Dating back to 1874, the Engineering News-Record (ENR) provides critical “engineering and construction news, analysis, commentary and data” for professionals in the construction industry, covering the latest in construction methods, technology, safety, business management, law, the environment and labor. Avid readership draws from top design firms, engineers and contractors. The annual ENR Regional Best Projects 2018 Awards honor the nation’s best projects as determined by three panels of judges, all industry leaders in design and construction. Weeks of scoring and discussion involve detailed analysis of the candidates on their contributions to industry and community, innovation in design, safety and construction quality and the strength of their teamwork and leadership in overcoming challenges.

In 2018, MATT received four Southern California regional awards honoring four very different projects.

Caltech CAST Lab: Cutting-Edge Design and Cutting-Edge Research

Caltech’s Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies Laboratory won the prize for Best Project under $10 million dollars. Used to test the technology behind commercial- and consumer-based drone applications, construction of the CAST lab required a collaborative show space, a drone and robotics assembly lab, an enclosed aerodrome and an outdoor custom fan wall. The one of a kind 10’ x 10’ fan simulates rain, hail, sandstorms and other turbulent weather to test drones for course adjustment in different atmospheric conditions. The fan wall posed interesting challenges, including how to circulate air in a partially enclosed space, where to source the air supply and how to mitigate any noise generated so as not to disturb other lab spaces. CO architects and MATT Construction worked closely with the end users to create a space that would not only push the edge of current research but also accommodate research innovations in years to come.

Hotel Californian: Restoring a Landmark

The iconic Hotel Californian, an early example of the Spanish Colonial Revival style that has become so synonymous with Santa Barbara, underwent a comprehensive renovation courtesy of DesignARC and MATT Construction. Their work garnered the ENR Award for Best Project in the Renovation/Restoration category. The team took great care to preserve as many historic elements as possible. In one particularly critical phase of construction, the crew held the original façade in place while the rest of the building was being demolished, then re-engineered it, reinforced it with carbon wrappings and reconnected it to the new structure. With 114 rooms and open plazas, paseos, gardens, a gallery, a gym, a sumptuous spa and a roof deck boasting 360-degree views of the surrounding ocean and hills, the new Entrada de Santa Barbara section of the complex epitomizes 4-star luxury. Another area on the site holds 58 more guest rooms, a restaurant, conference rooms, offices and a library. A third wood and metal-framed structure holds parking, a hospitality suite, a ballroom, a rooftop event deck, a kitchen serving the entire property, a visitor center and a café.

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills: Luxury Accommodation for Hollywood’s Elite

MATT Construction’s carefully orchestrated work on the Waldorf Astoria earned it an Award of Merit in the Residential/Hospitality category. Situated at the intersection of Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards, the hotel shares property with the famed Beverly Hilton Hotel. MATT collaborated with Gensler, Pierre-Yves Rochon and Perkins + Will to bring to life interior and exterior designs that would exemplify the sumptuous style and elegance that befits the Waldorf name. The jobsite team took special care to conduct the ambitious construction process with minimal interference to the Hilton and its ongoing events, such as the Golden Globe Awards. The new 394,000 sf hotel is a study in luxury and classic Hollywood glamour designed in the California Streamline Moderne style. With a LEED Gold rating, the structure exhibits some of the highest standards in sustainability, including responsibly sourced materials and energy efficient design, making the Waldorf Astoria Hotel a leader in 21st century hospitality.

Wallis Annenberg PetSpace

The innovative, community-centered design for this nonprofit space received an Award of Merit for the Office/Retail/Mixed-Use category. The Wallis Annenberg PetSpace offers animals and animal lovers the chance to bond and care for one another in a dynamic environment. With a LEED Platinum rating, the environment is part animal hospital and part adoption center where rescued dogs, cats and other creatures can find a better life. Public areas include a vaulted lobby, a giant animatronic dog and an interactive touch screen wall featuring profiles of all the animal guests. Indoor and outdoor play areas, adoption rooms, surgery rooms, an x-ray room, grooming rooms, a hydrotherapy treadmill and food preparation areas help to make PetSpace a standout facility unlike any other. Healthy building components include low VOC paint, sealers and adhesives and reclaimed Indonesian teak wood. The entire building is smart, with electrified viewing windows into surgery and grooming that frost over to provide privacy when needed.