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

Architectural Precast Concrete Thinshell panels

Thinshell

Thinshell is made of a 2¼" thick concrete skin attached to a metal stud frame system that achieves the beauty of precast mixes and can do so at a lower cost and lighter weight than traditional precast.

Panel Description

Architectural Precast Concrete Thinshell panels consist of a 2 1/4" thick solid concrete skin attached to a steel stud frame system. The frame is typically made from 4" deep tube steel members. The overall thickness of this system is typically 7 1/2". Studs are typically placed at 2'-0" on center and typically have 3/8" diameter galvanized steel pins welded to the steel frame. These pins are embedded in the 2 1/4 inch concrete skin which is reinforced with steel mesh. The entire concrete skin and frame system weighs approximately 32 pounds per square foot. The maximum size of a Thinshell panel is determined by material properties, project requirements and shipping limits.


Architectural Design Capabilities

Architectural Precast Concrete Thinshell Panels are limited to flat wall type surfaces. In some cases small bullnose projections can be used, but add more weight and cost to this system. Thinshell is cast with a conventional precast mix (White cement; 1/2" to 3/4" aggregate; sand; and a color additive to achieve the Designers desired look). There are few limits to the colors that the designer can choose from and all of our designs are custom made for each individual project. Thinshell gives the designer the option to choose between a light or heavy sandblasted finish. A heavier blast will expose the aggregate in the mix and can produce a different color/texture affect. Multiple colors in the same panel is an option.

Typical Thinshell Precast Panel Section

Typical Thinshell Precast Panel Section



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
10th & O Street Office

County Office Building 3

Redwood City, CA
  • Architectural Precast
USGS NASA Ames

USGS NASA Ames

Mountain View, CA
  • Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla - Tower II

Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla - Tower II

La Jolla, CA
  • 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