Flad Architects designs noise-mitigating GFRC facade for Avia Labs in transit-heavy Millbrae

Flad Architects employed specially engineered glass fiber reinforced concrete panels to address acoustic challenges at Avia Labs in Millbrae, California. The building's location at the intersection of a highway, high-speed rail station, and San Francisco International Airport flight path required innovative solutions. Four modular GFRC panel types with varying ratios of 2-inch thick acoustic glazing were developed based on computational sound absorption models. Principal Philip Ra emphasized the necessity for creative approaches given the site's transit-oriented constraints. Project designer James Kraus noted lighting integration within glass mullions was inspired by light trails from passing vehicles. The facade achieves a 35% window-to-wall ratio, below energy code thresholds, while transparent glazing improves daylight penetration. A recessed plaza with projecting second floor creates a natural entrance for pedestrians arriving by multiple transportation modes. Photovoltaic panels and all-electric MEP systems contributed to the building's LEED Gold certification.