Huamao Center, China

Conceptual studies help establish and evaluate design criteria, consider and compare cladding and framing materials, and present to the owner comparative costs and benefits for performance and constructability. Such studies should precede building skin system selection, design, and detailing. They can also be used to evaluate feasibility of a proposed design, or to compare proposed options. Our broad knowledge is applied to make sure the right options are studied, including traditional materials used in innovative ways and new technologies adapted to address special design requirements.

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Chelsea Modern, New York

Architects are continually pushing technologies with thinner, more ethereal, and faceted designs becoming the norm. Skin designs have evolved to meet new geometric complexities, while also being crafted to meet unique local conditions within demanding schedule, budget constraints, and performance requirements as well as sustainability objectives. We have more than 30 years of international experience in sophisticated exterior wall design, engineering, testing, and construction for commercial, residential and institutional clients. We collaborate closely with architects, developers, and manufacturers to synthesize innovative design solutions that optimize performance and anticipate constructability. We then provide technical support, diagnostics, and quality reviews throughout testing, fabrication and erection.

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The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
David Woo, Courtesy MAMFW

We perform comprehensive reviews of building envelope designs by others by focusing on four key design principles: air and water management, thermal performance and comfort, structural performance, and optimal daylight and visibility. Whether a curvilinear double-wall building skin on one of the tallest buildings in Asia, or a jewel-bedecked glass curtain wall in New York City, the exterior walls we review are studied using energy and dew point analysis programs, along with Building Information Modeling software that helps us check the practicality of complex 3-D geometric configurations.

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P.S.7, Elmhurst, Queens, New York

Value engineering services aid owners in determining a project-appropriate balance between aesthetic and performance criteria for a particular building skin design, and project schedule, constructability, and budget goals. Our skin specialists’ knowledge of current construction practices, relative system costs, and approaches used on similar projects enables us to provide in-depth comparative analyses of engineering options. The resulting suggestions for alternative building skin systems, materials, and finishes can reduce construction time, building first costs, and life cycle costs.

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855 Avenue of the Americas, New York
Courtesy Costas Kondylis & Partners

Evaluating bidders’ qualifications and proposal drawings provides unique opportunities to analyze the bidder’s understanding of the building skin design and their ability to properly execute the work. We assist in identifying and interviewing potential bidders and answer bidders’ questions about the performance and details of the building skin design.

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Skin of Federation Tower, Moscow

Even the finest design must be built properly to function properly, making construction administration services critical for a successful project. We participate in preconstruction meetings, review structural calculations and shop drawings, answer contractors’ requests for information, and perform periodic field observations. We provide detailed reports and punch lists to evaluate general conformance of the work with the construction documents and approved shop drawings. We offer recommendations for remediation of non-conforming conditions. Laboratory and field mockup test observations, plant inspections, and controlled inspections can be provided upon request for additional quality control.

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