Chicago-based Studio Gang has broken ground on a residential project in San Francisco that forms part of the Mission Rock development, which includes skyscrapers by MVRDV and Henning Larsen.

Called Parcel F, the 23-storey residential skyscraper will be the final building in the first phase of the 28-acre development along the waterfront in San Francisco.

Set back from the street, the Studio Gang-designed building will be clad in glazed ceramic tiles. It will be surrounded by paved public and community spaces leading up to a variety of storefronts at the base.

Public terraces on the base of the building will be stepped, beginning on the third storey with an outdoor area attached to an interior double-height volume.

Above this will be another terrace with steps up to the primary outdoor area. This larger terrace will wrap around the base of the skyscraper aspect of the structure.

"We've also carved into the base to create an inviting outdoor space with sunny planted terraces and raked seating, like a mesa, where residents can socialize and relax, taking in views of the activity in the main public square below," said Studio Gang founder Jeanne Gang.

The residential tower will have floors that are set back at varying angles so that every few storeys there will be a shared terrace for residents.

"The tower's horizontal spandrels alternate in profile to tune the solar and wind exposure of units to their climate and orientation, while also providing views of the surrounding city and Bay," said Studio Gang.

On top of Parcel F will be additional outdoor space, which the architects referred to as a "sky garden."

"Regionally-appropriate plantings creates an attractive place for birds, butterflies, and other pollinators to visit, supporting healthy bio-diversity within city," said the studio.

Encompassing 315,000 square feet (29,264 square metres), the structure will hold 254 rental apartments, which Mission Rock Partners – the San Francisco Giants and Tishman Speyer – said will include 97 offered "below the market rate".

The architecture studio and developer said they will be targeting LEED Gold certification for the project.

The Mission Rock development was revealed in 2019 and includes projects by MVRDV and Henning Larsen as well as a waterfront park by SCAPE. Studio Gang has taken the lead in coordinating with the different architects involved in the multi-project development.

Other projects completed by Studio Gang in San Francisco include the 40-storey-tall Mira tower with its twisting facades.