Nuro Headquarters Transforms Two Warehouses Into a People-Oriented Office

Situated in Mountain View, CA, United States, Nuro Headquarters by Elkus Manfredi Architects is a forward-thinking office designed in 2023. Focused on innovative and modern R&D spaces, the project enhances the company’s existing facilities with an open layout that encourages community connection. This voluminous installation uses timeless materials throughout to create an engaging journey that fosters a sense of purpose and comfort.

Modern, open-plan office space with pendant lighting, minimalist furniture, and expansive windows overlooking nature.

Connecting Two Warehouses 

Named by Fast Company as one of “The 10 Most Innovative Companies” in the robotics industry, Nuro develops and operates a fleet of self-driving vehicles that help merchants transport local goods of all kinds to customers quickly, affordably, and safely. Preparing for future growth, Nuro selected Elkus Manfredi Architects to design a phased expansion of its two-building Silicon Valley location. As a leading R&D facility, Nuro wanted its headquarters to be a manifestation of the products it makes, the communities it serves, and the company’s core values and brand.
A modern, open-concept office space with a curved concrete floor, exposed ceiling, and warm wood accents.

Transforming Existing Structures

To transform two warehouses into one modern, efficient, connected R&D environment, designers focused on developing strategies to humanize the voluminous space, foster connection and innovation, and create a dynamic brand experience.
Minimalist kitchen design with wood-paneled island, pendant lights, and large window overlooking trees.

Neighborhood Organizing Concept

The design concept focused on an open environment with research and testing labs, fronted by rolling garage doors, located throughout the workplace adjacent to social and work areas. Inspired by the many paths the vehicles take, the team developed the organizing concept of “neighborhoods” and a “ring road” in both spaces.
A modern, open-concept workspace with exposed industrial elements, wood accents, and functional seating.

Road-Striped Ring Road

The road-striped ring road connects all spaces and separates the inner loop – the dense “urban center” with support spaces, meeting rooms, labs, and the building core – from the outer loop, which is more open and expansive, with airy workstation areas and roadside corner kitchenettes for casual recharging and connecting.
Sleek, modern office space with open layout, large windows, and stylish lighting fixtures.

House-Like Rooflines

Workrooms along the road feature house-like pitched rooflines outlined in light that bring the volume of the 15-foot-high space down to a neighborhood scale.
Sleek, modern office space with minimalist desks, chairs, and a large wall map graphic.

Timeless Materials and Natural Palette

Timeless, minimally processed materials such as wood, concrete, and woven fibers are incorporated in a natural palette of sand, white, grey, and black.
Expansive modern office space with modular workstations, lounge areas, and sleek lighting.

Culture Centers with Miniature Statues

Offering comfortable seating both inside and out and healthy food options, social spaces were designed as culture centers; miniature vehicles, graphic installations, and video monitors tell the brand story.
Large open workspace with modern lighting fixtures and a vibrant digital display as the focal point.

Photography courtesy of Elkus|Manfredi Architects
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- by Matt Watts

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