When shoe giant Skechers decided to build a new 1.82 million square foot distribution facility in Rancho Belago, CA, they opted for a no-nonsense design that delivered optimum space and services in an understated yet elegant structure built on a high-profile site in harmony with their community. While building economics and city planning restrictions dictated the form, the architects’ attention to detail and the contractors’ dedication to quality elevated the composition to a manifest expression of rational design.

HPA architects, based in Irvine, CA, incorporated a number of cladding products in the building's exterior design, including 86,000 square feet of Bright Silver Omega-Lite aluminum composite panels, manufactured by Laminators Incorporated. To save on time and additional labor costs, 60% of the panels were pre-routed by Laminators for ease of installation. Laminators panels can be readied for installation in the field but the company is equipped to assist installers in the fabrication and routing of panels when timelines are tight.

According to Skechers, the new distribution facility will ultimately be the largest LEED-certified building in the United States. The Omega-Lite panels contribute to the projects sustainable requirements, featuring 70% total recycled content.

Individuals and companies involved on this project included Ray Gage with Blue Diamond Marketing; Highland Fairview Properties as the general contractor and Action Sheet Metal as the installer.