Lund Construction Headquarters

Summarize the project's program, features and achievements?

The Lund Construction Headquarters in North Highlands, CA, is a 57,000-square-foot tilt-up concrete building designed to serve as the permanent home for a third-generation, family-owned construction company. Reflecting the company’s history and future ambitions, the building integrates sleek industrial materials, bold branding elements, and a forward-thinking layout. Inspired by Lund’s newly designed logo, a nested "L," the architectural form subtly incorporates the motif across the building’s massing and panel design, while the company’s orange, white, and blue color palette is reflected in exterior accents and interior finishes.

The headquarters offers a balance of private offices, open collaboration zones, and employee gathering areas, supporting Lund’s strong internal culture and operational needs. Designed for longevity and future expansion, the facility is a modern, flexible, and highly customized workplace that celebrates Lund’s legacy while projecting its future. The result is a building that elevates tilt-up construction through branding, architectural intention, and craftsmanship, serving as a model for high-performance, design-forward industrial and office facilities.

The Lund Headquarters has already proven to be a catalyst for economic development in North Highlands. By investing in a state-of-the-art facility on a previously underutilized site, Lund Construction has brought new energy and visibility to the area. The building's presence encourages further investment in the community while honoring the company's deep local roots. Environmentally, the project reflects responsible development practices, including the preservation of sensitive wetland areas and long-term sustainability through a durable, adaptable tilt-up structure. Internally, the building supports employee well-being and pride through daylighting, shared spaces, and thoughtful amenities making it not just an office, but a celebration of company culture and community values.

What obstacles were overcome related to the schedule, budget, program, specification, site, etc. on this project?

The project encountered several significant challenges, most notably related to zoning and site configuration. The original site was divided into two parcels with different zoning designations, one appropriately zoned for the project’s use and the other designated as a transit-oriented development, likely due to its proximity to rail lines despite lacking transit access. To proceed, the project team had to create a new lot line and coordinate a successful rezoning of the back parcel while simultaneously progressing entitlement and permitting for the front lot. This parallel-track strategy required careful planning and coordination to avoid schedule delays.

Environmental challenges also emerged, including the presence of on-site wetlands. Although minimal in area, these wetlands were handled with great care and preservation strategies to minimize ecological disruption. Despite these hurdles, the project was delivered on time and within scope, demonstrating exceptional project management and a shared commitment to quality among all stakeholders.

Please communicate any engineering complexities or unique features of the panel design for this project?

The Lund Construction Headquarters project presented a unique challenge: integrating a two-story office building with a one-story warehouse designed to house heavy equipment. Tilt-up construction proved ideal for this facility, as it effectively accommodated the transition between two distinct roof planes and a floor element present on only one side. The design incorporated both perimeter bearing and non-bearing panels to optimize structural efficiency and meet the functional demands of each space. Two panel thicknesses—8 inches and 10 inches—were strategically used to support these requirements.

Attention to detail was critical throughout the project, particularly in the embed detailing. Connections between panels were carefully designed to remain inside the building, even at exterior corners, to prevent long-term exposure and potential degradation. Some panels required embeds on both sides, necessitating precise coordination during installation. Additionally, the team had to adapt to fluctuating steel market conditions during the design phase. Instead of using pre-manufactured open-web steel joists, they opted for rolled wide flange shapes, a decision driven by supply constraints from large data center construction. The adaptable roof structure and panel connections ensured the project stayed on schedule despite these changes.