Cantilever brackets & spider supports

Point-supported glazing refers to any glass that is supported at discreet locations, rather than continuously along its edges. The two primary systems are bolt-fixed glass and patch-plates. Both types can be developed as ‘spider’ systems that support multiple glass points from single structural mounts, and both can be used for vertical or horizontal glazing. We fully design and engineer reliable point-supported systems, together with custom supporting framework, aided by the latest specialized analysis and design software. Our design work can include the development of custom-machined or custom-cast fittings, as well as finite element analysis of the glass product to optimize our design to accommodate local stress peaks.

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201 Lafayette Street, New York

Storefront, entry and atrium roof glazing systems don’t have to be limited to standard glass fixed within aluminum framing profiles. Many other choices of materials and systems are available, including glass fins and specialty point-support hardware on custom steel frames. Storefronts can also incorporate electronic media systems, backlit stone cladding, or other specialty materials. Atrium roof framing systems can incorporate lighting, shading, and suspension points for banners and displays. Whatever one can imagine for a storefront enclosure or atrium roof, from minimalist to high-tech, we provide the design, detailing, and engineering support. We also offer expertise in safety glazing, security glazing, and glass frits and reflective coatings.

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Soccer stadium fabric roof model

Membrane roof structures offer elegant, light-weight solutions to enclosing new stadiums and other long-span buildings, and to re-roofing existing ones. Membranes can be permanently fixed or retractable. We understand the cost impacts of PVC, PTFE, Teflon-coated fabrics like ePTFE Tenara and other materials, including the boundary conditions required by each. Using our 3-D form-finding tools, we can recommend suitable forms for both roofing and façades that provide stability and avoid ponding. We also identify fabric stresses, deflections, cable sizes, and support reactions early in the design process for seamless integration with the rest of the building design.

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Model of a double-façade glass wall

Double facades are growing in popularity throughout the world, reflecting architects’ aspirations to create more environmentally responsive buildings. Double façade fabrication and erection strategies can range from structurally complex customized steel framing to completely prefabricated unitized curtain wall panels. Different structural strategies are appropriate for different ranges of cavity sizes, which then interact with the building’s mechanical system or natural ventilation approach. Our skin team has worked on numerous double facades, applying our knowledge of structures, glazing technology, mechanical shade systems and thermal behavior to this complex building design element.

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Rain screen system of cladding

Rain screens are widely used in Europe and North America as a moisture management system designed to neutralize water intrusion into a building. To properly function, rain screens include vented or porous exterior cladding, an air cavity, a secondary drainage layer on a support wall, and a rigid, water resistant and airtight support wall. Our skin specialists know current and evolving rain screen technologies, and understand the best ways to apply them as part of an exterior wall system.

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