Conquering significant challenges, the Temazcal Room’s design in the Bay Area Metro Center in downtown San Francisco showcases resilience in the face of design complexities.
The design team, TEF Design, in collaboration with acoustical consultants Salter, strategically implemented solutions in the 397-m2 (4,274-sf) Temazcal Room, the last remaining cold shell on the ground floor of the center.
TEF has undertaken numerous interior development projects within the Bay Area Metro Center, covering the top four floors. These endeavors form a vital part of the award-winning transformation of the 1942 former post office into a shared headquarters for the region’s government agencies, which was completed a few years ago.
The team collaborated to overcome challenges such as uneven floor slabs, base building infrastructure constraints, and acoustical deficiencies. The uneven floors were skillfully handled with a leveling compound, while a soffit was ingeniously incorporated to reconcile varying ceiling heights and conceal HVAC systems. Sound-absorbing materials such as acoustic gyp, fabric panel walls, and acoustic baffles were also integrated.
Multiple rooms within the space prioritize efficient circulation and flexibility, leveraging soaring ceiling heights and expansive windows that connect occupants with the city.
The main room stretches across the space, prioritizing flexibility with advanced audio-visual technology. Seamlessly integrated catering infrastructure, including a food service/cafe bar and back-of-house kitchen, complements the design’s functionality. Notable design features, such as a custom tile backsplash and a large, mobile table crafted from recycled wood—utilizing the same wood from the demolished Transbay Terminal wood piles, which is also used in the coffee bars on the upper floors—add aesthetic appeal while addressing the practical needs of the space.
The room aligns with the culture and purpose of anchor tenants, fostering informal social interaction and communication on the ground floor. This dynamic workspace transforms into a venue for various activities, from staff celebrations to press conferences.
As an assembly and commercial space within a government building, the design successfully navigated reviews and approvals from the Division of the State Architect and State Fire Marshal, ensuring safety and accessibility.
