The West Hills Medical Office Building was built in 1964. For the past 25 years, the building’s exterior plaster and steel sunscreen awning system have suffered from water infiltration. The water damaged the structural integrity of the sunscreens, which became unstable and dangerous. The architectural and structural engineer determined that the awnings needed to be immediately removed, requiring a new solution. 

After losing tenants due to the building’s deteriorating appearance, the owner decided that an upgrade to the exterior was imperative. A large portion of the construction budget was dedicated to the removal of the existing horizontal plaster awnings, leaving a limited budget for the façade renovation.  This diminished budget demanded a strategic and calculated design approach.

Design Considerations:

• Façade upgrade to a 1960’s medical office building

• Limited construction budget requiring an innovative design

• Sustainable design approach

The limited budget meant the architects needed to be resourceful, inventive, practical and on budget in creating a design that could meet the client's expectations. During the concept design and research phase, the architects recognized the solution needed to respond to the building’s solar orientation as well as the need for interior office and exam room privacy. 

After extensive research, the architects discovered Structurflex, which manufactured a lightweight aluminum structure frame covered with a tensile mesh. The resulting design is a dramatic floating skin that serves as a privacy and sun screen for the building's existing windows. Bold strokes of paint reinforce and enhance the design concept, completing the vibrant transformation of the façade  while meeting the client’s construction budget.