Elevating Urban Architecture: Esquire Plaza with Architectural Precast and GFRC Panels

Within the monolithic envelope, modular 13-ft by 6 in. panels span from floor to floor and column to column, maximizing surface area based on truck delivery dimensions. Where adjoined at the floor lines, the depth of the panels create a horizontal projection that mitigates higher sun angles, while the vertical solar-screening fins provide shade from the lower sun angles, reducing solar gains for enhanced building performance and better user comfort.

The 50% cumulative window-to-wall ratio of the GFRC allows the building performance to exceed California’s stringent Title 24 energy requirements by a margin of 3.4%. “The facade not only meets the client’s aspirational goals for sustainability but also outperformed the demanding jurisdictional energy requirements.”

The designers collaborated with the precaster on refining the panel shape and design to maximize aesthetic options and eliminate rework throughout the project. For example, during the design phase, the architects decided they didn’t want panel joints at the corners of the building. Therefore, Willis Construction designed the corners to be separate V-shaped pieces attached to the main wall panel in the plant. They were delivered and erected as a single piece.

Employing the highly efficient GFRC design allowed the general contractor to greatly accelerate on-site construction, and the result was a beautiful, durable facade design that could be delivered on time. “Through economy of scale and repetition, the GFRC system resulted in a unique design while optimizing fabrication efficiency,” Frantom says.