Surrounded by golden hills, the US Borax Headquarters is located just north of Los Angeles in the Santa Clarita Valley (home of the Magic Mountain theme park). Deviating from the prevalent high-energy, lush corporate landscape image, Borax opted for a reduced-energy and reduced-water consuming landscape that would communicate the company's commitment to environmental values and sensitivity. Calvin R. Abe Associates' landscape plan reflects the surrounding semi-arid geographical conditions and recalls the company's origin in Death Valley, California. Executive, administrative, and research facilities placed around numerous garden courts provide a technically and visually high level of energy efficiency-- surrounded by an equally energy-efficient landscape.

Principal Calvin Abe designed a landscaped forecourt into the headquarters that conveys the company's history and sensitivity toward the natural environment. Known as the "Garden of Twenty," this entry plaza was derived from US Borax's historic symbol-- the twenty-mule team-- and was abstracted into a twenty-panel grid on-axis with the building's administrative wing. Framed by concrete walkways or 'mule tracks' like those blazed across the Death Valley desert floor, the panels recall a desert landscape image, filled with rough, textured desert stones and planted with barrel cactus. In addition, poplar trees on each panel collectively form another grid on-axis with the laboratory wing of the building.

A conspicuous absence of turf and lawn helps transition the perimeter of the project into the surrounding landscape. A sweep of low water-consuming, native meadow grasses ensures minimal watering throughout the site. The client was committed to this environmentally responsible solution and supported the low-energy concept; yet at the same time, US Borax employees desired a typical lush, green working environment. Calvin R. Abe Associates sought to create a place for people to dwell harmoniously within the natural environment-- abandoning preconceived notions of "ideal" and imported landscapes. Under the direction of Project Manager Inhwa Wada, the Landscape Architects committed themselves to educate both the client and the public on their ability to appreciate the beauty of the natural environment and to reverse the results of the common concern that "the grass is always greener on the other side" (which it is literally, in this case). Public perception of the project has been positive, resulting in a community commendation of the headquarters for its environmentally conscientious and responsible approach.