Providing Innovative Solutions to Creative Precast Designs

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

ICON Sunset Bronson Studios

Location:
Hollywood, CA

Owner:
Hudson Pacific Properties

Architect:
Gensler

Structural Engineer:
Englekirk

General Contractor:
McCarthy

Project Highlights:
Panel System: Thinshell Precast
Two different color mix designs in separate panels
Project Size: 61,400 total sq. ft. consisting of 698 Panels

The ICON Sunset Bronson project is a new state of the art 14 story office tower building to support ongoing studio operations and the changing demands of the film and production industry.

The office tower, conceived as a vertical campus, is characterized by a non-uniform exterior. The 200 foot tall structure consists of offset rectangular masses. The tiered, stacked volumes of the building will generate a series of outdoor terraces on several levels of building. Large expanses of floor to ceiling glass between Thinshell Precast panels allow for panoramic views and create an abundance of natural light throughout the building. The non-uniform facade imparts an identity between groups of floors, breaks down the overall scale of the building, and will help the building meet the stringent requirements of the energy codes and LEED Gold certification goals. The offset massing creates large flat cantilevered soffits, some of which are at very high elevations. The unique facade geometry necessitated selection of a strong and durable exterior cladding material with a strong waterproofed surface, a material that was at the same time light weight to reduce load on the building and to lower structural course, and one that could be efficiently and quickly installed without extensive time consuming exterior scaffolding. Thinshell precast panels addressed all of these requirements. Additionally, with selection of the two contrasting concrete mix designs with integral color, building finishes were achieved to complement the existing historic studio buildings while expressing the unique stacked appearance of the building. The innovated offset facade panels design allowed for spans across multiple floors eliminating the continuous stack joint at each floor reinforcing the interlocking facade concept and checkerboard fenestration pattern.

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