San Francisco, CA
In South San Francisco’s thriving biotech corridor, the Gateway of Pacific campus is a masterclass in life science-driven urban design. Developed over multiple phases, the campus includes expansive mid-rise commercial, research, and technology buildings and multi-level parking structures that serve as the primary arrival point for visitors. Ensuring these utilitarian structures do not detract from the campus vision was a key design priority for Flad Architects—making the design-forward and meticulously-engineered Fabricoil® Coiled Wire Fabric Systems from Cascade Architectural uniquely qualified to serve as the exterior cladding solution.
At the multi-phase life science development, three parking decks anchor and elevate the first impression of the site. Rather than relying on traditional concrete alone or segmented metal panels, Flad Architects envisioned a fluid, open, and visually dynamic screening system that would unify the campus aesthetic, contribute to sustainability goals, and ensure long-term performance in the harsh coastal climate—specifying 33,000 sq ft of custom powder-coated 3/8" 14 ga T316 stainless steel Fabricoil® coiled wire fabric to clad two mirror-image structures and over 15,000 sq ft in Cascade's Champagne color for a third structure.
The result: Sweeping, shimmering, breathable façades that change with the light and appear nearly monolithic in scale while enhancing safety and security, and presenting an extremely low-maintenance, naturally-ventilated façade solution with well over 50% open area that greatly minimizes long-term mechanical HVAC requirements. With over 48,000 sq feet of powder-coated stainless steel wire mesh material manufactured just over 600 miles north of the development in Tualatin, OR, using no toxic chemicals in the process and meeting stringent Red List Free criteria, the multi-functional parking garage facade systems make a strong contribution to the LEED-Certified site's sustainability goals, as well.
The fabric-like coiled wire mesh material was chosen over perforated metal and other panelized systems for its unique combination of performance and design versatility:
The Gateway of Pacific parking structures are a model of early coordination and expert support – with Flad Architects leading the design vision and selecting Fabricoil for its distinctive, light-reflective qualities and functional benefits, and Cascade Architectural providing engineering support, system design assistance, unmatched weaving expertise, in-house powder-coating capabilities, and the exceptional quality control that is critical to beautifully cladding structures of this scale. Ultimately, contractors Hathaway Dinwiddle Construction and B.T. Mancini Co. put their deep experience in architectural mesh to work ensuring the fully-engineered solutions were installed correctly with rapid efficiency during this multi-year construction project.
As a gateway to a world-class life sciences campus, the parking structures at Gateway of Pacific now stand as design-forward architectural features, not afterthoughts. Their custom architectural metal mesh façades represent more than utilitarian cladding – they are examples of how form and function can converge through innovative material selection, American-made craftsmanship, and seamless project collaboration.
With nearly 40 years of experience designing, engineering, and manufacturing coiled wire fabric systems for use in architectural applications worldwide, Fabricoil® Coiled Wire Fabric Systems from Cascade Architectural continue to set a new standard for architectural metal mesh in exterior screening applications – delivering beauty, safety, and sustainability at scale.
© Photography by Brian Kitts
Attachment: CoastMaterial: 3/8" 14 ga Stainless SteelFinishes: Champagne & Custom Color
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Design details, material attributes, colors and finishes, attachment hardware, custom engineering, sustainability requirements and performance criteria, budget and lead times, shipping and installation considerations, and more... No matter what stage your project is in, we encourage you to take advantage of our near 40 years of experience developing innovative architectural mesh systems by leveraging our technical design and engineering expertise before specifying a Fabricoil® coiled wire fabric system. With near limitless coiled wire fabric material and attachment hardware options, our in-house experts can quickly guide you to an optimal system specification by narrowing the field to those best-suited for your unique application – and we'll continue that collaboration throughout the life of your project to help ensure proper lead times, lower costs, and reliable project delivery when it matters most, so start by sharing your project details and drawings with us today.
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Our coiled wire fabric systems are engineered and manufactured to specification with American-made craftsmanship quality supported by Cascade's experienced technical assistance and architectural mesh design experts from concept to completion ensuring successful project delivery every time.
We take pride in providing expert technical assistance to architects and designers like you to help ensure the success of your project at every stage, so whether you're researching design options, writing a specification, requesting samples, looking for budgetary pricing, or just looking for inspiration, our experienced staff can quickly assist you and your team in identifying the best weave size, material, gauge, finish, fullness, and pre-engineered or custom attachment system to meet your specific needs, and ultimately bring your vision to life. Get connected with one of technical product specialists today by calling 1-800-999-2645 or emailing inquires@cascade-architectural.com.
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