Orange County Health Care Agency Marine Way | 8300 Marine Way, Irvine, CA 92618
Architect: Gensler
General Contractor: PCL Construction
Installer: Weiss Sheet Metal
Polycarbonate Wall System Manufacturer: EXTECH/Exterior Technologies Inc.
Photography: Mike Kelley
As part of the adaptive reuse of a former Marine Air Corps Station, the project team sought to transform an existing structure into a contemporary health care agency that balanced performance, privacy, and architectural identity. A key component of this transformation was the integration of a specialized translucent screen wall system that could provide visual screening and security while contributing to the building’s modern aesthetic.
To meet these goals, EXTECH designed and manufactured a custom polycarbonate wall system that wraps portions of the laboratory exterior, creating a luminous façade element that performs both functionally and visually.
The design team required an exterior screen solution capable of providing privacy and screening for mechanical and service areas, while contributing to the project’s contemporary architectural expression and supporting integrated signage and nighttime illumination.
Because the facility was being developed within a former military aviation structure, the façade system also needed to complement the industrial character of the original building while introducing a forward-looking identity appropriate for a modern health institution.
EXTECH supplied approximately 2,945 square feet of LIGHTWALL 3440 translucent polycarbonate wall system utilizing 40mm tongue-and-groove polycarbonate panels in an opal finish for balanced light diffusion and privacy. Integrated framing and attachment systems were engineered for durability and clean visual lines.
The translucent screen wall creates a soft, evenly illuminated appearance during daylight hours while concealing mechanical infrastructure behind the façade. At night, integrated LED lighting and film signage supplied by others activate the surface, transforming the wall into an architectural feature visible across the campus.
The tongue-and-groove polycarbonate system provided a streamlined installation approach while delivering the thermal and impact performance necessary for the project environment.
The completed façade element serves multiple architectural and functional purposes including:
Privacy Without Isolation
The opal polycarbonate panels obscure direct views into screened areas while still allowing natural light transmission, reducing the visual heaviness often associated with traditional screening systems.
Day-to-Night Identity
During the day, the wall presents a refined translucent surface with subtle depth and texture. At night, the integrated lighting transforms the façade into a glowing visual landmark that reinforces the building’s civic presence.
Adaptive Reuse Integration
The system helped bridge the gap between the site’s industrial military history and the project’s contemporary mission, supporting the broader adaptive-reuse strategy.
EXTECH’s polycarbonate screen wall system delivered a high-performance architectural enclosure that enhances security and privacy while elevating the visual character of the healthcare agency. The project demonstrates how translucent façade systems can support adaptive reuse initiatives by combining durability, daylighting, and modern architectural expression within a single integrated solution.
