nustar energy

The 293,000 sf corporate headquarters for NuStar Energy L.P. is situated on top of a 31.97-acre site in Northwest San Antonio. The goal of the RVK design team was to preserve the Hill Country setting and to incorporate the existing natural surroundings into the project. Critical to reaching this goal was incorporating boulder and natural cut retaining walls along the roadways to soften the grades on the approach to the building. In addition, the entrance drive flows around natural clusters of trees and native vegetation. The natural aspects of the surrounding landscape were captured in the design of the water feature located in the gathering space outside of the dining area.

RVK carried the Texas Hill Country theme throughout the exterior and interior of the building through the use of native limestone, mesquite wood flooring, and decorative copper light fixtures. Some of the amenities of this impressive six-story office building include a training facility, cafeteria, wellness center and data center.

The four-story, 330,000 sf parking garage (1,008 spaces) was positioned and coordinated with the existing topography. The top level of the garage and the lower level of the building are at the same elevation. This allows for the garage to seem “concealed” by the landscape. By conserving the existing mature vegetation surrounding the parking garage, as well as adding new elements, the parking garage was integrated into the native landscape. The NuStar headquarters was designed to be LEED certified, taking advantage of high-efficiency mechanical systems and water conserving plumbing and lawn irrigation systems. The water conservation efforts of the project are exemplified through the collection and storage of rainwater from the site and a/c condensate from the building. The collected water is utilized for the water feature. This afforded Nustar the distinction of being given the first wildlife habitat exemption awarded by the San Antonio Water System to exempt operation of the feature from water-use restrictions imposed during drought conditions.