Historic Ford Factory Transformed Into SunPower Photovoltaics Headquarters

File this under "poetic justice" - <a href="http://us.sunpowercorp.com/" target="_blank">SunPower Corporation</a>, a leading manufacturer of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, roof tiles and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/category/solar-power" target="_blank">solar panels</a>, took over the Ford Assembly Building in Richmond, California, which dates back to 1931, and transformed it into their headquarters. Not only is the renovation by <a href="http://inhabitat.com/orange-memorial-eco-park-springs-up-in-south-san-francisco/" target="_blank">Marcy Wong Donn Logan Architects</a> a stunning <a href="http://inhabitat.com/lance-armstrong-livestrong-foundation-finds-a-home-in-an-old-paper-warehouse/" target="_blank">adaptive reuse project</a> -- it transforms a relic of the fossil fuel-powered automotive industry into a sustainable manufacturing facility for renewable energy tech. It doesn't get cooler than this - read on for a look inside!

<em>Images © <a href="http://www.hustacephotography.com/">Billy Hustace</a></em>As you might expect from one of the leading manufacturers of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/category/solar-power/" target="_blank">photovoltaics</a> in the US, the roof of SunPower's HQ is entirely coated in solar panels.

<em>Images © <a href="http://www.hustacephotography.com/">Billy Hustace</a></em><br><br> The company's goal for the facility was to combine aesthetics with functionality and sustainability.

<em>Images © <a href="http://www.hustacephotography.com/">Billy Hustace</a></em><br><br>The interior reinforces these goals and features many environmentally-friendly materials.

<em>Images © <a href="http://www.hustacephotography.com/">Billy Hustace</a></em>The employees' cafeteria doubles as an extra conference space.

<em>Images © <a href="http://www.hustacephotography.com/">Billy Hustace</a></em><br><br>Marcy Wong Donn Logan used Plyboo bamboo flooring and Bentley Prince Street “Urban Scene" eco carpets and also stained existing concrete floors.

<em>Images © <a href="http://www.hustacephotography.com/">Billy Hustace</a></em>A nearly 200,000 square-foot open floor plan inside the historic shell was transformed into a miniature city of departments, office space and ancillary areas.

<em>Images © <a href="http://www.hustacephotography.com/">Billy Hustace</a></em>The vast space was split up into "blocks" defined by a grid of "streets" and "alleys" that create boundaries for different work areas.

<em>Images © <a href="http://www.hustacephotography.com/">Billy Hustace</a></em><br><br>Chalkboard walls are located throughout the building. This one serves as an inspiration board and message board.

<em>Images © <a href="http://www.hustacephotography.com/">Billy Hustace</a></em>Private office areas are carpeted and partitioned off with walls.

<em>Images © <a href="http://www.hustacephotography.com/">Billy Hustace</a></em><br><br>Streets line the inside of the space and benches provide seats for impromptu meetings.

<em>Images © <a href="http://www.hustacephotography.com/">Billy Hustace</a></em><br><br>Large skylights from the original factory remain and allow light to stream into the open space below.

<em>Images © <a href="http://www.hustacephotography.com/">Billy Hustace</a></em>Executive spaces and large conference areas are trimmed with bamboo.

<em>Images © <a href="http://www.hustacephotography.com/">Billy Hustace</a></em><br><br>The floorplan for the first and second floor of SunPower's headquarters.