Facade Engineering

The challenge of the museum was to design the infill curtain wall that spans the unusual openings, despite the concrete walls being in different, overlapping, vertical planes. Innovative yet simple, Morrison Hershfield suggested installing a typical curtain wall system completely inboard of the concrete arches, instead of trying to accommodate the unique shape of each arch. The solution greatly improved the delivery schedule because curtain wall manufacturing became independent of concrete arch installation. (Ohio Veterans Memorial Museum – Columbus, OH)

 

Facade Engineering

To determine the most appropriate envelope and mechanical systems to achieve the client’s 20 year goals, Morrison Hershfield created an energy model that incorporated multiple mechanical system options and ranges of envelope performance values. Using our proprietary visualization tool to interpret the thousands of component combinations, we could easily select the most appropriate solutions. (Confidential Commercial Office Building – Pacific Northwest)

 

Facade Engineering

Using 3D temperature and humidity (hygrothermal) simulation and air flow analysis, Morrison Hershfield determined the appropriate venting needed to protect the artwork in a climate with an annual temperature range of -20F to +90F, while avoiding fogging, condensation and deterioration. The cost impact was minimal as it entailed cutting strategically located vent holes in an outdoor shadow box glass enclosure. (CF Rideau Centre Art Glass Facade – Ottawa, ON)

 

Facade Engineering

Morrison Hershfield provided design assistance to offset the curtain wall from the main plane of the building in order to achieve the unique aesthetic desired, at a reasonable cost. Instead of an expensive fully customized curtain wall system, recommended specific modifications to the extrusions of an off-the-shelf curtain wall system. The details required minimal re-working of the extrusions resulting in significant cost savings (Trinity Condos – Seattle, WA)

 

Facade Engineering

Using a combination of 3D thermal modeling capabilities and building science knowledge to improve thermal performance, Morrison Hershfield produced specific details for the skylight that incorporated thermal breaks at key locations, confirmed the performance of terra cotta rainscreen system including interface with glazing system and provided options to allow for maintenance access to windows partially behind the terra cotta tiles. (National Music Centre | Studio Bell – Calgary, AB)

 

Facade Engineering

Morrison Hershfield recommended a 3-stage submittal process that included a design submission from the manufacturers, design team feedback and then final curtain wall submittal included with their final bids. The contract was awarded to the selected manufacturer and the other bidders received a stipend for their efforts. The early engagement of the curtain wall sub-contractor enabled their shop drawing details to be included in the permit drawing sets, resulting in a shortened schedule by avoiding the creation of CD details by the architect and then shop drawings by the sub-contractor. (Washington State Convention Center Addition – Seattle, WA)

 

Facade Engineering

Consulting for this iconic three-sided 54-story curtain wall tower on the western plains, we enabled our client to overcome structural limitations to allow glazed fin accents and the 125-foot wide glass-enclosed rotunda with a cable-tensioned glazing at the entryway.

 

Facade Engineering

We provided specialty facade engineering services to ensure the Canadian National Archives achieved their goals of a durable building envelope, appropriate regulated conditions for sensitive materials and documents, and visually pleasing aesthetics. (Canadian National Archives – Gatineau, QC)

 

Facade Engineering

We coordinated the efforts of three architecture firms and three general contractors on this 7 building, 23-acre project, acting as liaisons to provide facade engineering for the large-span glazing and skylights of the retail plaza. (City Creek Center – Salt Lake City, UT)

 

Facade Engineering

Structural limitations and an ambitious architectural vision required a fully custom curtain wall system for this 32-story mixed-use tower. We provided design, framing and glazing unit panel review, and enhanced field and structural reviews of the system. (Harbour Green Three – Vancouver, BC)

 

Facade Engineering

To help ensure that the foreign-built window wall system met the quality expectations, we worked closely with the manufacturer to review the design, verify the construction and tested the system at the plant before it was shipped. (SOMA Towers – Bellevue, WA)

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Facade Engineering

Our Facade Engineering team provides information that enables early decision-making, significantly impacting the facade construction and long-term maintenance costs. Achieving your desired architectural intent can be challenging for a number of reasons: structural limitations, sustainability goals, energy code requirements and budget considerations are just a few.

We work with you to establish façade performance criteria using:

  • Parametric energy studies
  • Heat, air and moisture modeling
  • 3D component modeling for thermal bridging and condensation resistance
  • Orientation and massing modeling
  • New and innovative material evaluations
  • Daylighting analysis
  • LEED credit determination
  • Life cycle cost assessments

Because they are performance-oriented, these cost-effective, practical strategies are developed early in the project schedule and are fine-tuned throughout the design and construction stages of the project.

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