Co-Merge
- Project Address: 330 A Street, San Diego, CA 92101
- Project Owner/ Developer: Joseph P. Kenny & Associates
- Owner Contact Name/ Email: Michael Kenny / michael.kenny@jpkre.com / Robert Conrad
- Project Architect/ Designer: Carrier Johnson + Culture / Basile Studio / Wimmer Yamada and Caughey
As San Diego's smart new workplace solution, Co-Merge has integrated the very latest in communications technology with a number of eco-friendly features to enhance sustainability. The result is a new twist on the virtual office that will become the platform for future Co-Merge locations locally and nationally. The 9,000-square-foot collaborative workspace at 330 A St. in downtown San Diego is the result of extensive research and planning by founders Michael Kenny and Robert Conrad. The pair assembled a team that included Carrier Johnson + CULTURE, Wimmer Yamada and Caughey, Crawford & Co. and BYCOR General Contractors, all of whom are committed to sustainable design and construction efforts.
This dedication to green building is based on Co-Merge's emphasis on collaboration. At Co-Merge, users will benefit from a custom professional networking system that allows them to share online documents and go paperless, while also expanding their network to include other members. Wireless, video conference rooms and private conference rooms are available for rent, also by the hour or day. The design of the workspace is open and contemporary to facilitate more interaction and a spirit of collaboration. The workplace solution provides users with the ability to use and pay for space on a convenient hourly "drop in" rate with no minimum required, or an affordable monthly unlimited membership.
Developing Co-Merge responsibly was also very important to Joseph P. Kenny & Associates. During demolition of the 50-year-old building, more than 120 tons of debris were diverted from landfills and recycled. More than 90 percent of the steel used in construction consists of recycled content. Insulation is also made from recycled materials and is formaldehyde free. Co-Merge's other eco-friendly features include: HVAC refrigerant technology, programmable thermostats, water saving electric faucets/low volume fixtures, utilizing glass with a reflective coating which filters UV rays, a roof system composed of a bright white reflective coating to help keep the building cooler thus using less energy, a "Live" roof which includes live plants and provides noise reduction and energy and water conservation, steel ceilings and flooring composed of recycled content, lighting system connected to motion sensors to provide lighting only when the space is occupied, T-8 high efficiency lights with energy saving fluorescent bulbs, State-of-the-art energy saving LED units with an "Energy Star" rating and low volatile organic (low VOC) compound adhesives.
Project Awarded
Surrounded by nondescript commercial office buildings, Co-Merge’s sculptural steel fence and bright green planters create a compelling case for the public to take notice; as one commenter noted, The design team took a horrible building and utilizing space, light and color transformed it into something special. The interior spaces are open and engaging, the materials are interesting and the sensitive incorporation of landscape in an urban context is extraordinary. As one juror noted, “We've seen shared work environments before; we've seen remodeled defunct buildings painted with new life. What is special about this project is that there was a commitment by the entire team to think outside the box and come together to develop the next generation of work environments. The Co-Merge project is impressive both in concept and physical execution and is a useful model of sustainability, not simply as an adaptive re-use, but as a way to aggregate people and share resources without needing new office buildings and infrastructure. Moreover, the quality of the actual physical space created here is one that encourages use.