Designed as a new civic hub for the community, the South San Francisco Community Civic Campus Phase II brings together a modern library, parks and recreation center, community theater, and public gathering spaces into a single destination focused on connection, learning, and public engagement. Located along El Camino Real (CA-82) and Centennial Way Trail, the 83,000-square-foot facility was envisioned by SmithGroup as a “reimagined town square” supporting residents of all ages through flexible public spaces, technology-driven learning environments, recreation amenities, and community programming.
To help reinforce the project’s warm and inviting atmosphere, Rulon International supplied nearly 750 custom curved wood baffles throughout the expansive interior spaces. Fabricated from Maple veneer applied to 3/4Z” thick MDF, machined to custom profiles, and contour-edgebanded, the baffles create a flowing overhead feature that introduces rhythm, movement, and natural materiality into the library and recreation environments. The sculpture-like ceiling elements complement the building’s civic-focused design intent, helping transform functional public areas into spaces that feel exciting, warm, and comfortable all at once.
CHALLENGE & ACTION
While the finished installation appears effortless, the ceiling system required significant coordination between Rulon, SmithGroup, general contractor Swinerton, and installer T3 Incorporated. Nearly every baffle was unique, with subtle variations in length, curvature, and profile. To simplify installation, Rulon developed detailed models and layout packages that translated the complex geometry into a field-friendly system.
Each baffle was assigned a unique identifier and shown on coordinated shop drawings with dimensions referenced from building centerlines and columns, allowing installers to quickly locate and position individual components. Per-row layouts identified every baffle location, significantly reducing field interpretation and minimizing installation risk. Rulon also worked closely with T3 Incorporated to optimize hanger wire locations according to each baffle configuration. By strategically positioning these supports, the team minimized the number of required hangers while maintaining alignment. This level of coordination helped dramatically streamline installation across the large-scale ceiling clouds.
The success of the approach is reflected in the installation itself. Despite the presence of hundreds of unique baffles, only two components required remanufacturing during the course of the project. Additional edgebanding was also provided to the install team to adjust panels in-field. The combination of detailed modeling, coordinated layouts, and proactive collaboration allowed the field team to execute the design with remarkable efficiency and accuracy.
Opened to the public in 2023, the South San Francisco Community Civic Campus now serves as a centerpiece for the community, combining library resources, recreation programs, event spaces, and public amenities within a single cohesive campus. The custom wood ceiling system helps define the interior experience, bringing warmth, scale, and visual continuity to a civic environment designed to foster creativity, education, and community interaction for decades to come.
