Category Archives: Projects

Bijan Men’s Fashion

Bijan Men’s Fashion

Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, CA

Client:

Bijan Men’s Clothing

Retail:

15,000 sf

Bijan was created by the adaptive re-use of an existing building shell on fashionable Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. The goal was to create an understated, elegant and timeless design to house this “by appointment only’ retail mecca of high-end clothing.

The design goals were achieved through the use of beveled glass in painted steel frames, single forms made out of metal studs and plaster, and the use of distinctive awnings with discreet signage. The result was an inviting and exciting environment for attracting exclusive shoppers.

Sky Lofts

Sky Lofts – 801 Grand

Los Angeles, CA

Client:

CIM Group/Lee Homes

Offices:

230,000 sf

Residential:

232,000 sf

Total:

462,000 sf

2007 PCBC Gold Nugget Award of Merit
Best Adaptive Reuse Project

The Sky Lofts Condominiums exemplify the adaptive re-use of a commercial office building into the mixed-use of residential condominiums and commercial space. The top eleven floors of the existing building have been redesigned for residential high-rise condominium-style living with expansive views of Downtown Los Angeles. New amenities include a motorcourt porte-cochere, common area, media room and health-club. New open-access windows were installed for residents comfort and elevator provision was modified to give residents a private and secure entrance. Construction took place while the lower floors were occupied.

Cobblestone

COBBLESTONE AT OAK CREEK

Irvine, CA

Client:

John Laing Homes

Gross Lot Area:

14.3 Acres

Net Lot Area:

10.4 Acres

Units:

167 Single-Family Homes

Gross Density:

11.7 du/ac

Net Density:

16 du/ac

This six-unit cluster blueprint is planned on a grassy area with each cluster designed within a compact footprint, precluding the need for fire department truck access and are accessed off a thirty-six foot wide loop street that provides parallel parking for guests on both sides.

There are 4 unit types ranging from a 1,600 sf 2-bedroom with loft design to a 2,000 sf 3-bedroom plan. All units have an attached two-car garage. Each home is also provided with a private yard/patio of 700 sf minimum, most being much larger.

The Architecture is inspired by cottages one might see in the French, Spanish and Italian countrysides. Gentle curves in roof shapes and facades, along with shutters, window planter boxes, and thoughtful detailing enhance the warmth of the elevations. Several color schemes are utilized to add variety and texture to the community.

Teramachi

Teramachi

Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Client:

Teramachi Senior Housing LLC

Lot Area:

1.6 Acres

Building Area:

181,000 sf

Commercial Space:

5,650 sf

Units:

127 Senior Apartments

Density:

2.6 FAR

Sited in an area of downtown Los Angeles abundant with shops, services and public transportation, Teramachi accommodates 127 condominiums for seniors drawn to their roots in an urban neighborhood rich in ethnic history.

The six-story contemporary project connects residents with a lively street scene via balconies and the floor-to-ceiling windows of units and community amenity spaces. The ground floor is activated by three retail spaces and a front yard garden. The street corner is marked by a drum form which expresses itself at the roof by a distinctive round parapet. A covered driveway provides off-the-street access to the building entry, and continues to ground level and underground parking. Common amenities are generous, with a stylish lobby, large two-story multi-purpose room and a gym. On each residential floor, a lounge with kitchen that residents can reserve is provided.

A break in the “street wall” at the south side of the courtyard opens the ‘zen’ garden to views and accommodates a partly-covered swimming pool, where careful screening provides tranquility enhanced by pools, fountains and lush landscaping.

Johannes Van Tilburg Building

Johannes Van Tilburg Building

225 Arizona Avenue
Santa Monica, CA

Client:

Johannes Van Tilburg

Site Area:

7,500 sf

Office:

20,800 sf

Restaurants & Retail:

5,800 sf

Total:

26,600 sf

Density:

3.5 FAR

The Johannes Van Tilburg Building is one of four buildings designed by VTBS Architects to contribute to the revitalization of the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, CA. Located on the prominent corner of Arizona Avenue and the Third Street Promenade, this structure houses ground-floor restaurants & retail with 3 floors, 2 mezzanines and a loft designated for commercial and/or office space. Structurally the building has a downtown warehouse ambiance with its large multi-paned windows, high ceilings and dome roof. Contemporary treatments, such as tiered terraces, colorful exterior and ground floor retail spaces complete the design.

