Inspired by the eucalyptus trees and layered textures of the nearby Pepper Canyon, the Pepper Canyon West Living and Learning neighborhood at University of California San Diego stands as a striking example of how high-performance glass and architectural metal can work together to deliver both visual identity and environmental performance.

Designed by Perkins&Will, the project comprises two asymmetrical residential towers rising 22 and 23 storeys, framing a canyon-like central courtyard with walking paths, cycling routes, and outdoor spaces for study and relaxation. The development provides approximately 1,300 below-market-rate housing units for transfer and upper-division students, alongside shared terraces and wood-lined lounges that encourage indoor-outdoor living.

Glass as a Design and Performance Driver

A defining feature of the façades is the rhythmic alternation of metal panels with strips of Solarban® 72 Acuity® and Solarban® 90 glass from Vitro Architectural Glass. This composition echoes the vertical striations and peeling bark of eucalyptus trees, allowing the buildings to visually connect with their natural surroundings while maintaining a contemporary, urban expression.

At podium level, where transparency and openness were priorities, Solarban® 72 Acuity® glass was specified. With a visible light transmittance (VLT) of 67% and a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of 0.28, it supports bright, welcoming public spaces and clear visual connections to the courtyard.

For the residential towers, Solarban® 90 glass delivers enhanced thermal performance, combining a VLT of 51% with a lower SHGC of 0.23. This balance helps control solar heat gain while preserving daylight and maintaining a neutral, unified façade appearance.

Optimised Façade Through Computational Design

To further refine performance, the design team used computational scripting to adjust the ratio of vision glass across different building orientations. Façades exposed to higher solar loads were designed with less vision glass, while cooler elevations incorporated more. These subtle shifts, ranging between 37% and 43% vision glass, improved energy performance without disrupting the overall architectural rhythm.

Large 13-foot by 5-foot glass lites at podium level reinforce transparency, while apartment units integrate operable awning windows and fixed lites in modular sizes. This strategy introduced façade variation while maintaining economies of scale and cost efficiency.

Metal Fins, Shading and Colour

Complementing the glazing, perforated metal fins extend from each metal panel, providing shading and glare control. Fabricated at a uniform 1-foot depth and angled at an optimised 60 degrees, the fins balance performance with fabrication efficiency.

Selective coloured fins introduce a subtle gradient across the façades. The north tower adopts an urban palette shifting from purple to orange near the light rail station, while the south tower transitions through yellow to green tones inspired by the canyon landscape.

A Cohesive, Contextual Result

By combining high-performance glass, carefully engineered metal shading, and a nature-inspired design concept, Pepper Canyon West achieves a façade that is both expressive and efficient. The project demonstrates how thoughtful material integration can support sustainability goals, enhance student experience, and create a strong architectural identity rooted in its local context.

Project Credits
Architect: Perkins&Will
Glass Fabricator: Millet Glass Industry
Glazing Contractor: Benson Industries