Southland Industries

Renovation transforms existing warehouse into sun-filled office space

The Southland Industries regional corporate office is a 38,000-square-foot tenant improvement project that showcases the company’s MEP expertise. A double-height open office features a working lab that puts the firm’s various mechanical systems on full display.

Founded in 1949, Southland Industries provides residential heating solutions. After growing into one of the nation’s largest design-build companies, Southland purchased an existing warehouse building to serve as its Southern California corporate headquarters.

The design capitalizes on the existing warehouse’s high-bay ceilings. Open office space runs the length of the building. Shared layout counters can be used for impromptu collaboration between team members or as convenient, informal display space for clients.

At an exterior wall along one side, roll-up doors were infilled with windows that fill the high volume with daylight. Advanced lighting controls measure available natural light and help offset power demands. On the opposite wall, fully glazed second-floor private offices look over the workstations and bring in natural light from the facing windows.

On the roof, skylights were retrofit with new high-performance units. The exposed ceiling structure features wood beams left unpainted to provide an interesting visual contrast. All ductwork, piping and sprinkler systems are painted to fade away against the white batt insulation. Acoustic “clouds” built with drywall and sound-absorptive ceiling panels are strategically located above noise-sensitive areas.

The entry lobby includes polished concrete floors, modern furnishings and bold accent colors. A freestanding signage wall reinforces the company’s brand identity. The project was awarded LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.