Van Tilburg, a tenth generation builder/architect born and raised in Holland, believes the pedestrian quality of the District is the perfect setting for his urban renaissance design.

Stoneridge Creek

Stoneridge Creek

Pleasanton, CA

Client:

Continuing Life Communities

Site:

50 Acres

Total Project:
1.2 Million sf

Unit mix:

515 Independent Living Apartments
86 Independent Living Villas
34 Garden Terrace Apartments

Health Center:

110,00 sf
48 Assisted Living Units
73-Bed Skilled Nursing Facility
18-Bed Dementia Facility

Stoneridge Creek has been awarded certification from the Green Building Council for instituting sustainable practices into the 50-acre project. The site has been carefully planned as it is located directly adjacent to a freeway and an auto mall. Large landscape buffers, a twenty-foot high berm and sound walls are located to appropriately integrate into the site and protect the community from the adverse context.

The community offers its residents multiple choices in living arrangements and the comfort associated with Continuing Care and more than 70,000 sf of recreational and common space including multiple dining facilities, card rooms, activity areas, exercise rooms, and spaces for gathering and socializing.

Alexan City Place

Alexan City Place

Pasadena, CA

Client:

Trammell Crow Residential

Lot Area:

2.46 Acres

Community Area:

4,000 sf

Units:

214 rental apartments
1, 2 & 3-bedroom units

Density:

87 du/ac

Parking:

373 stalls

2002 Gold Nugget Award of Merit
Best Apartment Project

2003 Best in American Living Award
Best Rental Development

Craftsman-inspired lofts and flats with mountain views, clustered around urban courtyards and located blocks from retail, restaurants, office towers and a Pasadena Gold Line light rail station, Alexan CityPlace added the missing piece in a central district that city planners envisioned as a single environment for living, working, and playing. This project presented significant challenges given the urban context of a busy commercial street on one side transitioning to a quiet residential street in the back. VTBS designed the project to respond to this condition and incorporated many features which contribute to the existing surrounding neighborhood, including ‘stoop’ entries for private entrance and subterranean parking stalls allowing for several on-grade courtyards within the three-building project.

Longmont Affordable Housing

Longmont Affordable Housing

Longmont, CO

The Lodge at Hover Crossing

Client:

Longmont Housing Development Corporation

Lot Area:

91,000 sf

Total Area:

42,000 sf

Units:

50 Units – 547 sf

Density:

0.52 FAR

Funding:

Longmont Housing Development Corporation
U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development
Colorado Division of Housing
Guaranty Bank & Trust
City of Longmont – Community Development Block Grant & Affordable Housing Fund
Platte River Power

THE HEARTHSTONE AT HOVER CROSSING

Client:

Longmont Housing Development Corporation

Area:

27,270 sf

Units:

49 1-bdrm Tenant Units – 540sf
One 2-bdrm Manager’s Unit – 810sf

Funding:

Housing and Urban Development
City of Longmont
Colorado Division of Housing
Federal Home Loan Bank
Longmont Housing Development Corporation
Platte River Power

The Lodge at Hover Crossing and its sister project, the Hearthstone at Hover Crossing, are HUD 202-funded housing campuses serving seniors, meeting the increasing need for housing a services for low and moderate income families, the elderly and persons with disabilities in the community of Longmont, Colorado.

One-bedroom units offer resident comforts including large windows, radiant heating and full kitchens while the careful selection of exterior finishes and residential style help to complement its single-family neighbors. A generous lobby/common area is provided on each floor and lush landscaping and sidewalks surround the property fostering community and exercise.

Riverside Middle School

RIVERSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Newcastle, CO

Client:

Garfield School District Re-2

Project Type:

MIDDLE SCHOOL – Grades 5-8

Area:

76,924 sf

The new middle school is the prototype for the Garfield School District Re-2. The project is located on a sloped site adjacent to an existing elementary school. The school is a 76,924 square foot facility with a two-story academic wing designed with expansion capabilities. It was designed to accommodate additional classrooms, an auxiliary gym, and a second music room.

