TCA Architects

Wallace on Sunset

tcaeditor - Sep 30, 2024

Wallace on Sunset is a 7-story, 200 unit mixed-use project containing 4,700 SF of ground floor retail in Los Angeles, CA. In response to its context, which dramatically varies on all four sides of the site, the project uses simple rectangular masses. These masses are broken up with undulations and pops of color on the facade. Balcony railings consist of aluminum and glass on the outward facing facades to preserve views and minimal metal rails at the courtyards. The sweeping frame around the fitness center’s glass volume along with the solid canopies above the balconies is sheathed with pre-finished metal panels. Wallace on Sunset achieved LEED Gold certification.

Original design and Entitlement by HED Architects, with design modifications and Architect of Record services by TCA.

AMPLIFI

tcaeditor - Sep 29, 2024

AmpliFi is designed to address three distinct edge conditions surrounding the property; while grounding the aesthetic in Fullerton’s history. With close proximity of the Fullerton Station rail line, AmpliFi emphasizes transit-oriented, urban, walkable edges. To reflect the city’s namesake (the city is named after the man that brought the train to the City) the project draws inspiration of locomotion into the design narrative by incorporating a box car theme that moves along Commonwealth Avenue. The moving box car pattern transitions around the corner and becomes more residential as it moves onto Chestnut Place and Williamson Avenue. Architecture is minimized on these streets, while courtyards and open space are maximized to create a more residential scaled edge. The rail line edge highlights the ramp of our parking garage in two large angled frames that displays the movement of the automobile alongside the movement of the train.

Memorial Care San Clemente

tcaeditor - Sep 27, 2024

HANOVER DIRIDON

tcaeditor - Sep 25, 2024

Hanover Diridon at 717 West Julian sits on the edge of two worlds in San Jose- a lower density largely residential neighborhood of bungalows and apartment buildings, and the planned “Innovation District” as envisioned as part of the Diridon Station Plan in San Jose. The Innovation District includes planned housing as well as a large office presence from some of Silicon Valley’s largest employers. The building design expresses this nexus in three parts- a larger scaled gesture to the future district, a reduced scale rhythm to the residential district, and a dramatic corner gesture and plaza where the two meet.

LA PLACITA CINCO

tcaeditor - Sep 20, 2024

La Placita Cinco transforms a typical auto-oriented strip mall into a community-centered space with affordable housing and amenities. Located in Santa Ana’s Artesia Pilar neighborhood, the development reclaims underutilized land from a large surface parking lot and a former gas station. It creates 50 affordable apartment homes surrounding a common courtyard with community services on the ground floor. The development integrates with the existing commercial buildings, which have been revamped with new architecture, signage, and improved pedestrian access.

Original design by Urban Architecture Lab, with Architect of Record services by TCA.

High-MASS

tcaeditor - Sep 15, 2024

Advancements in engineering and changes to building codes are creating new opportunities and applications for Mass Timber buildings. High-MASS (Materiality, Applicability, Sustainability, Scalability) is a Mass Timber building that was originally envisioned as a high-rise multifamily project using traditional concrete slab construction. The re-envisioned design will utilize the heavy timber option in Type IV-B, allowing up to 12 stories of Mass Timber over 1 level of Type I-A concrete at the ground level. The design accentuates the beauty of wood by allowing it to be exposed. Heavy Timber columns, beams and a portion of the ceilings are exposed, giving us a rich, warm aesthetic finish. The exterior expresses the aesthetic through transparent window wall in front of a grid of wood columns, with wood composite veneer panels over the remainder of the facade. The most efficient means to provide lateral resistance for the project is with concrete shear walls located in the vertical core. The lighter Mass Timber building in the Bay Area has many benefits including, but not limited to, quicker erection time with less labor, materials which sequester carbon, health and biophilic benefits for the residents and a nearly Net Zero building. High-MASS is the perfect blend of nature and science.

THE GARRISON

tcaeditor - Sep 10, 2024

The Garrison is a 5-story, 94 unit multi-family residential project on West Katella Avenue in Orange, California. The 1.1 acre site is located directly east of the 57 freeway and the Santa Ana river, and is proximate to the Angel Stadium, the Honda Center, and ARTIC. The site sits within the Stadium Promenade center and is walking distance to entertainment, dining, and bike trails. The design concept is all about capturing and framing “long” views – looking out and over the immediate industrial and commercial context toward the exciting activity of the surrounding area. Amenities like the 7,500 SF courtyard and the intimate rooftop deck are placed strategically to take advantage of these views, so that residents can enjoy spectacles such as the Disneyland fireworks from the comfort of their own home. The project’s architectural expression is inspired by boutique hotels, which celebrate individuality and contrast the old with the new and the gritty with the glamorous. The design sets itself apart from existing developments in the area by focusing on material choice, combining sophisticated boutique-inspired gestures with a rustic industrial palette. This creates an eclectic and unique juxtaposition within the promenade that will draw vibrancy and activity.

Bella Terra Mixed Use

tcaeditor - Sep 05, 2024

Bella Terra Mixed Use is a 7-story mixed-use infill project of 300 apartment units with 25,000 SF of retail and restaurant spaces located at the ground floor. It will replace the existing 149,000 SF retail building and 33,331 SF in-line retail. The new residential parking garage will have a direct ground floor connection to the existing retail parking structure, via an internal 3-lane street, for shared retail/restaurant and residential guest parking use. The ground floor incorporates a porte-cochere passenger pick-up and drop-off within the new residential parking garage footprint. Enhanced materials are used throughout the ground floor to highlight the key pedestrian pathways to activate the edges. The new community social space will become the extension of the mall’s renovated amphitheater and existing plaza at the mall.

CSUMB Master Plan Concept

tcaeditor - Sep 01, 2024

The CSUMB 2nd Avenue master plan achieves the Client’s and University’s design goals for a socially vibrant, wellness-focused community that is integrated with nature. The 72-acre development opportunity is located a half mile from the ocean and just adjacent to the CSU Monterey Bay campus. The largely undeveloped site with existing sporadic development presents an opportunity for a mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented development, ranging in market rate residential, to senior and family affordable housing. The Client and CSUMB envisioned a supportive community to the university and surrounding area. The concept starts with restorative design by transforming the asphalt parking lot into an active, pedestrian friendly community with housing for all ages. The existing Cypress Grove is preserved for its natural beauty and contribution to identity of place. To complement the natural beauty of the site, the architectural and landscape design will create beautiful spaces that the community will cherish. The grading of the property influenced vehicular/pedestrian circulation, along with the preservation of cypress groves.

ONE PASEO

tcaeditor - Aug 30, 2024

Located in the Del Mar Heights community of San Diego, One Paseo is a mixed-use project incorporating residential, retail and office space. The residential component (designed by TCA) provides the critical mass needed to sustain 24/7 activity by locating housing in direct proximity to shopping and working environments. Horizontal proximity integrates these essential uses supporting a sustainable, pedestrian friendly and livable environment. Ultimately, the intent is to energize the community with a variety of demographics by providing a choice in housing types that in turn creates a vibrant social fabric. The housing type is 4 and 5 stories of housing above ground-floor amenities.

The retail component (designed by Ware Malcomb) consists of 12 single-story restaurant and high-end retail buildings totaling approximately 96,000 square feet. The craftsman-style buildings feature primarily wood frame construction, intricate details and various finish materials to create a community-oriented environment. The neutral color palette for the buildings allows the merchandise and tenants to be the focal point. Two office buildings (designed by Gensler) totaling over 280,000 SF round out the site and create the perfect Live, Work, Play environment.