Sole Technology Research & Design Building: Design, Innovation, Quality
The relationship between feet and skateboarding is intensely examined at Sole Technology's Research and Design building in Lake Forest, California. Research is conducted to enhance comfort, function and durability of skateboarding shoes.
Inspired by the design and vision of Pierre-André Senizergues, the 75,000 square foot facility blends modern and ecological design. The building has received a number of prestigious design awards, such as the National Award of Honor from the Society of American Registered Architects. Spanning nearly five acres, the facility includes more than a full acre dedicated to bioregional appropriate landscapin.
The building's exterior features smooth curves breaking into block walls representing the flow of a skateboard and defiance of convention that shapes skate culture. Form follows function internally as the building houses corporate offices, brand showrooms, conference rooms, design departments and production facilities. Eco-sensitive materials combine with natural lighting to create a natural harmony throughout the building.
In an effort to leverage the earth's renewable energy sources, Sole Technology installed an RWE Schott FS Solar System on the building's rooftop. This system consists of 616 ASE-300-DGF/50 panels providing over 250,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually. This equates to an annual savings of nearly $30,000 in energy costs. More importantly, it eliminates 115 tons of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions each year.