Confidential Semiconductor Manufacturer RFAB & RFAB2
Amid a global semiconductor shortage, this Confidential Semiconductor Manufacturer expanded its capabilities with RFAB and RFAB2—two state-of-the-art wafer fabrication facilities designed to advance innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.
Building on a vision set in 2004, the 1.2-million-square-foot RFAB and 1.6-million-square-foot RFAB2 reinforce the company’s commitment to U.S. reinvestment and technological leadership. RFAB made history as the first LEED Gold-certified semiconductor fab in the world, setting a new standard for sustainable, high-performance manufacturing—a legacy that RFAB2 carried forward.
With a 40+ year partnership, 120 projects, and over 10 million square feet of advanced facilities, Page’s expansion work exemplifies a shared dedication to driving semiconductor advancements and strengthening domestic manufacturing. This manufacturer bolstered supply chain resilience by expanding energy and water-efficient fabrication, fueled next-generation innovation, and helped shape a more sustainable, globally competitive technology landscape.
RFAB
This 1.2-million-square-foot, 300mm wafer fab complex was the world’s first to earn LEED Gold certification. Situated on a 92.4-acre campus, it features a 220,000-square-foot ISO Class 5 cleanroom, a 300,000-square-foot administration building, and essential support infrastructure.
In 2003, the client collaborated with environmental scientists and manufacturing experts to explore sustainable innovations. The project was designed by Page with Austin Commercial LP and Industrial Design Corporation and leveraged the LEED Green Building Rating System. The fab and administration buildings exceeded sustainability goals through smart engineering and research, earning LEEDv2 Gold certification.
The site incorporates rainwater retention for 100% landscape irrigation, a wind-powered aerator, alternative transit infrastructure, and heat island/light pollution reduction. The facility maximizes energy and water efficiency with a high-efficiency chiller plant, heat recovery systems, and energy recovery coils for free reheat. Water reuse strategies cut potable water demand by 35%. The administration building uses passive solar design, exterior shading, light shelves, and intelligent lighting controls to enhance daylighting. Solar water heating reduces energy use, while recycled and low-emission materials promote sustainable procurement. This project demonstrates a pioneering approach to environmentally responsible semiconductor manufacturing.
RFAB2
RFAB2 is 30% larger than RFAB, operating independently with dedicated utilities, energy-efficient systems, and advanced water recycling. Positioned in Tornado Alley, it features storm-resistant construction and optimized performance. Sustainability is key—over 95% of construction waste was recycled, reinforcing its commitment to efficiency and resilience.
Page, in partnership with Austin Commercial, brought the client’s vision to life through a leading-edge design-build approach. Work on RFAB2 began in 2018, expanding production capacity to 100 million analog chips daily across RFAB1 and RFAB2. When COVID-19 hit, our team of 50+ architects, engineers, and on-site workers quickly adapted, implementing strict safety protocols and strategically phasing cleanroom construction to meet surging chip demand.
Stepping into RFAB2 is like entering the future. Automated pods zip overhead, transporting 300mm wafers with precision. Robotics, flashing lights, and seamless automation minimize human touch, ensuring flawless microchip production.
Sustainability remained a key focus, meeting rigorous new standards. RFAB2 became the first U.S. Fab to earn LEED v4 Gold, saving 750 million gallons of water annually and 80,000 MWh of energy. The project is estimated to generate $58M in lifetime savings through energy efficiency, carbon reduction, and lower air pollution. Designed for Tornado Alley conditions, it’s built for resilience.
RFAB2 solidifies the manufacturer’s leadership in semiconductors, strengthens domestic production, and invests in North Texas’s future. Innovation, sustainability, and resilience—built into every chip.
“What makes this LEED Gold designation impressive is that [the client] achieved this high standard developed for office buildings in a semiconductor manufacturing plant. By prioritizing sustainability and transparency, [the client] is delivering real impact in water and energy savings, leading the way in their industry and helping USGBC continue toward its goal of green buildings for everyone within this generation.”Jill Kurtz, AIA, SEED, LEED AP BD+C, LEED AP ID+CPrincipal, Director of Building Sciences
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