Transforming Commercial Office Spaces in Southern California – Arktura Case Study

In the heart of La Jolla, California, Arktura’s Solutions Studio® undertook a project that cemented a distinct focal point into the new commercial development of the La Jolla Commons corporate campus.

This project involved designing and implementing a custom exterior for the ground-floor expansion of Tower III of the La Jolla Commons. The goal was to create a distinct yet cohesive space separate from the central office tower for two of the complex’s buildings, the dining and fitness facilities. 

Taking about two years from the start date to project completion, our team created a series of perforated exterior panels with a custom powder-coat finish to match the Core Ten Steel used. The fluted panels feature a distinct oval perforation throughout. The team then rolled these panels to give them a distinguishable curved aesthetic. EHMCKE Sheet Metal then installed these concave panels along the exterior facade of the ground floor of Tower III. 

Our team set out to achieve a unique identity for the new facility while maintaining a clear connection to the existing Tower III. The fitness center features over 200 panels, and the restaurant space touts 250+ rolled panels.  

The custom facade successfully transformed the ground floor of Tower III into a vibrant and distinct space for dining and fitness. It gracefully extends outward from the tower’s base, creating a visually striking offshoot. Cladding wraps around the entire structure, slanting dramatically upwards before revealing a crown of floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the interior in natural light. 

However, this project wasn’t without its hurdles in designing and developing this complex arrangement. To successfully wrap all four sides, the team needed extremely precise measurements of the building. Tight corners on the facade demanded innovative tooling and the development of entirely new processes. Additionally, the irregular building shape and the extreme angles of the panel profile presented a unique installation challenge. Precise measurements were paramount; once the custom powder coat was selected, the installers could no longer rely on trimming in the field because that would void the warranty. 

Arktura Project Manager Holden Whitmarsh states, “The architects, SOM, really propelled the project forward, determined to see every detail perfected. They pushed the envelope as much as possible.” He adds:

“The panels look great from both the front and back of the restaurant building, which has a huge presence on the campus. The facade has a striking profile with fluted panels and perforations that immediately draw your attention from afar. The multitone Core Ten powder coat gives the facade depth and texture, even at a close scale. The way the light filters through the perforations creates an unexpectedly intimate area that can normally only be found in nature, transforming the space behind the panels.”

La Jolla Commons Tower 3 features an 11-story office tower – totaling 212,851 RSF. The project has been LEED Gold Certified and has received a Fitwel v2.1 Building Certification. The campus’s Fitness Center and Restaurant can be seen from street level.  

Arktura’s innovative approach not only delivered a functional space but also imbued it with a captivating aesthetic. La Jolla Commons Tower 3 demonstrates the power of custom facade solutions in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing commercial spaces. 

Project Specs

Location: La Jolla, CA
Systems Used: Solutions Studio – Custom Exterior
Architect: SOM
Rep: Architype
Installer: EHMCKE Sheet Metal

To learn more about bringing these dynamic architectural solutions to your next project, contact your local rep today!