The building’s interior construction allows for the flexibility to change with the education programs. Some of the sustainable design aspects of the facility include daylighting, energy efficient mechanical systems, lighting controls, T5 lamping, upgraded insulation, infrared plumbing controls, low water plants and minimally irrigated fields.

Designed in association with Fanning/Howey Associates, Inc.

Enchanted Canyon

Enchanted Canyon

Sichuan Province, China

Enchanted Canyon is a masterplan comprised of seven districts in the foothills and leading into the Enchanted Canyon. Located to the west of Chengdu in the Sichuan Province of China, the main entrance to the project is from the major highway and high-speed rail line at the eastern edge of District 1.

Districts 1, 2 & 3 are in the foothills and are residential, destination resort, shopping, dining and arts-oriented Academies events, Arts & Crafts manufacturing. There are four rivers criss-crossing the community providing opportunities to create a sustainable water-oriented development. Districts 4 through 7 are located along the river within the Canyon itself, and provide a variety of residential options along with neighborhood-oriented shopping and dining, and recreational, sporting and hiking opportunities.

There is very limited vehicular access into the community. Primary modes of transportation include a trolly network in Districts 1, 2 & 3 and a Monorail accessing from District 1 and all the way up the Canyon to District 7, a distance of approximately 10km or 6 miles.

Janss Court

Janss Court

Santa Monica, CA

Client:

The Janss Corporation

Lot Size:

.68 Acres – 30,000 sf

Density:

4.3 FAR

Theaters:

20,000 sf

Restaurants:

11,000 sf

Retail:

6,000 sf

Offices:

56,000 sf

Residential:

37,000 sf – 32 Ocean View units

Total:

130,000 sf

This landmark mixed-use project became the blueprint for high-density solutions in Santa Monica. The Janss Court is a seven-story building located on a 30,000 square foot parcel. The ground floor houses a four-plex theatre and two restaurants within 33,798 square feet. Located above are three floors of office space within approximately 56,000 square feet. The building is topped with 32 upscale rental apartments located on three floors.

Located at the terminus of the Third Street Promenade, in the process of redevelopment after years of neglect and abandonment by the public, this project was regarded by the City of Santa Monica as the keystone building. With its movie theaters, restaurants, offices and apartments this complex would be instrumental in the revitalization of the mall and so the City did what it could to streamline the development process.

By creating a 20-foot passageway connecting the mall to the proposed City-owned parking structure to the east and by complying with all City Planning requirements, the developer was granted a FAR bonus enabling him to build 30,000 square feet of residential space above the four levels of commercial space.

Rifle Middle School

Rifle Middle School

Rifle, CO

Owner:

Garfield School District Re-2

Project Type:

Middle School, Grade 5-8

Area:

46,600 sf

This was a $10M (total project cost) consolidation project of the Esma Lewis Elementary School with the Rifle Middle School into a single 5-8 middle school complex. At project start, the site consisted of three buildings, with the two main buildings containing additions that were completed in a bond program five years earlier. The program called for main portions of the existing elementary school to be razed, and replaced with a new 46,600 sf core facility and classroom wing attached to the middle school. This allowed for centralization of administration, cafeteria, library/media and other core services. The design was unique in that there is an 8’-6” vertical difference between floors of the two existing buildings. There was also the challenge of creating a facility that will enhance the learning process by a marriage of eight different construction types that date from 1949 through 1996.

The existing buildings that were re-used required new mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems, as well as new roofs and various site improvements.

Columbia Pictures

COLUMBIA PLAZA

Burbank, CA

Client:

Peck/Chandler Investment Builders

Lot Area:

18,152 sf

Bldg. Area:

49,800 sf

Parking:

153 stalls
2 stalls / 1,000 sf required
3.07 stalls / 1,000 sf provided

Garage:

49,580 sf

Designed to accommodate the entertainment industry, one of the form-giving design considerations was the view of the mountains, and the requirement for executive corner offices and outdoor terraces.

This 50,000 square foot corporate office building has become one of the key structures in the revitalization of the Burbank Media District. Highly distinctive architecturally, the building is visible from the busy Ventura Freeway, providing a landmark in the area. The four floors of offices are constructed over three floors of parking, one on-grade and two subterranean at three stalls per 1,000 square feet.

