A proposed design by HMC Architects for a new San Clemente Marine Safety Headquarters makes creative use of the seaside topography of the Pacific Coast. The design, which recently won an AIA San Diego 2022 Design Award, would place the structure within a bluff, cradled in the thermal mass of the earth. The subterranean space would enjoy plentiful natural light, passive ventilation, and extreme energy efficiency, with the building anticipated to use 87% less energy than average.
Removing the old building would give the beach back to the public, providing 20,000 sf of new public space along the shore. The new public safety facility, the administrative headquarters of the lifeguard corps, would be situated underneath a new public plaza. Many of the facility’s functions, such as loading, maintenance, and storage, are unsightly and occupy valuable public space.
The new design hides these functions below grade while still giving staff uninterrupted views of the beach. On the bluff, extending the terrace outward increases the plaza area 12-fold and the linear footage of seating 25-fold, while maintaining the same amount of planted area.
Built in 1968, the existing structure is a familiar landmark on the Southern California coast. It has fallen into disrepair, due to coastal erosion and harsh salt winds. Renovating the existing structure in its current location would be expensive and would not provide compliance with modern standards. Furthermore, rising sea levels and storm surges will increasingly threaten the property. To avoid this, the architects proposed using the equivalent renovation budget to create a modern facility while expanding space for public enjoyment.
“The transformation of an underutilized hillside into a strong, terraced public plaza, while creatively incorporating existing elements, is commendable,” according to a comment from the AIA San Diego Award Jury.
Building Team:
Owner and/or developer: City of San Clemente
Design architect: HMC Architects
MEP engineer: P2S
Structural engineer: KPFF
Related Stories
Libraries | Jan 23, 2020
Information or community center: The next generation of libraries must be both
Are libraries still relevant in a digital world?
Building Team | Dec 9, 2019
The right funding mechanism can help move your project forward
The following case studies illustrate some of the ways we’ve helped our clients navigate different tax credits.
Building Team | Nov 12, 2019
Autodesk and AGC to provide construction industry with custom-fitting safety harnesses for women
Construction technology provider and national trade organization launch grant program to help address industry need for better-fitting personal protective equipment (PPE) for women working at heights.
Building Team | Oct 7, 2019
Contractor Giants are all in on offsite construction
Speed, quality, advanced coordination, and schedule gains are commonly cited as benefits of offsite construction.
Building Team | Jul 17, 2019
12 key features your AEC website could be lacking
Today’s A/E/C firms can no longer rely on the brochure-style websites of the past.
Building Team | May 21, 2019
Real estate learns to share
The sharing economy puts a different spin on new construction and building operations.
Building Team | Mar 22, 2019
AEC firms go outside the box
A look at six products and companies incubated by AEC firms for commercial sale.
Building Team | Feb 19, 2019
Strategies and tools to help navigate a successful M&A
Based on Hinge’s industry research, smaller firms typically spend a higher percentage of revenue on marketing and business development efforts for the same return.
Building Team | Feb 13, 2019
3 exciting tech developments that show promise for AEC adoption
The BD+C editorial team is on a mission to track and evaluate the latest tech tools and trends that show promise for widespread AEC adoption.
Building Team | Jan 10, 2019
Skilled labor shortages continue to make off-site fabrication and construction attractive
But the AEC industry’s “culture” impedes greater acceptance, according to a recent National Institute of Building Sciences survey.
