water resource recovery facility of hayward

DESIGN

The bold new facility reflects the City’s concerted effort to redefine the surrounding industrial district through civic investment. The ground floor is wrapped in a faceted metal panel system to visually unify the different functions within, while the terracotta and glass second-story curtain wall create contrast with a gradient of full height emerald-green glass. Conceptualized as a “geode-like” design, the exterior incorporates subtle angles that hint at the dramatic double-height core accented with a solid, rock-like service core. Throughout the new facility, tones and materials prioritize durability while creating special moments of warmth, light, and visibility between spaces.

FUNCTION

The new building strengthens the WPCF’s operational performance while supporting the people who work there. Site selection and construction was carefully sequenced to allow the plant to remain fully operational throughout, eliminating the need for temporary facilities and avoiding service disruptions.

The new water quality laboratory improves workflow, chain of custody, and staff safety and comfort to meet certification requirements. The lab integrates a 24/7 operations testing module that can be partitioned from the main lab after hours. Internal windows maximize staff safety while allowing visitors to view lab testing without interfering with operations. The expanded staff support spaces introduce safer, more comfortable work environments with dedicated support spaces, including a wellness room and private areas for individual use.

RESILIENCE & SUSTAINABILITY

The Administration and Lab building achieves LEED Silver and Envision certification through effective, passive strategies like energy efficient mechanical systems, optimized window sizing and orientation that maximize daylighting and minimize heat gain, and sustainable materials selection. These minimize initial construction costs while reducing long-term operating costs and maintenance.

CIVIC RESOURCE

Beyond its functional role, the facility serves as a community-facing civic resource. The second-floor interpretive and educational area is conceived as a flexible series of spaces that support interactive learning, exhibits, and graphics communicating the importance of water infrastructure and environmental stewardship. The adjacent meeting space features a foldable partition wall to accommodate public outreach, staff training, or larger gatherings by other City departments that expand the project value beyond the WPCF.