Project: YouTube Campus Expansion
Architecture: EHDD
Contractor: McCarthy Construction
Location: San Bruno, California, United States
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Jeremy Bittermann, Mariko Reed
YouTube’s campus expansion in the Bayhill district introduced two new buildings—1400 and 1450 Bayhill—alongside the original headquarters. Designed by EHDD to complement William McDonough Partners’ master plan, this project delivers a cohesive campus identity that celebrates sustainability, wellness, and the YouTube brand.
Integrating Brand and Biophilic Design
From the outset, EHDD wove YouTube’s brand “expression into a bold and unique new identity.” Consequently, vibrant graphics, custom furniture, and playful art installations reference local landscapes through a “meme” concept that evolves across walls, floors, and ceilings. Moreover, biophilic principles guide the architecture: naturally lit open offices, sawtooth roof windows, and automated shades reduce glare and heat gain. As a result, employees enjoy enhanced comfort and productivity while staying connected to nature.
Cutting Carbon with Mass Timber and Water Savings
Sustainability lies at the heart of the expansion. Specifically, both buildings feature sustainably sourced mass timber and low-carbon materials, which collectively reduced embodied carbon emissions by nearly 22,000 metric tons of CO₂e (including sequestration). In addition, a 391,000-gallon cistern captures rainwater—thereby diverting up to 1.3 million gallons annually for irrigation and toilet flushing. Furthermore, roof-top solar arrays and a state-of-the-art microgrid minimize reliance on the local power grid. Consequently, the campus stands as a model for green design and resource efficiency.
Wellness, Wayfinding, and Shared Amenities
Beyond materials, the project prioritizes occupant well-being. For instance, healthy, low-emitting finishes meet LEED environmental quality standards and support a healthy indoor environment. At the core of each “neighborhood,” moreover, a central “stack” gathers arrival points, amenities, and resources. Additionally, custom environmental graphics facilitate intuitive wayfinding and create memorable landmarks—thus ensuring that employees can navigate the large campus with ease and delight. As a result, daily routines become both efficient and enjoyable.
A Cohesive Future-Ready Campus
Ultimately, EHDD’s approach to the YouTube campus expansion blends circular-economy principles, brand storytelling, and human-centered design. In doing so, it not only accommodates future growth but also enriches every user’s daily experience. Therefore, this expanded Bayhill campus exemplifies how thoughtful architecture can foster sustainability, wellness, and corporate identity in perfect harmony.
