San Mateo County Office Building 3 (COB3)

Total SF: 208,000sf + Parking Garage
Architect: SOM (COB3) and Watry Design (Parking)

Configured into an I-shape that incorporates two generous public plazas, the new iconic 208,000sf, five-story COB3 consists of a unique mass timber structure––glulam columns/beams and CLT flooring––and includes flexible office space, gym, café, multi-purpose rooms, and board chambers for the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors.

The interior features many areas of exposed wood, while the facade compliments with copper anodized aluminum panels alongside sizable glass segments, inviting natural light throughout the building. The new 368,000sf, seven-story parking structure includes 1,200 stalls, including 124 EV chargers and will meet the parking needs of the new COB3 and the other facilities in the County Government Center. Prioritizing best sustainable design practices and performance optimization, including solar panels on both structures, supports the project’s goal of Net Zero Energy and LEED Platinum.