Rooftop equipment screening is often treated as a necessary building component for code compliance, but for this new Starbucks location in Monterey Park, CA the design team saw an opportunity to make it part of the architecture.
Rather than relying on a standard screen wall enclosure, the goal was to create a rooftop screen that contributed to the building’s identity while still meeting the practical requirements of roof top equipment concealment.
The result was a custom equipment screen featuring GeoMetal® panels with a coffee bean-inspired pattern developed specifically for the project.
Balancing Screening and Design Intent
This project required balancing several objectives at once.
The equipment screen needed to effectively conceal rooftop mechanical equipment while aligning with the clean architectural language established for the building. At the same time, the design team wanted the roofline to feel intentional rather than an afterthought.
Finding that balance required moving beyond a standard screen solution and exploring how pattern, scale and openness could influence the final appearance.
Design Development Through Collaboration
From the beginning, the project evolved through close collaboration with the Starbucks design team.
Multiple versions of the coffee bean-inspired pattern were developed and reviewed at different scales to understand how the design would read from various distances and viewpoints. Open-area percentages were also evaluated throughout the process to find the right balance between equipment screening and visual expression.
During planning, the original concept called for a more open pattern. Through mockups and design studies, the team ultimately selected a revised open-area configuration that created a stronger visual effect while improving the overall level of equipment concealment.
Because we engineer and fabricate our products in-house, revisions could be implemented quickly without lengthy handoffs between separate vendors or outside fabricators allowing the team to move efficiently from concept through production.
Creating Visual Interest Through Variation
To further support the architectural intent, the final design incorporated panels of varying heights across the rooftop screen.
Rather than creating a uniform field of repeating panels, the varied layout introduced another layer of interest to the rooftop. Combined with the custom pattern, the changing panel dimensions helped create a more dynamic appearance from multiple viewing angles.
Support with Integrated Framing
Behind the finished screen, the project utilized a combination of RoofScreen framing approaches to support the varying panel conditions across the installation.
Our Heavy-Duty HSS Framing provided structural support for larger, taller portions of the assembly, while RoofScreen LT Framing™ was incorporated where a lighter support solution was appropriate. Interior Wall Mount Framing was also utilized in select locations to integrate the screen system with adjacent building conditions.
Using multiple framing configurations allowed the design to remain consistent while adapting to the realities of construction and roof conditions.
Delivering on the Vision
The completed installation demonstrates how rooftop equipment screening can become part of a building’s architectural identity when considered early in the design process.
Through collaboration, iterative design development and thoughtful detailing, the project transformed a functional requirement into a finished element that supports both compliance and appearance.
