In The WorksThe Union

The Union

Positioned along the first BART train stop in Oakland, this future-forward development is in the heart of a transient neighborhood– sculpted by historic placemaking. The Union, another signature project in collaboration with David Baker Architects, shows our transformative approach to affordable housing through modular design. Designed in downtown Oakland, BOK Modern’s scope spans over 4 perimeters of this mixed use development. One of our most comprehensive projects to date, this project is an exemplar of our cohesive applications through multiple product systems.

BŌK Modern’s product applications consisted of rainscreens with integrated sunshades, riveted panels, perimeter fencing with blade brackets, aluminum balconies, corten guardrails and stair guardrails, and gate shrouds – with a beauty shot entry experience of sharp fin-assemblies. One particular challenge included the rainscreens having to be cantilevered off of the building due to building requirements; however, BŌK Modern managed to easily modify panels to the unique building conditions. With install now underway, the process has been straight-forward, with balconies being installed on the ground and then raised on walls, and the sunshades (which have more irregular brackets), are unified by universal slots across three panel types. The cohesive BOK metal systems create a seamless brand identity to all faces of this up-and-coming development.

The architect selected a transitional façade, where BŌK Modern’s custom patterning applied across all products create visual unity and beauty for the overall development. Whereas precedent affordable housing was simple and unnoticed, BOK Modern’s transformation of this building transcends the vision of affordable housing futures across the Bay Area.

As a future entry portal for the city, our rainscreens add unique visual depth: giving the facades an “honest” and true-to-essence materiality. Our firm is committed to elevating fun and elegance across affordable housing projects even through cost limitations.