Revolutionizing Film Industry Spaces: ICON Sunset Bronson Studios with Thinshell Precast Panels

The ICON Sunset Bronson Studios’ office tower, envisioned as a vertical campus, features a non-uniform exterior with offset rectangular masses that create outdoor terraces on several levels. This design approach breaks down the building’s overall scale, providing a distinct identity for groups of floors and enhancing the aesthetic appeal. Large expanses of floor-to-ceiling glass between Thinshell Precast panels not only allow for panoramic views but also maximize natural light throughout the building, contributing to a vibrant and productive work environment.

Meeting the stringent requirements of modern energy codes and LEED Gold certification goals, the building’s design incorporates sustainable elements that reduce its environmental footprint. The use of Thinshell Precast panels was integral to achieving these standards. These panels, with their strong waterproof surface and lightweight properties, reduce the structural load on the building, lower construction costs, and enable quick and efficient installation without extensive scaffolding.

Thinshell Precast panels offer exceptional versatility in design. For the ICON Sunset Bronson Studios project, two contrasting concrete mix designs with integral color were used to complement the existing historic studio buildings while highlighting the unique stacked appearance of the new tower. The innovative offset facade panels design allows spans across multiple floors, eliminating continuous stack joints at each floor and reinforcing the interlocking facade concept and checkerboard fenestration pattern.

The unique facade geometry of the office tower required a cladding material that could meet multiple criteria: strength, durability, waterproofing, and lightweight. Thinshell Precast panels provided the perfect solution, ensuring the building’s structural integrity while maintaining a sleek, modern appearance. The panels’ lightweight nature reduced the load on the building, resulting in cost savings and enhanced performance. 

The ICON Sunset Bronson Studios project in Hollywood, CA, showcases the transformative potential of Thinshell Precast panels in high-rise commercial office building design. By combining innovative design, sustainability, and efficient construction practices, Willis Construction has delivered a landmark building that meets the dynamic needs of the film and production industry. For architects, builders, and city planners looking to achieve similar results, Willis Construction offers the expertise and innovative solutions necessary to bring visionary projects to life.