Birkenstock Building to Eames Institute: Wedge Roofing Preserves a Marin Landmark

Iconic Birkenstock Eames Roof

The future of one of Marin County’s most recognizable buildings, the “Birkenstock building,” is finally taking shape. The Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity, known for its dedication to design legacy and public engagement, has acquired the former Birkenstock campus in Novato to house its exhibitions, collections, programming, and community-focused events. As this landmark prepares for its transformation into a dynamic hub for learning and cultural exploration, it does so under the protection of an award-winning re-roof that made the future possible.

The building, originally constructed in 1964 as McGraw-Hill’s West Coast distribution center, is defined by its dramatic four-acre hyperbolic paraboloid roofline—an architectural feat of thin-shell concrete, futuristic geometry, and sweeping form. In the decades that followed, it would become locally known as the Birkenstock building, a mid-century monument along Highway 101. 


In 2019, our team completed a full re-roof of the structure using a seamless spray polyurethane foam system. Unlike conventional roofing materials, SPF allowed us to conform precisely to the building’s original shape without altering its form. The system sealed the entire four-acre surface in a durable, lightweight, weatherproof layer—one that significantly improved energy efficiency and ensured long-term protection, all while preserving the architectural integrity of the design. The project earned first place in the Spray Foam Industry Awards for excellence in application and preservation, and more importantly, secured the building’s viability for decades to come.

The Eames Institute’s vision for the site includes hosting public exhibitions, sharing the Eames archives, creating gathering spaces, and offering educational programs—all centered around the belief that good design improves our lives. We’re deservedly proud of this vibrant future, as none of that is possible without a strong, resilient building envelope and roofing system. The work we did in 2019 wasn’t just a restoration, it was the structural intervention that enabled everything to come.

Learn more about our award-winning Birkenstock project:  
https://www.wedgeroofing.com/portfolio/award-winning-birkenstock-foam-roof

Learn more about the Eames Institute’s plans for the future:
https://www.eamesinstitute.org/museum