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

Architectural Precast Concrete Thinshell panels

Typical Thinshell Precast Panel Section

Typical Thinshell Precast Panel Section

Thinshell

Thinshell Precast is made of a 2¼" thick concrete skin attached to a metal stud frame system that achieves the beauty of precast mixes and weighs approximately 35 lbs./ sq.ft.

Panel Description

Thinshell Precast is a durable, watertight panel system that has been used for all types of construction projects. Thinshell Precast is a composite panel system that is typically designed with a 2¼" thick concrete skin that is attached to a structural frame. The overall thickness is a minimum of 7½". This light-weight panel system that averages 35 pounds per square foot can be cast with a wide range of colors and textures. Panels are normally given a light, medium, or heavy sandblasted finish. Utilizing both light and heavy sandblasted finishes in the same project is a commonly used design option to achieve two colors. Custom form liners can also be made to simulate other building materials such as wood, stone, or brick. After the first pour of concrete is placed and consolidated, the structural frame is then placed into the form. The frame is typically made from 4" deep tube steel. Galvanized L or T-shaped pins are welded to the structural frame and a welded wire fabric is attached to the end of the pins. Once the frame is secured in place the back pour is then placed and troweled to ensure complete coverage of the embedded wire fabric. The following morning each panel is stripped from its form and receives its approved sandblasted finish.

Architectural Design Options

Thinshell Precast Panels are limited to flat wall type surfaces. In some cases small bullnose projections and minimal panel returns can be used but add more weight and cost to this system. Reveals are limited to ½" deep maximum. Thinshell Precast mix designs come in a wide range of colors and textures. There are no standard colors. All of our mix designs are custom made to the designer's choice of color and sandblasted finish. Light sandblast finishes leave the matrix color in place and the surface fairly smooth. A heavy sandblast finish will expose the aggregate in the mix to create a completely different look. Utilizing Light and Heavy sandblasted finishes in the same panel, or project, is a common design option. Custom Form liners can also make the surface of Thinshell simulate other natural materials such as Brick, Wood, or Stone. Thinshell Precast provides all of the aesthetic design options of Architectural Precast at almost half the weight.

Contact Willis Construction to discuss your project's specific design.



Thinshell Projects

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County Administration North - Building 14

Santa Ana, CA

Thinshell and Architectural Precast

Full Project Description

Architect:
LPA Design Studios

General Contractor:
Swinerton Builders

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County Administration South - Building 16

Santa Ana, CA

Thinshell Precast and Architectural Precast with form liner

Full Project Description

Architect:
LPA Design Studios

General Contractor:
Swinerton Builders

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Cal Poly Pomona Library

Pomona, CA

Thinshell Precast with light and heavy sandblast

Architect:
Carrier Johnson

General Contractor:
Rudolph & Sletton

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CSU San Marcos Business Administration

San Marcos, CA

Thinshell Precast using two colors and light and heavy sandblast

Architect:
AC Martin Partners, Inc

General Contractor:
C E Wiley Construction

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Mission College

Santa Clara, CA

Thinshell Precast with custom form liner and Architectural Precast

Architect:
Lionakis Beaumont Design Group

General Contractor:
Roebbelen

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The Campus at 3333

Santa Clara, CA

Thinshell Precast
Full Project Description

Architect:
RMW Architects

General Contractor:
Devcon Construction

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ICON Sunset Bronson Studios

Hollywood, CA

Thinshell Precast
Full Project Description

Architect:
Gensler

General Contractor:
McCarthy

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.

Noteworthy Precast Projects

Broad Museum

Broad Museum

Los Angeles, CA
  • GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete)
  • 2015 PCI National Award Winner
Hollywood Park Office

Hollywood Park Office

Inglewood, CA
  • Pre-Glazed GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete)
  • 2022 PCI National Award Winner
1550 Mission Street Housing

1550 Mission Street Housing

San Francisco, CA
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Los Angeles, CA

Projects in Progress

921 Howard Street

921 Howard Street

San Francisco, CA
  • Thinshell Precast
IQHQ Building 48

IQHQ Building 48

San Diego, CA
  • Architectural Precast and Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Tasman Coterie

Tasman Coterie

Santa Clara, CA
  • Pre Glazed Architectural Precast
USGS NASA Ames

USGS NASA Ames

Mountain View, CA
  • GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) and Architectural Precast

* 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