Presidio Santa Clara

Presidio Santa Clara

Santa Clara, CA

Client:

CORE Affordable Housing

Lot Size:

.82 Acres – 35,683 sf

Total Building Area:

32,734 sf

Units:

40 Apartments

“I’d like to acknowledge how happy The Core Companies is about working with VTBS on the Presidio project. The architecture has been very well received by the community and I am very proud to have it represent The Core Companies. It has been a pleasure for me and our construction team to work with your office on this affordable housing project as part of the El Camino Grand Boulevard vision in Santa Clara.”
-Paul Ring, Director of Development
The CORE Companies

Following the directive of the City of Santa Clara by using California and Spanish Mission architectural styles, this infill project was constructed as a three-story, Type V-A building with an attached one-story Community Room for residents communal activities. The project achieved its goal of LEED Gold certification and opened for residency in the Fall of 2012.

Gemini I & II

Gemini I & II

Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Client:

Van Vlymen Vastgoed B.V.

Twin Towers:

18 Stories

Tower One:

12,000 M2 – (130,000 sf)

Tower Two:

12,000 M2 – (130,000 sf)

This 20-story tower, Gemini II, was designed by VTBS Architects to complement the existing Gemini I Tower designed by Van Tilburg en Partners in Rotterdam. Twin brothers Arie Van Tilburg and Johannes Van Tilburg, FAIA each own architectural firms respectively in The Netherlands and the United States.

The building is constructed with pre-fabricated concrete panels and installed with electrical and air conditioning systems in place. Exterior granite and window frames are an integral part of these pre-fabricated panels. After installation, the panels are connected with post-tension cables. Parking is housed in a 2-level pre-cast concrete parking structure at 2.5 stalls per 1,000 sf.

“It was great pleasure to invite my brother Johannes to design the second Gemini tower next to mine in Rotterdam. It had been thitty years since we last work together. The client, Van Vlymen Vastgoed B.V., was excited about our combined effort on their behalf.”
– Arie Van Tilburg, Architect, BNA
Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Classics @ Heritage Park

CLASSICS @ HERITAGE PARK

Culver City, CA

Client:

Braemar Urban Ventures,
The Lee Group &
ERAS – Educational Resource and Services of Culver City

Area:

9 Acres

Units:

57 Single-Family Homes

2000 Gold Nugget Award of Merit
Best Residential – Residence 2

2000 Gold Nugget Award of Merit
Best Residential – Residence 3

Formerly the site of the Studio Drive-In Theatre in Culver City, CA, this redevelopment project includes the masterplan for fifty-seven single-family homes, a community park and a school for children with learning disabilities, over 9 acres. VTBS designed 3-bedroom and 4-bedroom detached homes ranging from 1,880sf to 2,180sf in a variety of cottage, craftsman and Mediterranean styles. Additionally, VTBS designed the 45,000 sf ERAS Center (Educational Resource and Service) Headquarters, school facilities and a community park on the remaining site. ERAS provides education training and other services for developmentally disabled children and adults.

Sky Lofts

Sky Lofts – 801 Grand

Los Angeles, CA

Client:

CIM Group/Lee Homes

Lot Area:

1.35 Acres / 59,000 sf

Offices:

230,000 sf

Loft Condominiums:

232,000 sf

Total:

462,000 sf

Parking:

232 Stalls Required
599 Stalls Provided

2007 PCBC Gold Nugget Award of Merit
Best Adaptive Reuse Project

The top half of a 1980s Los Angeles office tower has been converted to Live/Work Condominium, Commercial, Recreation Room and Parking, creating the first hybrid high-rise in downtown Los Angeles. All the existing structures on site were demolished and removed except for the existing high-rise building and a portion of the subterranean parking garage. This renovation/adaptive reuse project consists of 12 units per floor at varying sizes to total 132 units. There was a modification to the low-rise elevator to accommodate the use of group separation. The rear/west side of the ground floor was separated for the lobby/entrance of the new residential use, along with a gym and lounge.

