Integrating nature and technology

As a life science real estate investment firm focused on the research and development sector, Breakthrough Properties specializes in delivering facilities that foster innovation and scientific breakthroughs. The firm's new Torrey View development features three scientific workplace facilities and an amenity building, providing approximately 500,000 square feet of state-of-the-art leasable space for biotechnology firms in the San Diego area.

Careful placement and massing of the individual buildings on the 10-acre site preserves and enhances the existing views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding hills and canyon, both from within the buildings and when viewed from the outdoor terraces and the landscaped plaza.

The exterior design reflects Torey Pines' local geologic formations through steeply graded coffering on the façade. Based upon natural tessellation patterns, varied and intermixed window forms create a dynamic, signature envelope.

Also offering exceptional amenities, the campus includes a 400-seat conference center, a restaurant, bar, cafe, library, and lounge. Other on-site amenities include a fitness center, yoga studio, spa, juice bar, pickleball court, and gardens, as well as casual work, bike, and surfboard lockers; showers; and media and conference rooms.

Providing convenient site access, a 1400-stall parking structure lies partially below grade under the amenities building, blending in with the surrounding natural environment. To maximize energy efficiency while also optimizing views throughout the campus, Flad's integrated design team used sophisticated computational design tools to assist in massing, placement, and façade development. The software analyzed thousands of variations involving placement, orientation, and connectivity to determine the optimal scenarios for the design team to further develop the massing, aesthetics, and architectural design.

The resulting design integrates nature and technology to create an appealing workplace that helps meet the region's demand for life science spaces.