1. Context:
This 43,00 square foot building is located in an industrial park complex in the city of Torrance. The interior was abandoned and stripped with sections of roof caved in by roof puddles. The site was also in major disrepair.
2. Program:
Leased by Epson for 20 years, the goal was to create a research and development offices division for client and technology research & sales. Epson wanted a state of the art design statement at this site.
3. Budget:
The project cost was $12.4 million and was completed in 19 months.
4. Challenges:
The site was in shambles requiring completely new everything except for the existing building foundation and great hammer-ribbed poured in place concrete walls. The only actual restraint was the existing building size and shape which was completely retained with no additional footings allowed.
5. Design Solution:
We developed a contemporary American image with a slight Asian touch to almost all aspects of the building shell and interiors.
Exterior:
The concept of the exterior design was to extend the exterior façade finishes onto new concrete and steel entry canopies and onto perimeter fencing, thereby extending the aesthetic of the building out to diminish some of the big square box effect. It worked in our opinion. To get complexity to the very drab existing shell, we created a complex looking but simple extended fascia off the wall that creates shadows during the day and depth at night with back-lighting. The 16’-0” long truss sections were designed from 6” heavy gauge metal studs and ribbed metal siding.
Interior:
The space plan utilizes open office planning and circulation through high articulated ceilings with 24 skylights and interior landscaping for a unique day-lighted work space and passages. Natural finished wood grills & trims combined with Epson blue start to crate an Asian aesthetic that the client adores. It is a great space to work in.
