On April 19, for the afternoon keynote of The Architect’s Newspaper’s Facades+conference in New York, architect Ian Ritchie discussed his decades-long involvement in forward-looking glass architecture. Beginning with the tongue-in-cheek statement, “Glass is the answer; what was the question?” the British architect detailed the technological specifications and design considerations behind his projects. Ranging in size from personal residences to convention centers, the projects convey

Located within Copenhagen’s city center, a new housing development challenges traditional urban form, while offering new possibilities for shared collective space and sensitively-scaled infill development. Designed by Lundgaard & Tranberg Architects, the Axel Towers are a collection of five circular mid-rise buildings, named after their block “Axeltorv” which occupies a site nestled between prominent medieval

Miami is perhaps the epicenter of architectural parking garage design, hosting work from Herzog & de Meuron, Frank Gehry, Enrique Norten, OMA, Arquitectonica, IwamotoScott, Leong Leong, John Baldessari, a scrapped Zaha Hadid proposal, and more. Adding to the mix is a seven-story mixed-use structure integrating retail with an 800-car capacity garage. Facade Manufacturer Zahner (fabrication);

For over eight decades, SOM has been a leading voice in emphasizing structural poetics, or the integration of architectural and engineering efforts into built form. This mashup of rationalism and elegance was on full display at the 2017 Chicago Architecture Biennale, where they collaborated with Mana Contemporary to deliver a pop-up exhibition titled “SOM: Engineering

From biodomes to Disney resorts, “Sheds” and stadiums, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene, better known as ETFE, has become the material of choice for architects designing a venue for the spectacular. Appealing to designers as an affordable, translucent building skin, the material is now the go-to polymer for flamboyant facades. The Architect’s Newspaper (AN) spoke to three firms leading the

Vitrocsa is the Original, slim profile sliding system, invented in Switzerland in 1992. Also known as The Invisible Wall System, the Vitrocsa system features the slimmest profiles in the world and is the choice of Pritzker Prize winning architects. Vitrocsa is manufactured in the US from Swiss made profiles.

Sherwin-Williams Coil Coatings (formerly Valspar Architectural Metal Coatings) is a leader in high-performance coatings for metal building products. Fluropon® 70% PVDF coatings for coil and extrusion applications will bring your façade to life through an unlimited palette of 50,000+ colors and aesthetic effects.

TerraCORE Panels – in partnership with GammaStone and Fiandre – is a leading provider of lightweight panelized cladding systems with an expansive portfolio of solutions. The GammaStone AIR system represents the next generation of thin veneer reinforced cladding, utilizing materials ranging from natural stone, porcelain, glass, brick, GFRC, and mosaic tile. Fiandre’s large-format porcelain rainscreen

For many years now, Swisspearl has been developing innovative and sustainable products made of natural materials, in the spirit of invention and with expert skills, for use in the building envelope, the interior design and the garden – fully focused on aesthetics, quality and responsibility towards people and the environment.

Specified Technologies Inc. (STI) is a leading manufacturer of innovative firestop solutions designed to stop the spread of fire, smoke and toxic fumes. With over 1,300 UL® Classified systems, STI specializes in cutting edge perimeter fire containment systems including backpan designs, flush and reduced sill heights, and connection protection.

Spectrum Metal Finishing, Inc., is a custom applicator of liquid and powder coatings servicing the commercial construction markets throughout the US. A member of PPG’s elite “Certified Applicator Program” and ISO-9001 Certified. Licensed by all major Kynar 500 paint suppliers. We meet/exceed all AAMA 2603, 2604, and 2605 specs with capabilities up to 33’ with

Shildan provides terracotta rainscreen and sunscreen products and systems for iconic faҫades. Shildan introduced Terracotta Rainscreen to the US market in 1998 and continues to push the envelope and redefine extruded terracotta. Shildan specializes in designing and engineering systems to meet the needs of today’s high performing facades.

SFS NVELOPE cladding support systems are efficient, versatile and engineered to support the most demanding cladding materials.  Adjustable brackets are easy to install and accommodate a wide range of cavity depths.  Vertical or horizontal systems for exposed or concealed fastener applications meet structural and thermal demands of today’s building requirements.  

sedak GmbH & Co. KG (Germany) is the leading glass manufacturer of large insulating and safety glass up to 3.2m x 16.5m. Depending on customer’s requirements, the products are processed, tempered, laminated, printed, coated, and cold bent. From mid-2018, sedak will produce glass units in up to 3.51m x 20m.

ROCKWOOL offers a wide range of high-performing and sustainable insulation solutions for commercial and residential construction. Stone wool insulation is made from one of nature’s most abundant resources –volcanic rock. This naturally renewable material offers a unique combination of benefits such as outstanding fire, acoustic and thermal insulation properties plus lifelong durability, making it a

Since 1940, Rigidized® Metals Corporation has led the world in the development and production of deep-textured, three dimensional metals used in both interior and exterior architectural and design applications. The Rigidized® Metals deep-texturing process adds strength, impact resistance and the ability to hide scratches.

Pure + FreeForm is a metal design studio specializing in bespoke aluminum finishes and cladding products for exterior and interior applications. We believe in materials that reflect tradition, texture, scale, purpose and place, not just simple beauty. Our vision is to create destinations recognized globally for their inspiring, contextual, purposeful designs.

For over 50 years, PPG has pushed the limits of what’s possible in architectural metal coatings. What started with the revolutionary DURANAR® coatings in 1967 has grown to include advances like infrared-reflective pigments and customizable powder coatings, innovations that are more versatile, architect-friendly and environmentally compatible than ever before.

Today, ventilated facades are considered to be the most advanced, effective and safest means of installing ceramic tiles on facades, providing buildings with aesthetic, technical and environmental benefits. Porcelanosa offers technical assistance throughout your entire project, from the design stage through to construction. We offer a multidisciplinary team comprising architects, engineers, CAD experts and tile

North Glass is the industry’s strongest and largest glass deep-processing equipment R & D and manufacturing enterprises. Its leading flat glass production products have ranked first in the world for 14 consecutive years. Its independent development of the Low-E coating production line has become a global leader in the coating industry.

The Advanced Interlayer Solutions business of Kuraray offers the widest portfolio of laminated glass interlayers on the market. The portfolio includes Trosifol® UltraClear, Sound Control (SC), and colored PVB interlayers and stiff, structural SentryGlas® ionoplast interlayers. Interlayers can be specified to provide safety, sound control, decorative, structural and security benefits.

Kawneer is the leading manufacturer of architectural systems and products for the commercial construction industry in North America. From thermal efficiency and sustainability to hurricane and blast resistance, we offer a dynamic range of innovative, high-performing products and systems that are designed to conserve, renew and endure.

As leaders in energy-efficient daylighting, Kalwall® offers the most highly insulated, light transmitting products on the market. In the +60 years that we have worked with lightweight composites, we have perfected this unique fenestration technology that harvests balanced, glare-free daylight while providing the ultimate in thermal performance and solar control. Our products include: Façade, Skyroof®,

  Hydro is a fully integrated global aluminum company with 35,000 employees in 40 countries on all continents, combining local expertise, worldwide reach and unmatched capabilities in R&D. Hydro Extrusion North America operates more than 20 aluminum extrusion locations throughout North America.