CSU San Bernardino College of Education

Los Angeles

Illustrating the flexibility and beauty of precast concrete

The College of Education, at California State University, San Bernardino, illustrates the flexibility and beauty of precast concrete. Located in the high desert at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains, this school building matches its environmental context.

The flexibility in the production process of glass-fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC) panels allowed for an expressive exterior, especially on the long, grandly curved entrance wall, which the smoothly textured, integrally colored GFRC panels give an elegant, high-quality finish. One of the finishes for the GFRC panels, primarily used on the classroom block, involved a vertical fluting pattern composed of one-half-inch-wide ribs. The different textures achieved with the GFRC help give scale to the project and reinforce the building’s narrative and function.

GFRC panels ensure low maintenance and provide several sustainable features.  The panels are lightweight, manufactured locally, and made predominately from local and recycled materials.  Solar strategies include fin-protected openings, fritted glass, overhangs, and use of day lighting.  Desert landscaping allows a natural site aquifer to cover all irrigation needs.

The building was honored as a winner in the University category of the 2010 Design Awards competition sponsored by the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute.

GALLERY

Facts and Figures

State: CA

City: San Bernardino

Building Type: Higher Education

Square Feet: 44,481

Year Completed: 2008

Job Number: 450

Team

Architect

LPA

General Contractor

Owner

Products

Facades

Through collaborative design, advanced manufacturing and efficient construction, we transform the way buildings are delivered. Our people are paving the way for prefabrication as a smarter, safer and more efficient way to bring great designs to life, while reducing risk and providing owners with cost, schedule and scope certainty.

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