Photo courtesy Kingspan Insulated Panels North America
Buchanan Field Airport’s new facility reflects the airport’s evolving role in the San Francisco Bay Area by creating integrated infrastructure for administration and aviation. This California airport, run by Contra Costa County, enables travelers to access Bay Area transportation and business centers, emergency response services, and aviation amenities that serve the broader community.
At just under 1,672.3 m² (18,000 sf), the structure required a facade that could optimize efficiency, especially at a large scale. Insulated metal panels (IMPs) fulfill this goal with style. The project uses 841 m² (9,052 sf) of IMPs in warm neutrals: grey and beige, applied both vertically and horizontally.
Designing for growth in a California airport
Contra Costa County’s planning team recognized that growing business activity, residential development, and economic expansion in the region were placing greater demands on its airport facilities.
Supported by multiple federal and state grants, Contra Costa County completed a new administration building at 181 John Glenn Drive in Concord, Calif. The new facility brings together multiple aircraft rescue and firefighting bays, a state-of-the-art general aviation terminal, and administration offices for the Contra Costa County Public Works Airports Division.
Achieving architectural goals with metal
To help achieve the project’s architectural and performance goals, architect KPA Group selected IMPs for the building envelope, creating a clean, contemporary exterior suited to a public-facing airport facility. The combination of horizontal and vertical panel applications adds visual rhythm to the facade while reinforcing the building’s modern civic character.
With high R-values, this facade helps maximize thermal efficiency while creating a double barrier against air and water penetration. For a building that combines passenger processing, airport administration, and emergency response functions, that all-in-one performance made these panels a strong fit.
Meeting environmental demands
These IMPs are also engineered to withstand the rigors of the demanding airport environment. They are resistant to corrosion, weathering, and physical wear, making them ideal for high-traffic areas exposed to both passenger foot traffic and aviation operations. The robust construction ensures long-term performance with minimal maintenance, helping the building maintain its visual appeal and structural integrity for years to come.
Smooth travels in the San Francisco Bay Area
Now complete, the facility gives Buchanan Field Airport a modern front door that reflects the airport’s evolving role in the San Francisco Bay Area. The project strengthens day-to-day operations while helping Buchanan Field continue serving a region focused on growth, connectivity, and long-term investment in infrastructure.
