Providing Innovative Solutions to Creative Precast Designs

Architectural Precast Concrete, Thinshell, and GFRC - Willis Construction Co, Inc.

Latter Day Saints Tijuana Temple

Location:
Tijuana, Mexico

Owner:
Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints

Architect:
CRSA

Engineer:
ARW Engineers

General Contractor:
Haskell

Project Highlights:
Project Size: 285 precast concrete panels and 80 GFRC panels.
44,000 total square ft. of Precast, 12,000 total square ft. of GFRC


Innovative precast concrete panel design eliminated the need for interior wall mounts. Casting panels featured two-sided exposure, with strategic joint placement for minimal visibility.

2015 PCI National Award Winner
2017 PCI National Sid Freedman Craftsmanship Award Winner for Panel Design

The Temple for the Latter Day Saints built in Tijuana, Mexico was intended to express a white stucco facade that mimics the traditional plaster finish common in Mexico's architecture. Both Architectural Precast and GFRC can look very similar to plaster, but also provides the durability and the longevity that a project like this will need. There will be thousands of people over many years who will enter this sanctuary and experience its beauty, strength and enduring design. The entrance features three ornate arches reaching two stories high. The first 3 floors and lower roof are made of Precast. The entire tower above the lower roof was made of light-weight GFRC. The spire is flanked by GFRC scrolls at each corner. CNC (Computer Numeric Control) technology was used to produce precise forms necessary to cast each of the "scrolled panels". Translating an electronic 3D image for a CNC robotic cutting machine ensures precision accuracy for the negative form to create the finished panel. This project showcases the ability to create ornate shapes in both Precast and GFRC.



Willis Construction has been providing Architectural Precast Concrete building panels and products for the construction industry since 1979. Willis Construction is dedicated to providing Owners, Architects, and General Contractors with the design and engineering expertise necessary to meet the building challenges of today and the future. The quality, durability, and long life of Architectural Precast Concrete, Thinshell, and GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) systems provide a wide range of design options for virtually every type of building. Contact us to decide which system would be best suited for your next project.

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* PCI Certification confirms that a manufacturing plant has an ongoing quality assurance system in place. PCI Certification requires that the plant must consistently demonstrate their commitment to quality principles and procedures. A 120 point audit examines all aspects of plant operation including engineering practices and management commitment.

PCI Certified