In the Silver Line Rail extension project—creating a system of connections to the Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Virginia through six new stations—designers prioritized natural light and ventilation, utilizing metal mesh for shading, resulting in reduced HVAC load, fall protection, and visual appeal.
Designed by the project architect, Dulles Transit Partners, the Silver Line Rail extension revolutionizes transit in the Washington, D.C., Capitol region, connecting to Washington Dulles International Airport through six new stations: Reston Town Center, Herndon, Ashburn, Loudoun Gateway, Innovation Center, and Washington Dulles Airport. Spearheaded by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (MWATA), the project incorporates a pedestrian-friendly design, with a combination of bridges and tunnels linking stations to parking and terminals.
The project engineer and material supplier, GKD Metal Fabrics (GKD), provided more than 5,853 m2 (63,000 sf) of oversized framed metal mesh panels, with engineered hardware, to clad bridge spans, stair infill, turnstiles, and curtain wall—spanning the entire length and height of pedestrian bridge sections without compromising safety.
GKD’s engineering team collaborated with the architects, incorporating wind, snow, and live load considerations into attachment solutions. Two chosen weaves, Ellipse 2 and Ellipse 14, feature horizontal patterns with warp wires across the entire surface area made of stainless-steel mesh, adding visual interest.
The Silver Line Rail Extension, one of the largest U.S. capital construction projects, opened last year, encompassing 18.3 km (11.4 miles) of new track, six Metrorail stations, and a 36.4-ha (90-acre) railyard.
