Neolith contributes to the design of one of California’s most advanced scientific centers

Strategically located in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Kilroy Oyster Point campus in South San Francisco has emerged as a cutting-edge urban ecosystem focused on innovation and technological advancement. This prime site on the U.S. West Coast—home to leading companies, specializing in fintech and biotechnology—has become one of the world’s largest life sciences clusters.

Photography by Tim Gormley.

Spearheaded by Kilroy Realty Corporation, the campus was conceived as a hub for idea incubation and a magnet for companies seeking environments that foster creativity, productivity, and collective well-being. This vision is embodied in an architectural approach that integrates state-of-the-art infrastructure with advanced standards of sustainability, functional design, and operational efficiency.

The development’s LEED Gold certification reflects this tangible commitment to the environment, positioning the campus as a benchmark in the science and technology sector for its responsible, all-encompassing approach.

Photography by Tim Gormley.

The project was designed by DGA – Design Group Architecture, a California-based studio specializing in high-performance environments for life sciences, technology, and applied research sectors. With extensive experience in technical and sustainable infrastructure, DGA created an architectural ensemble that precisely meets the functional and formal requirements of the campus. In this process, the collaboration with Evolv Surfaces, Neolith’s official distributor in the region, was key to ensuring the proper selection of the sintered stone surfaces, reinforcing the project’s aesthetic coherence, durability, and overall comfort.

View of Building 1. Photography by Tim Gormley.

A custom wood-effect color, developed specifically for this project, was applied to the ground-floor entrances of Building 1, as well as to the columns of Buildings 2 and 3. The surface features a Satin finish and a thickness of 6 mm.

View of Buildings 2 and 3. Photography by Tim Gormley.

This model was chosen for its warm visual appeal and high technical performance in architectural cladding applications.

Main entrance of Building 1. Photography by Tim Gormley.

For the main entrance of the Building 1, Neolith Iron Copper was used also in Satin finish and 6 mm thickness. This surface, that features a metallic aesthetic inspired by weathered Corten steel, with copper-toned accents, strengthens the buildings’ volume with a solid and contemporary image that naturally integrates into the architectural identity defined for the campus.

Image of one of the side entrances. Photography by Tim Gormley.

Neolith Terrazo Ceppo was applied to one of the side entrances. This surface reinterprets traditional terrazzo with a modern, technically refined approach. Its grey tones and stone-like inclusions lend a vibrant and sophisticated aesthetic, enriching the architectural composition with a visually expressive texture.

For the architecture studio, Neolith was a strategic partner thanks to its ability to adapt to the project’s technical and aesthetic demands. The option to develop custom colors, along with the material’s size range and application versatility, proved decisive during the selection process.

“Thanks to its large format, Neolith enables the use of both full-size slabs and smaller cut sections while maintaining seamless visual continuity. Additionally, its thickness works for both interior and exterior applications, accommodating various installation systems—from mechanical fastening to direct bonding.”

- DGA – Design Group Architecture

Photography by Tim Gormley.

The Neolith surfaces used on Buildings 2 and 3 of the Oyster Point campus were installed using the StrongFix ventilated facade system, developed by Neolith to deliver peak technical and aesthetic performance for demanding vertical applications.

Vertical section – Neolith StrongFix system.

StrongFix relies on a chemical, concealed fastening system that secures the panel to the substructure using a reinforced structural adhesive. This adhesive is applied to vertical metal profiles anchored to the building structure via brackets.

To optimize bonding, both profiles and panels are pre-treated with primer and activator, ensuring long-lasting adherence and resistance over time.

Details of Neolith StrongFix system.

One of this system’s main advantages is its ability to absorb minor irregularities in the substrate, allowing for precise alignment and a perfectly level facade finish. Since it is entirely concealed, the system preserves the project’s visual integrity and maintains the seamless appearance of the sintered stone surface. Additionally, a fiberglass mesh on the back of the panels enhances passive safety by helping prevent detachment in the event of accidental breakage.

In Building 1, the Neolith surfaces were installed using a direct bonding system with closed joints. This method involves placing the slabs directly onto the substrate—without a ventilated cavity—using high-performance adhesives. It ensures a strong and durable structural bond while also contributing to a cleaner visual appearance, thanks to the seamless look achieved through minimal joint spacing. Moreover, this type of installation demands extremely precise execution to guarantee both mechanical stability and optimal resistance to weather conditions, especially in facade applications.

Among the project’s most outstanding features is the material’s exceptional adaptability to its specific requirements. Neolith technical department meticulously designed and optimized the layout to minimize waste and facilitate a fast, seamless installation process. This precision-driven approach was vital in meeting the project’s demanding deadlines while ensuring the highest precision in finish execution. The close collaboration between the architect and Neolith’s technical experts played a pivotal role in delivering a superior result, maximizing material efficiency, and elevating the overall project quality.

“Kilroy Oyster Point is a clear example of how technically advanced architecture demands materials that deliver top-tier performance, durability, and design. This project underscores Neolith’s role as a trusted partner in building innovative and technically sophisticated spaces.”

- James Amendola,
CEO Neolith Americas

View of Building 1. Photography by Tim Gormley.

From the early planning stages, the Oyster Point project was built around principles of efficiency, durability, and environmental responsibility. Neolith surfaces offer a comprehensive response to these values, delivering solutions that meet the highest standards. As highlighted by the architecture firm, sustainability was a key factor in material selection, with a focus on options that reduce environmental impact without compromising visual appeal or technical performance.

Neolith is made from 100% raw materials, without using resins or adding quartz sand to its formulation, ensuring long-term stability and minimizing environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. Its high resistance to UV rays, wear, and chemicals guarantees excellent preservation, even in exposed areas like the campus entrances.

Main access to Building 1. Photography by Tim Gormley.

Another standout feature is the material’s adaptability to the project’s specific requirements. The layout was meticulously optimized to reduce waste and ensure fast, clean installation. This was crucial to meeting the project’s tight deadlines and ensuring the highest precision in finish execution.

Photography by Tim Gormley.

Kilroy Oyster Point stands as a clear example of how architecture can support and elevate emerging work models in research, technology, and life sciences. Neolith’s involvement in this project reflects that vision, providing technical and aesthetic solutions that align with the needs of forward-thinking, collaborative, and transformative spaces.