At the end of 2023, DBC designed, modeled, fabricated, and installed 156 X-Series sheathed panels for two exterior stair tower cores at the UCSD Hillcrest - Medical Campus Redevelopment.
The team initially decided on prefabrication because the walls were relatively large (25,000 square feet), required tight tolerances for the finish porcelain tiles, and the project’s location in a high seismic zone. DBC designed the panels using 6.5-inch drift joints to allow the building to shift while maintaining structural integrity. Designing the drift joints and establishing their location on the panels required detailed design collaboration with DPR SPW to preserve the architect’s intended aesthetic for the porcelain tiles and ensure proper installation. DBC’s approach allowed for wall framing and sheathing to be completed within three weeks, benefiting building dry-in and allowing the delicate tile rain screen installation to start sooner than a conventional stick-framing approach.
The UCSD Hillcrest project also presented a unique challenge due to its urban location. There was limited crane access due to its proximity to a campus road on one side and a multi-story, below-grade parking garage on the other. Anticipating the constraints surrounding the stair tower cores, DBC took a proactive approach to planning and installation. This involved working closely with DPR’s SPW team and other partners to deploy a large crane capable of reaching all necessary areas despite the constraints.
The DBC team also custom-built three panels to fit around existing steel beams for the Level 1 entrance canopy, ensuring integration with the overall structure.
