SKIMS LA Flagship
los angeles
BEST PROJECT
Presented by Schimenti Construction Co.
owner Square Promotion
Leading design company Rafael Cardenas
General Contractor Schimenti Construction Co.
Structural Engineer Gilsanz Murray Stepicek
MEP engineer Henderson Engineers
As the first brick-and-mortar store in California and the second overall for this digital brand, this flagship store builds on the success of the company’s first store in New York.
Glass Fiber Reinforced Gypsum (GFRG) was used extensively in the walls, ceilings, corridors and testing to emphasize the continuous curvature throughout the space. The flexibility of the material allowed for exact curves everywhere, making 90 degree angles almost non-existent.
The existing structure required extensive reconstruction before interior construction could begin. Crews removed nearly the entire structural core and raised the interior roof height, then expanded the building’s footprint to align with the northeast corner, requiring new foundations and structural placement.
Photo courtesy SKIMS
To stabilize the existing north wall and support the expanded layout, the contractor installed 27 backbacks (vertical supports used for structural reinforcement) and placed almost 40 m3 of concrete. In addition, the sidewalk from the storefront to the street was completely removed and replaced.
Concrete work, particularly along the poured pavement and building extensions, was sequenced to avoid surface defects and meet grade transitions with minimal disruption to adjacent areas.
To meet the 30-week schedule, the team accelerated procurement of long-term materials and coordinated closely with specialty retailers. The installation of GFRG was one of the most complex components. Its exacting curvature and fragility required extensive pre-planning, including mock-ups and daily checking of the design to avoid damage or misalignment. The installation of GFRG also presented unique risks associated with handling large and fragile components with tight tolerances. To mitigate these risks, the contractor coordinated mock-up, sequencing and review sessions with subcontractors to ensure alignment between design requirements and field safety.
Inside, lighting was recessed, embedded or indirect throughout, requiring precise framing and electrical installation to maintain clean sight lines and adequate lighting.
