Celebrating a Prestigious Industry Honor for GFRC Manufacturing and Installation
Willis Construction is proud to announce that our work on the 1700 Pavilion Building in Las Vegas has been recognized with an Honorable Mention in the 2025 PCI Design Awards. This recognition highlights our team’s commitment to quality, innovation, and precision in architectural precast and GFRC manufacturing and installation.
A Landmark Office Building in the Heart of Summerlin
1700 Pavilion is a 10-story, 267,000-square-foot Class A office building located in the vibrant, master-planned Summerlin community of western Las Vegas. Designed by renowned architecture firm Hart Howerton and developed by Howard Hughes, this commercial project offers sweeping views of Red Rock Canyon and the Las Vegas Strip while serving as a gateway to Summerlin’s live/work/play urban vision.
GFRC Panels Designed for Performance and Aesthetics
As the GFRC manufacturer and installation partner, Willis Construction fabricated over 400 unitized glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) panels for the building’s façade. These white, medium sandblasted panels—most measuring 26 feet long by 13.5 feet high—were engineered for durability, solar performance, and speed of installation.
What makes GFRC particularly effective for this project is its ability to combine light weight with strength, allowing for deep design features without adding significant load to the structure. The unitized panels were glazed and insulated offsite, creating a complete enclosure system that accelerated the installation process and improved overall construction efficiency.
Precision Engineering for Passive Solar Control
One of the most compelling aspects of the 1700 Pavilion façade is its strategic use of depth for passive solar protection. On the building’s sun-exposed south and west sides, panels were engineered up to 18 inches deep to minimize heat gain. Meanwhile, the north and east sides featured 4-inch deep panels, allowing for more daylight penetration. This contrast not only improves building performance but creates a striking light-and-shadow play across the exterior throughout the day.
The Willis Construction Advantage
As a certified PCI producer with decades of experience in GFRC manufacturing and installation, Willis Construction continues to lead the industry in delivering custom precast solutions for complex projects. From early preconstruction collaboration through to final installation, our integrated team ensures that every project we touch reflects the highest standards in design, fabrication, and quality control.
Our award-winning projects span across sectors—from public buildings and parking structures, stadiums, and healthcare facilities. This recognition from PCI underscores our role as a trusted partner for developers, architects, and contractors across the Western U.S. seeking durable, high-performance architectural precast and GFRC solutions.
Explore More Award-Winning Precast Projects
The 1700 Pavilion Building now joins a growing list of standout precast projects completed by Willis Construction, including:
Explore our full portfolio of award-winning projects to see how we bring architectural visions to life with precision and care.
Learn More About Our GFRC Capabilities
GFRC is a preferred material for contemporary architecture due to its flexibility, strength-to-weight ratio, and ability to achieve a wide range of finishes. Learn more about our Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete services or contact us to discuss how Willis Construction can support your next project.
Read the Full PCI Profile
To view the complete project details and official award write-up, visit the PCI 1700 Pavilion Project Profile.
