WE3 at Water’s Edge, a six-story, 160,000-sf creative workspace has completed construction in an area of Playa Vista colloquially referred to as “Silicon Beach.”
WE3 is the third and final building in a pre-existing commercial campus. SPF:architects’ main challenge with the project was to create a plan fully integrated with the existing conditions that would maximize the lot’s buildable area and maintain a compelling architectural standard. The project evolved over time to create a longer, more flexible office space that allowed more light and views on each elevation. A new public courtyard was created and an existing on grade sports field was relocated over the parking substructure.
The 400-foot-long building includes four levels of parking (two subterranean, one at grade, and one above grade) and four floors of open workspace. Each of the four levels is approximately 40,000-sf and fifteen feet floor to floor.
WE3 at Water's Edge - SPF:architects from SPF:architects on Vimeo.
Due to zoning restrictions, the building’s top floor could not be contiguous and exceed 20,000 sf. In order to maintain the desired area requirements, a gap was introduced mid-floor and a sky garden was created. The sky garden is located approximately 70 feet above natural grade and provides views toward Baldwin Hills and the Pacific Ocean. It also provides tenants with a wind-shielded terrace that can be used for impromptu meetings or casual workspaces. Additionally, all circulation and exiting is designed to be exterior.
WE3’s exterior includes a “floating,” perforated skin that shrouds the building and dematerializes it, visually lengthening the structure’s significant mass while providing the glass facade cover from the full brunt of the sun. Natural light filters through the skin in all directions and is proportionally spread across the entirety of the interior surface area.
Related Stories
Office Buildings | Apr 7, 2021
Thyssenkrupp’s new HQ will include the tallest elevator test tower in the Western Hemisphere
The facility began construction in August of 2019.
Office Buildings | Apr 5, 2021
FXCollaborative selected to create new lobby, amenity space for 3 Times Square
FXCollaborative designed the original building in 2001.
Office Buildings | Apr 5, 2021
Innovation One completes at University Research Park in Madison, Wis.
Valerio Dewalt Train designed the project.
Office Buildings | Mar 30, 2021
WELL Institute certifies a gigantic office complex with its highest health and safety rating
Poland’s Olivia Business Center one of the first to install ion air purification devices.
Office Buildings | Mar 26, 2021
Finding success for downtown office space after COVID-19
Using the right planning tools can spur new uses for Class B and C commercial real estate.
Office Buildings | Mar 24, 2021
JEA Headquarters tops out in Jacksonville
The building has recently topped out.
Energy Efficiency | Mar 23, 2021
ASHRAE’s new headquarters walks the talk about net-zero energy
The conversion of a 1970s’-era building demonstrates how older structures can be made more efficient and sustainable.
Office Buildings | Mar 22, 2021
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida unveils design for new chapter HQ
Arquitectonica is designing the project.
Office Buildings | Mar 16, 2021
Perkins&Will unveils design of its New York Studio
The studio supports hybrid work models with agile layouts and integrated broadcast technologies.
Laboratories | Mar 10, 2021
8 tips for converting office space to life sciences labs
Creating a successful life sciences facility within the shell of a former office building can be much like that old “square peg round hole” paradigm. Two experts offer important advice.