Pacific Life Headquarters

Aliso Viejo, CA

SERVICE LINE: Optym

The nine-story office building, completed in 13 months for Pacific Life Insurance Company’s Whole Life Division, is a steel-frame and pre-cast concrete paneled structure, clad in two distinct colors. The building architecture uses four difference glazing systems highlighting an exterior canopy, manufactured of sheet metal panels, which provides relief from the weather.

The 1,500 s.f. kitchen is a warming and preparation area. It includes two walk-in refrigerators and warming ovens. The sinks and stainless steel counter tops surround the walls. The 4,000 s.f. dining area has three permanent dining tables and numerous loose dining tables and chairs. There are also two ice machines, microwaves, as well as vending machines. Another benefit is the wide screen television with dedicated headphone jacks on the surrounding walls.

Also included as part of the 5.5-acre project is a six-level, 1,200-stall parking garage. To overcome the challenge of a terraced site, two differing retaining wall methods were used. We incorporated the use of a geo-grid MSE wall using concrete block and fabric to retain an earthen slope. The second method was the use of steel columns “tie-backed” with concrete gunite to ensure a vertical wall condition.

The Headquarters also includes a helistop comprised of steel deck that can hold up to 15,000 pounds. A fuel/water separator was installed so that drainage to the sewer lines is not contaminated. The helistop is used for emergency situations only and complies with the Orange County Fire Authority’s requirements for fire safety.