Empirehouse provided pre-construction engineering services and cost studies to help shape the overall work scope for the glazing package. The main exterior glazing component includes approximately 23,400 total square feet of conventionally glazed aluminum pressure-wall system. This system was specifically engineered for the required high-span application, and a majority of the glazing is resting on an engineered carbon plate which provides the appearance of a suspended cantilevered wall system. The initial design required a +/- 5/8″ allowable movement at each attachment, which was only possible with the use of custom horizontal extrusions. The movement requirement also created the need for complicated independent loading connections for suspension of the wall system.  

The “back of house” glazing scope includes an additional 8,900 total square feet of applied veneer wall glazing, creating the appearance of a new glazing façade with a minor demolition of existing systems.

The secondary glazing systems for the building shell provide a striking aesthetic with a full structural glass wall assembly which makes a grand statement in the overall design. Incorporating approximately 3,400 total square feet of top-hung cantilevered structural glass fin supported wall system with stainless steel fittings supporting the glass panels, the architect created unobstructed views of the surrounding city skyline. A portion of this system at the “City Room” gathering space was installed after the installation of a custom precast sunshade device. This logistical issue required Empirehouse to commission the assembly of custom-engineered glass movement equipment for the installation of the oversized glass—some exceeding 76″ x 140.”

In addition to the glass fin supported wall systems, the plaza level façade includes approx. 4,500 total square feet of custom aluminum bar stock fin supported glazed wall system. This system was initially designed as an unsupported exterior structural glass wall assembly, set with top and bottom recessed glazing channels. While the unsupported wall system would have created additional unobstructed views to the exterior, deflection analysis dictated that the overall unit thickness required would have been a massive 2-1/4″ with multiple layers of laminated heavy tempered glass lites. The custom aluminum bar stock support system was proposed as a value engineering cost option shortly after award, allowing the owner to incorporate other desired glazing features without modification of contract value.

Scope:

• The main exterior glazing component includes approximately 23,400 total square feet of conventionally glazed aluminum pressure-wall system.
• Decorative Glass, back painted glass and custom laminated glass infill panels
• Glass handrail 1,100 total lineal feet
• 8,900 total square feet of applied veneer wall glazing
• 3,400 total square feet of top-hung cantilevered structural glass fin supported wall system with stainless steel fittings supporting the glass panels, the architect created unobstructed views of the surrounding city skyline.
• In addition to the glass fin supported wall systems, the plaza level façade includes approx. 4,500 total square feet of custom aluminum bar stock fin supported glazed wall system