Projects

County of San Mateo Navigation Center

Details

Client
County of San Mateo
Services
  • Civil Engineering
  • Environmental Compliance
  • Surveying and Mapping
Awards
LEED Silver certification US Green Building Council
2024 Lead in Design Award-DBIA Western Pacific Region
2023 Best Project Award-ENR California region (includes HI) in the Government/Public Building category
2023 Best Project Award of Merit-ENR California region (includes HI) in the Excellence in Sustainability category
2023 Best Project Award of Merit-ENR California region (includes HI) in the and Excellence in Safety categories
Award Winning Team
Owner/Developer: County of San Mateo
General Contractor: XL Construction
Architect: Office of Charles F. Bloszies and FAIA
Civil Engineer & Surveyor: BKF
Unlike traditional shelters, the Navigation Center will allow people to have private sleeping quarters, be able to stay with their partners and bring their pets. In addition to a room and on-site meals, case managers will provide support services to connect clients with employment opportunities, access to health services and an on-site dental clinic, social service benefits, and permanent housing.

Overview

BKF provided civil engineering services for the Navigation Center, a transformative temporary housing campus designed to support hundreds of County residents experiencing homelessness. The center is composed of two‑ and three‑story prefabricated modular buildings that offer private rooms—many with en‑suite bathrooms—along with onsite meals, support services, and community‑oriented amenities such as barbecue areas and a dedicated dog run. This environment allows residents, including those with partners, families, and pets, to stabilize their lives in a safe and dignified setting.

The campus includes fully staffed medical and dental clinics that also provide mental health and substance‑abuse support, ensuring comprehensive care and continuity of services. Designed with sustainability in mind, the center is LEED Silver certified and incorporates photovoltaic panels, electric‑vehicle charging stations, green‑infrastructure features, and recycled‑water irrigation. Solar arrays across all structures generate approximately 60 percent of the center’s projected energy demand, while bicycle parking encourages multimodal transportation.
Operated by LifeMoves on behalf of the County, the Navigation Center reflects a holistic approach to temporary housing—one that prioritizes stability, long‑term success, and environmental responsibility through its 240 units of modular living space and robust integrated support services.

Visit the County’s website to learn more about the Navigation Center.

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