Completion Date:     11/1/2012

Square Footage:      90000

Building Use:           Company Headquarters

Location:                 Costa Mesa, California

Project Description:

Volcom is an action sportswear company that began with an initial investment of $5,000 in 1991.
Since then, Volcom has grown to become a modern lifestyle company that embodies the creative spirit of youth culture. The company was founded on liberation, innovation and experimentation while remaining dedicated to the breakdown of established traditions.

Almost since its inception, Volcom has existed in an inherited warehouse/office facility in Costa Mesa, California. Once the home of a major competitor, Volcom adopted the existing space and with the exception of some unfortunate expansions, it has remained aesthetically and functionally unchanged ever since.

Throughout the years Volcom grew into a recognized international lifestyle company, however, their headquarters facility still reflected the nature of its previous owner and was woefully undersized.
With the majority of the space dedicated to warehouse and distribution, Volcom decided to move the warehouse function off site and complete the remainder of the space for headquarters expansion.
The concept was to build out the remaining warehouse space as office, transfer their work force into the new space and then remodel the existing office area. The completed project resulted in approximately 90,000 SF of dedicated headquarters space.

Relying on the Volcom brand for inspiration, the space takes on a hand crafted, almost bohemian aesthetic incorporating simple, utilitarian materials, used in an extraordinary way.
Raw wood, fiberglass, metal and fabric define and reinforce the Volcom image.

A 3,500 SF indoor skate park has the ability to be converted into a presentation theater or exhibition space. A 4,000 SF company store, expansive showrooms and a sample warehouse work with the skate park to anchor the newly envisioned facility.

The centerpiece of the design is an internal Volcom “street” feature that allows for simplified internal circulation and organization as well as unique branding opportunities.
The “street” incorporates art and images borrowed from the Volcom retail stores as well as staff artists and the products. Daylight is harvested through the incorporation of new skylights and the restoration of existing skylights throughout the space.

The work environments feature natural and color corrected indirect lighting, uniquely designed collaborative spaces, specialty lounge and break out areas and product and brand display opportunities throughout. Light wells transfer and filter natural daylight into the internalized spaces. The furnishings remain a somewhat eclectic combination of pre-owned, vintage new and custom elements combined to exemplify the Volcom attitude and strengthen their unique work ethic.

Although exterior renovations were kept to a minimum, the newly designed site incorporates California native landscape, an increased parking count, exterior showers and surfboard storage facilities and a large parking lot photovoltaic canopy.

The finished Volcom space will be a reflection of the goals, aspirations and highly defined brand that has made Volcom one of the most internationally successful action sports apparel companies in the world today.
While the facility still represents the grass roots nature of the company it also provides the technological support and design necessary to keep Volcom competitive in the marketplace for years to come.

C.O.T.E. | Committee on the Environment

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