The 253,000-sq-ft modern apartment development, featuring a mixed-use layout and a yacht-like shape, sits on a hemmed-in, triangular infill site that serves as a gateway to Beverly Hills, Calif., at one of Los Angeles' busiest intersections. The 90-ft-tall tower gives commanding views of the Hollywood Hills, downtown Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean.
Building the post-tensioned concrete-and-glass structure that mimics the profile of an ocean liner was no breeze, but the contractor, San Fernando-based Bernards, accomplished the work in 18 months and 300,000 man-hours without a single accident—an achievement that impressed the judges.
The project team executed a tight safety program, which included daily observational briefings and weekly fall-protection training. Team members installed a 24-hour safety and security camera system on the site, allowing visual access to the project from any computer at any time of day. Additionally, safety and security personnel physically monitored the site around the clock.
Completed on time and within its $65-million budget, the project tested the mettle of the team, with many custom, high-end finishes installed within tight tolerances. Extensive design work for the 87-unit luxury apartment building included increasing the heights of the top two floors to accommodate a rooftop swimming pool; also, the plan wrapped the facades of the second and third floors with a Z-shaped metal screen, enclosing a parking garage but still allowing for natural ventilation. Finally, fiberglass elements meshed seamlessly with the roof and concrete balconies, while floor-to-ceiling windows required careful installation against the post-tensioned structure.
Project Team
Owner: Caruso Affiliated
Lead Design: MVE & Partners Inc., Irvine
Contractor: Bernards, San Fernando
Structural Engineer: Englekirk Structural Engineers
Civil Engineer: Penfield and Smith, Santa Barbara
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