SUNPOWER

The Response

SunPower was committed to achieving a level of green design consistent with the high-efficiency solar cells, panels and systems that it designs, manufactures and sells.
  
Impressed by the aesthetics and functionality of the District product—and the fact that Teknion offers FSC® certified wood as an option—SunPower selected Teknion to supply its District furniture system for the workstations.

 The architect devised an open plan based on an overall height of 42 inches with shared overhead storage. Teknion participated in two rounds of mockups—the first designed to more clearly define the client’s vision and the architect’s concept of the workstation; the second round involving presentation of a refined typical workstation, which resulted in the award of the project.

 Although SunPower did not have a previous relationship with Teknion and was unfamiliar with its products, SunPower was impressed by the company’s ability to solve planning challenges. In order to demonstrate the inherent flexibility of the District product, Teknion developed several configurations based on typical specifications for the second round of mockups.

 Thanks to the ability of District® to accommodate a variety of worksurface and storage configurations, while also addressing aesthetic and sustainable goals, Teknion was able to meet the client’s goals with one product. It quickly became clear that District offered the most appropriate and cost-effective furniture solution for SunPower.

To take one example, District was able to meet the architect’s specification to maintain lower heights so as not to block sight lines. As a collection, District is comprised of multi-functional components with long, low horizontal lines and a lighter scale. Low-height District windows and walls divide space, while cabinets can be stacked and positioned on credenzas to maximize storage in a smaller footprint and at a lower height than typical overhead storage.

 SunPower had charged its architect and suppliers to deliver a headquarters that would showcase the company’s innovative technologies and its commitment to sustainable business development. Teknion’s District product contributed to creating a high-performance work environment that is also safe, healthy and comfortable. District also helped SunPower to earn LEED credits and achieve LEED-CI Gold certification.

SunPower also selected Teknion dna modular lounge seating to create informal collaborative areas throughout the facility. Like District, dna offered a very contemporary, yet classic look, plus the opportunity to use different upholstery colors to identify departmental neighborhoods. dna® satisfied the customer’s functional and aesthetic requirements across the board.