633 Folsom

633 Folsom was the 2023 winner of The American Institute of Architects’ National Architecture Award.

Located in the lively South of Market neighbourhood of San Francisco, the building has undergone a complete redevelopment to create a modern workplace. Upgrading the existing concrete structure, rather than demolishing and rebuilding, resulted in 28.8% carbon reduction. The building was designed for shading and structural integrity, balancing views, daylight and environmental performance.

Brand: Permasteelisa North America

Architect: Gensler

Contractor: Plant Construction

Owner and developer: The Swig Company

The project

The concept

The redevelopment involved retrofitting and recladding the existing reinforced concrete structure, as well as creating five additional steel-framed storeys. The high-performance façade incorporates three-dimensional composite sunshades that vary in depth along the building’s height to maximise natural light.

What did we do?

Our team designed, engineered, manufactured and installed approximately 10,950 sqm of curtain wall with sculpted Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) sun shading elements. A total of 1,095 glazed units ranged in height from 3.5m to 5.5m to control solar gain and glare.