APRIL 2022CONSTRUCTIONBUSINESSREVIEW.COM9framed rough-sawn beams supported by a distant post allowing for as much of an unobstructed view as possible at a corner of the building. That image of architectural ingenuity combining strength and openness planted a seed that was to alter glazing forever.Exciting structural glazing projects like the BNK Busan Bank in South Korea, the Berlin Hauptbahnhof in Berlin, and the glazed canopy at the Q6Q7 Mall in Mannheim, Germany,have utilized this new technique of structural glazing. The BNK Bankis an excellent example of a cable net-supported curtain wall with large glazed lites and a narrow sightline. The impressive Berlin Hauptbahnh of building envelope is designed with modern cable and glass fin supported glazing. A combination of full locked cables, open spiral strand cables, glass fins, and specialty hardware supports the massive terminal's curtain wall and canopies. The canopies at the Q6Q7 shopping mall provide both diffuse light and sun protection with a translucent white interlayer for strength and beauty. This new wave of structurally glazed building elements is inspiring clients and designers to create phenomenally unique buildings. So, how Structural glazing is an attainable excellence in architectural building elements that can distinguish a building from its peers and last for decadesdo you factor into the most exciting trend in glass? If you're a developer, owner, architect, engineer, or contractor, how would you go about including these extraordinary structurally glazed systems into your project? The favored solution for this is to incorporate a highly capably specialty steel-and-glass preconstruction team along with the project architectural, engineering, and construction team. This preconstruction team would provide design-assist insight, preliminary engineering, specifications, and various kinds of estimates from rough-order-of-magnitude to guaranteed-max-not-to-exceed pricing with each design iteration. The specialty team would work closely with the project team to safeguard design aesthetic, thermal properties, acoustic transmission control, and all engineering requirements. From architecturally exposed structural steel to steel tensioned cables or rods; to glass fins or simple support or cantilevered extension with point supports or clamp held, the structural glazing system would exceed the expectations of designers, builders, owners, and occupants.Furthermore, it is critical that a capable, consistent, and comprehensive specialty steel-and-glass team has the right chemistry with the project team to enhance the entire design, engineering, and construction process. There are always unique problems that a complex project will face. However, when a team of designers, engineers, builders, and specialty consultants can achieve harmony in resolving conflicting needs, it shows that the participants come from a mutual disposition of professionalism, passion, dedication, authenticity, and relentless desire to create something special. Structural glazing is a pinnacle of contemporary design and engineering. It lets in light while offering thermal insulation and acoustic attenuation while protecting from wind, rain, snow, and seismic events. Structural glazing is an attainable excellence in architectural building elements that can distinguish a building from its peers and last for decades. Anthony Callas
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