Latitude 33

Latitude 33

Marina Del Rey, CA

Lot Area:

3.5 Acres – 152,428 sf

Building Area:

254,000 sf

Density:

35 du/ac – 1.69 FAR

Parking:

302 Stalls

Sky: 45 Tower Condos

Client:

Sunbrook Partners / Lennar Homes

Status:

Completed 2009
*Winner of the 2012 Gold Nugget Award of Merit for Best Adaptive Re-Use Project

Boardwalk: 27 3-Story Lofts

Client:

Sunbrook Partners / Lennar Homes

Status:

Completed 2011

Beach: 50 Townhomes

Client:

Standard Pacific

Status:

Completed 2012
*Winner of the 2012 Gold Nugget Grand Award for Best Multi-Family Housing Project

This adaptive re-use project includes the demolition of all structures occupying the site, with the exception of the nine-story tower located at the northeast corner of the site. The existing office tower has been renovated for residential use with 45 new luxury condominiums, which include 12 affordable units, a new building lobby, and amenity and retail space on the ground floor. Work included structural upgrades as well as replacement of the exterior curtain wall and window system.

The project also includes the replacement of other structures on the property with the new construction of 27 3-story podium lofts and 50 townhouse-style residences.

Triangle Square

TRIANGLE SQUARE

Hollywood, CA

Client:

McCormack Baron & Salazar

Lot Size:

0.85 Acres

Offices/Community:

31,000 sf

REsidential:

80,000 sf

Units:

104 Apartments

Unit Size:

540 sf to 830 sf

Density:

123 du/ac

2008 Gold Nugget Award of Merit
Best Infill, Redevelopment or Rehab Site Plan

This Elderly Housing Development is a 100% affordable housing project catering to the Alternative Lifestyle community, situated in the heart of Hollywood’s redevelopment and entertainment district. Triangle Square is the nation’s first affordable, multi-cultural housing development supporting the needs of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) elders. Affordable monthly rentals ranging from $350-$1,000 are designed as compact one and two-bedroom units placed in two four-story buildings enclosing a central podium-level courtyard. The facility has 10 apartments over covered parking, with an outdoor courtyard, pool, and resident lounges on every floor. One-third of the units are designated for seniors with HIV/AIDS, homeless, or at risk homeless. The ground floor includes retail, GLEH offices and an Activity Center open to residents and non-residents. GLEH is a non-profit organization operating affordable, non-discriminatory residential communities and centers. The Activity Center includes social services, classes and cultural events.

Augustine Bowers

AUGUSTINE BOWERS

Santa Clara, CA

Four, High-Rise Office & Retail Buildings

Lot Area:

31 Acres

Office Space:

1,029,600 sf

Retail:

35,000 sf

Total Building Area:

2, 004,600 sf

Density:

1.5 FAR

Sited in the heart of the Silicon Valley of Northern California, Augustine Bowers is designed as an office campus comprised of 4 high-rise office and retail buildings amidst a network of open park and public gathering areas. Designed as the Gateway to Santa Clara, Augustine Bowers includes 35,000 square feet of retail servicing the surrounding neighborhood as well as the commercial occupants.

Bijan Men’s Fashion

Client:

Retail:

Sky Lofts – 801 Grand

Client:

Offices:

Residential:

Total:

COBBLESTONE AT OAK CREEK

Client:

Gross Lot Area:

Net Lot Area:

Units:

Gross Density:

Net Density:

Teramachi

Client:

Lot Area:

Building Area:

Commercial Space:

Units:

Density:

Johannes Van Tilburg Building

Client:

Site Area:

Office:

Restaurants & Retail:

Total:

Density:

Stoneridge Creek

Client:

Site:

Total Project: 1.2 Million sf

Unit mix:

Health Center:

Alexan City Place

Client:

Lot Area:

Community Area:

Units:

Density:

Parking:

Longmont Affordable Housing

The Lodge at Hover Crossing

Client:

Lot Area:

Total Area:

Units:

Density:

Funding:

THE HEARTHSTONE AT HOVER CROSSING

Client:

Area:

Units:

Funding:

RIVERSIDE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Client:

Project Type:

Area:

Enchanted Canyon

Janss Court

Client:

Lot Size:

Density:

Theaters:

Restaurants:

Retail:

Offices:

Residential:

Total:

Rifle Middle School

Owner:

Project Type:

Area:

COLUMBIA PLAZA

Client:

Lot Area:

Bldg. Area:

Parking:

Garage:

Total Project:
1.2 Million sf