• Architect – Bruce Bolander Architect Design
• Architect – Bruce Bolander Architect Completion

Capri House is a contemporary residence defined by an extensively expressed structural steel framework where structure serves as architecture. Throughout the project, exposed steel remains visible as a primary architectural element, requiring an exceptional level of precision, craftsmanship, and technical execution.

T.R. Wurster Construction performed the framing and structural steel scope, executing a highly expressed structural system where every visible connection, embed, alignment, and finish condition became part of the completed architectural experience.

A Build Defined by Precision

Expressing structure as architecture demands far more than exposing steel within a building. It requires meticulous attention to detail throughout layout, fabrication, and installation.

Structural steel offers no opportunities for misses. Every connection, embed, weld, and alignment must coordinate precisely with surrounding finishes and glazing systems. Unlike conventional construction, there are no finish materials available to conceal inconsistencies once the work is complete.

The challenge was elevated further by the use of an oil finish rather than paint or powder coating. The exposed steel remained completely honest, requiring temporary erection markings, grinding patterns, and fabrication evidence to disappear into the finished work. Achieving this level of refinement required exceptional discipline throughout fabrication and installation.

Key Construction Highlights

Self-Performed Structural Steel & Framing

T.R. Wurster Construction self-performed the structural steel and framing scope, coordinating complex structural elements that remain fully visible throughout the completed residence.

Structure as Architectural Finish

Every visible steel component was treated as a finished architectural surface. Connections, welds, transitions, and alignments were executed to finish-quality standards, allowing the structure itself to become part of the architectural expression.

Custom Fabricated Fenestration

The residence incorporates field-fabricated fenestration systems constructed from structural steel sections and plate components. These custom assemblies transformed raw structural materials into refined architectural features, requiring a deep understanding of fabrication techniques, material behavior, and finish tolerances.

Precision Fabrication

Taking rough structural components and presenting them as finished architectural elements requires mastery over the medium. Achieving architectural-level appearance expectations from industrial steel demanded careful craftsmanship, exact tolerances, and a thorough understanding of how materials behave throughout fabrication and installation.

The TRW Standard

Capri House demonstrates T.R. Wurster Construction's ability to execute highly technical structural work where precision and craftsmanship are inseparable. The project required the successful integration of framing, structural steel, fabrication, and architectural detailing at a level where every visible element contributes to the final design.

The completed project stands as an example of expressed structure at its highest level, where raw materials are transformed into refined architectural finishes through careful planning, disciplined execution, and exceptional craftsmanship.

Location: Pacific Palisades, California
Architect: Bruce Bolander
BIM Development & Construction Consulting: Archetype Design Collective
Structural Steel & Framing: T.R. Wurster Construction