Engineering a Lab-Ready Transformation for a Mission-Critical Workspace

Project Snapshot
  • Location: Sunnyvale, CA
  • Scope: Full Mechanical & Plumbing Transformation for Office-to-Lab Conversion
  • Completion Date: January 2027
  • Total Project Cost: $35 M

Built

Different

When a leading technology company set out to transform a traditional office space into a next-generation lab and workplace hybrid, they needed a mechanical partner who could navigate complexity with confidence. Therma stepped in with deep technical fluency, digital precision, and a design-build approach tailored to mission-critical environments.

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Our Success

A high-performance, lab-grade facility engineered to meet the demands of innovation—without compromise.

Built Different

“Converting constraints into capability.”

The project challenged our team to deliver advanced lab infrastructure within the shell of a standard four-floor commercial building—spaces not originally intended for dense mechanical systems or sensitive lab environments.

Digitally Driven Design

Therma used advanced BIM modeling and Revit coordination to navigate tight floor-to-floor clearances while integrating three new rooftop AHUs, Computer Room Air Handlers (CRAHs), in-row coolers (IRCs), and bench-level fan coils.

Smart Zoning

Office areas were upgraded with Variable Air Volume (VAV) zoning for efficient, occupant-driven climate control.

Central Exhaust Strategy

A high-efficiency exhaust system supported core building functions while isolating sensitive lab zones.

Every detail was designed not just to fit—but to future-proof.

Built Better

“Every system, optimized. Every output, intentional.”

This wasn’t about patching in performance. It was about engineering systems that would serve, scale, and evolve:

Water-Side Excellence

Five new cooling towers power an advanced thermal strategy, with process cooling water (PCW) separated from building loads via dedicated heat exchangers and precision pumping systems.

District Integration

The facility connects directly to the District Utility Loop for chilled (CHW) and hot water (HHW), providing resilient, efficient utility access.

Lab-Specific Plumbing Upgrades

Custom CDA (compressed dry air), vacuum, and condensate lines were installed, while preserving and optimizing domestic cold water and sanitary systems.

With fabrication, install, and system balance all managed by Therma’s in-house teams, quality and continuity were never in question.

Built for What's Next

“Ready for change. Designed to grow.”

From the beginning, this project was built with the future in mind:

Modular Scalability

Mechanical systems are configured to support future lab fit-outs, additional racks, and evolving occupancy profiles.

Energy Forward

Designed to meet LEED Silver standards, with thermal efficiencies and system controls ready for smart building integration.

Operational Flexibility

Zoning, pre-fab, and water-side infrastructure make it easy to adapt systems without disruption.

Strategic Infrastructure

Supports high-tech R&D environments with the performance, control, and reliability they demand.

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