Originally designed for machines, not people, End Station 3 was challenged by sharp acoustics, unclear circulation, and lacked consideration for the human experience. Rather than hiding its functional past, our team reinterpreted this three-story subterranean structure. We preserved the original ceiling crane—used to lower sensitive equipment into the labs—and added strategic interventions that make Deep Lab more conducive to scientists and students, who spend long days in the lab running experiments. Daylight now comes in through an all-glass entrance, windows inserted into the existing stair tower orient researchers as they descend between floors, and natural materials combine with acoustic buffering to create a welcoming and enjoyable space. Colored in a soft pastel palette, a new central stair, kitchenette, and lounge area enhance wayfinding and offer communal exchange and places of respite.
Early engagement with Stanford shaped a vision that extends beyond performance: a place that promotes wellness, fosters collaboration, and facilitates connection between lab work and classroom discussion. Jensen conceptualized the streetscape-like scheme as a linear series of laboratories. Wood-slat “facades” front each lab, creating an urban rhythm along the ground and mezzanine levels.
As the design evolved, we relied on longtime partner GCI to find innovative solutions within a highly constrained existing shell. “Our clients benefit from a design-build relationship we already have with GCI,” says Dean Orr, principal at Jensen Architects. “When an issue arises during construction, we know we can resolve it without burdening the project.”
GCI’s role was integral from the outset. Through an extensive pre-construction and a value engineering phase, the team worked together to preserve key architectural elements, rethinking assemblies and material specifications to maintain design intent within budget.
“One drawing on a piece of drywall in the field is worth 100 meetings,” says James Buresh, GCI Vice President. “Our passion to deliver matches what the Jensen team brings to a project—this ability to have real conversations makes for a collaborative and productive design-build effort. Together, we ask the tough questions to bring a design to life.”
And this partnership continues to grow. We recently joined forces with GCI on a 5,000-square-foot expansion for Netflix, and will deliver fully integrated, high-performance lab spaces through a design-build delivery method.
Read more about Stanford University Deep Lab.
