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The Big One: California dreamin’

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The building is covered in large, dark windows that the company says absorb and reflect heat, amplifying the struggles many plant species would have at the property. (Photo: Gachina Landscape Management)
The building is covered in large, dark windows that the company says absorb and reflect heat, amplifying the struggles many plant species would have at the property. (Photo: Gachina Landscape Management)

LOCATION: San Jose, Calif.

COMPANY: Gachina Landscape Management

DETAILS: When the client of this six-story, nearly 104,000-square-foot office building contracted Gachina to redesign their property, the one request they had was to receive a beautiful and inviting outdoor space for the many employees and clients that frequent the space.

Gachina quickly went to work, creating a new aesthetic that matches the modern, cascading design of the building located in the heart of Silicon Valley. The landscaping also had to compliment the redesign of the office’s lobby and the 360-degree view of the building’s surroundings.

Being in California, one of the biggest challenges for Gachina was the heat, as the hot summer months paired with the large quantity of light- and heat-reflecting windows put a heavy strain on the vegetation. The company said this led to lots of researching and sourcing plant material that not only can withstand the summer temperatures, but also matches the building’s architecture.

In the end, Gachina says it was able to install a wide variety of drought-resistant grasses, shrubs, lighting features and seating areas to fulfill their clients wish and promote a welcoming space that reflects the high-tech yet beautiful life in California’s Silicon Valley.

Gachina won a bronze award from the National Association of Landscape Professionals’ Awards of Excellence program for this project.

A focus on modern lighting that matches the building’s architecture was a key goal in creating the landscape.(Photo: Gachina Landscape Management)
A focus on modern lighting that matches the building’s architecture was a key goal in creating the landscape.(Photo: Gachina Landscape Management)
Crews are sent out weekly to asses the plant health, and any vegetation that is struggling gets replaced. (Photo: Gachina Landscape Management)
Crews are sent out weekly to asses the plant health, and any vegetation that is struggling gets replaced. (Photo: Gachina Landscape Management)
 Properly irrigating and watering the plant material has been a big task for the property, and routine checks to make sure everything is working properly is crucial in the summer months. (Photo: Gachina Landscape Management)
Properly irrigating and watering the plant material has been a big task for the property, and routine checks to make sure everything is working properly is crucial in the summer months. (Photo: Gachina Landscape Management)

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