Crafting elegance with cladding and integration
Forsyth Pointe features the integration of opaque assemblies and glazed systems, presenting a facade that intertwines a palette of diverse materials—from wood-look soffits to aluminum composite material (ACM) panels and oversized glazed units. Each element is thoughtfully coordinated, with transitions between materials crafted to achieve a visually unified structure that embodies the architectural vision down to the finest detail.
Rick Neal, IWR’s project superintendent with 25 years of glazing expertise, oversaw the merger of elements that formed the upper floors of the office towers. The challenge laid in the confluence of materials—where the unitized curtain wall of the high rises met the unique glazing of lower levels, and where balconies interplayed with glass railings; all demanding a seamless orchestration of transitions. This dedication to cohesive design extended to the inclusion of features such as custom aluminum column covers, which offered both elegance and functional strength.
The crux of Neal’s task was ensuring all components conformed to the precise design intent. The alignment of multiple materials, each with its own lines and characteristics, had to present sightlines consistent with the facade’s vision. This alignment was not confined to adjacent materials but was part of a continuous line—such as the ACM band that crowned the top floors, dipped into terraces, and re-emerged in the glazing assemblies below. To realize this design, it was imperative for teams to work in tandem, with the glazing and sheet metal superintendents operating in lockstep to maintain the architect’s envisioned sightlines.
Adding to the complexity, the towers’ rooflines featured an elaborate metal band that wrapped the top, marking the convergence of glass sections—an aspect that posed considerable access challenges. Neal recounted the precise planning required to navigate the urban landscape beneath, ensuring the team’s movements were not only efficient but also safe. This undertaking highlighted the critical nature of coordinating multiple disciplines and specialties to uphold the seamless aesthetic continuity while adhering to stringent safety standards.
Additional thoughtful design choices were integrated with an eye on the building’s long-term maintenance, including measures to ensure safe and efficient access for tasks such as window washing. This balance ensures the structure preserves its architectural presence, while simplifying the demands of continuous maintenance.
Problem-solving amidst urban constraints
Forsyth Pointe’s development was a synchronized effort, encompassing both construction and an intricately planned logistics operation. With its limited spatial footprint, Forsyth Pointe demanded ingenuity in handling the transport, unloading, and installation of expansive curtain wall sections. Each of these sections, sprawling at 1.5 x 3 m (10 x 15 ft), was transported on oversized tractor trailers equipped with specially designed steel racks.
