol's Kitsap modular planter walls and Wally Benches. Our team will guide you though our custom process, and build to your specifications or develop solutions for your project. Use accessory pockets available in both planter walls and custom benches to bring in data, power, and audio. Custom benching and seating can also be factored into your design. 

Have an upcoming rooftop project? Reach out to one of Our Advisors, and we can share more information about how we partner for success!