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The Grand LA: $1 Billion Architectural Marvel in Downtown Los Angeles with State-of-the-Art Cladding

The Grand LA is a stunning new development in Downtown Los Angeles that has caught the attention of architectural enthusiasts worldwide. Designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry, this $1 billion mixed-use complex features a 24-story hotel tower and a 45-story residential tower that are all connected by a beautiful podium.

Not only did Frank Gehry want The Grand LA to be a hub for luxury living and entertainment, he wanted the complex to contribute to the city's cultural landscape.


With its location in downtown LA, The Grand will connect with nearby arts and cultural institutions, such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall, to foster a sense of community and encourage cultural exploration.

Gehry's design for The Grand also includes plenty of green space, such as a public plaza and landscaped terraces, providing a respite from the bustling cityscape.


The integration of art, culture, and natural elements in his vision for The Grand LA truly reflects Gehry's commitment to creating structures that not only impress visually but contribute to the well-being of the surrounding community.


The Impressive Exterior Guardrail Cladding System: A Design by California Sheet Metal Works Inc.

One of the most impressive features of The Grand LA is its exterior guardrail cladding system, which was designed and installed by California Sheet Metal Works Inc. This Impressive Exterior Guardrail Cladding System by California Sheet Metal Works Inc. showcases their expertise in architectural metal fabrication and installation.

To achieve this, our team of experts at ScanTek 3D provided onsite surveying, laser scanning, and reverse engineering/programming to generate the layout and custom panel programming necessary for the manufacture and installation of the custom metal panel guardrail system.


The design not only enhances the aesthetics of a building but also provides a secure barrier against accidents.


Utilizing high-quality metals and modern manufacturing techniques, California Sheet Metal Works Inc. delivers unmatched strength, durability, and resilience.

The installation of exterior metal railings can also improve the overall value of a property, making it an excellent investment for both residential and commercial settings.


With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and attention to detail, California Sheet Metal Works Inc. has established itself as a trusted specialty contractor for metal wall cladding, building facades, and decorative exteriors.


Onsite Surveying, Laser Scanning, & Reverse Engineering by ScanTek 3D: The Key to Success

The task at hand was not a straightforward one, as the grand staircase was curved and comprised of many components that were not plumb.

Design development required multiple mock-ups, 3D scanning and modeling to create the 127 different panel profiles made of 1/8” aluminum (tab & slot panels) that were then installed all around the slab level of the podium.


The entire architectural metal fabrication process took a total of 22,597 hours, followed by a field installation process that took 46,246 hours to ensure a flawless finish.


Challenges Faced During the Design and Execution of The Grand LA's Guardrail Cladding System

The Grand LA's Guardrail Cladding System faced several challenges during its design and execution. One of the primary challenges was to create a cladding system that not only provided safety and security but also added to the aesthetics of the building.


The designers had to strike a balance between the visual appeal and functionality of the guardrail cladding system.

On top of that, the cladding system had to be installed on a building with a very complex design and scale. Consequently, meticulous planning was needed to ensure the accuracy of the field measurements and the also alignment of the cladding matched the building's architecture.


The panels alone were not the only challenge presented by The Grand LA's guardrail cladding system. The staircase consisted of 59 different flat plate custom coping profiles at the top of the staircase, which added an extra layer of complexity to the project.

And also, a handrail running down the panels that had to be laid out, along with the backing for the attachment brackets, needed to be accurately placed to ensure the correct alignment between systems.


California Sheet Metal Works Inc.: Award-Winning Craftsmanship for The Grand LA Project

The result of the hard work put in by California Sheet Metal’s team, had a striking impact on The Grand LA's exterior, creating a beautiful, safe guardrail cladding system that reflects the excellence of Frank Gehry's architecture.

The project's success was highlighted by the 2023 Tom Guilfoy Craftsmanship Award, which was awarded to California Sheet Metal Works Inc. in the Architectural category for The Grand LA project.


ScanTek 3D is proud to have partnered with California Sheet Metal Works Inc. on The Grand LA project. Our advanced onsite 3D scanning and modeling technology enabled their team to install and fabricate the custom-building components precisely. By digitizing each component and ensuring accurate measurements, we were able to produce the highest quality results in a timely manner.


We are honored that our collaboration and efforts has been recognized by the 2023 Tom Guilfoy Craftsmanship Award, and we look forward to working with California Sheet Metal Works Inc. on future projects.


Conclusion: The Significance of ScanTek 3D's Involvement in The Grand LA Project

In conclusion, ScanTek 3D is proud to have been a part of a project as architecturally significant as The Grand LA.


Our team's onsite surveying and laser scanning were instrumental in achieving the project's custom metal panel programming, which made California Sheet Metal Works Inc. certified sheet metal workers' job much more manageable.


The final result was a seamless, beautiful guardrail cladding system that added an extra layer of aesthetic appeal to the project.



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