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OUTSIDE New York as a Laboratory for Architects & the Dynamic Facade
31 INSTALLATION Style, Quality, Intelligent Facade
CASE STUDY
11 25 39 3 Selected Facade Projects in New York
REFLECTIONS
INSIDE Creating System Designs for Challenging Facade Concepts
TRANSPARENCY Quality & Craftsmanship
An Interview with Partner, Monique Delacroix
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3 The Face of a Lifestyle
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A walk through the changing facades of New York, and the city’s story unfolds. 4 NEW YORK AS A LABORATORY FOR ARCHITECTS
New York City is, and always has been, a laboratory for architects. Its story — as an international frontier and playground for culture and innovation — can be told through its buildings. They are a reflection of the ideas, constraints and private visions held by architects and the people who have inhabited them throughout history. A walk through the changing facades of New York, and the city’s story unfolds.
An innovative facade can excite, inspire, and compel viewers to interact
differently with their environment. THE DYNAMIC FACADE
NYR believes that a facade can be transformative. Facades shape the physical urban environment and as such, are at the center of how we experience a city. An innovative facade can excite, inspire, and compel viewers to interact differently with their environment. It can provoke someone to want to enter, to live, to visit or work in a building. It can be an opportunity to bring magic, awe and wonder into the routines of someone passing by. A facade can do a lot of things, but first and foremost, it must work. And this is where we come into the picture.
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We’ve simplified the glass facade workflow from design to In-house installation.
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AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO DYNAMIC FACADE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION
NYR is a New York - based glass facade contracting company specializing in customdesigned, high-quality glass facades. We’ve simplified the glass facade workflow from design to in-house installation in a way that maximize efficiencies, emphasizes craftsmanship and allows architects and developers to have their visions executed
with precision. By ensuring this closed process from beginning to end — making sure there are no independent parts — we are able to manage every aspect of the workflow to support open designs and complete projects effectively.
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DESIGN ASSIST
As experts in an integrated approach to glass facade design, manufacturing and installation we can better guide the individual stages. This is especially true in Design Assist. Architects often come to us during the design stage of the facade design process to simplify and strengthen their designs. They bring the geometry of the envelope, the conceptualized facade and technical performance criteria. We bring our knowledge of different system designs, manufacturing protocol, and
A facade design that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in New York needs a glass facade contracting company designed and structured to do just that.
of what is possible in New York.
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installation guidelines, and together we complete the formalization of a design. Our goal is to enable architects to design more freely with unitized curves, twists, curtain walls, triangulated free form structures, and crystalline shapes with the confidence that their designs can become an expertly engineered reality.
COMPLEX GEOMETRY FACADE, FULLY UNITIZED WITH ZERO SIGHT LINE VENTS
Pushing the boundaries
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11 Engineering for Luxury and Light
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Creating system designs for
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ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND
Our system designers take into consideration the materiality of the project from structural dynamics to the placement of aluminum extrusions, gaskets and silicone sealants
challenging facade concepts. TAILOR-MADE FACADE SYSTEMS
Once the facade concept has been completed by the architect our team of engineers, system designers, drafting designers and master installers step in to create a tailor-made facade system design. Each system design takes into account the particularities of the concept so that the finished building is an exact, physical replica of the architectural renderings. Using the latest in 3D modeling technologies, our team is especially equipped to create system designs for challenging, complex facade concepts.
in order maximize the functionality of the facade in areas such as thermal insulation, solar energy gains, natural ventilation, and solid sound protection. They also take into consideration the life-cycle of the facade from installation to demolition and ensure
that each stage of the process is time and resource efficient as well as eco-friendly. FULLY UNITIZED FACADE HIGH PERFORMANCE REFLECTIVE LOW ENERGY CONSUMPTION GLASS
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the next stages proceed smoothly. INTEGRATED APPROACH
As pioneers in our integrated approach to glass facade construction we are uniquely responsible for every stage of the design through installation process. We make sure each of our projects are held to the highest of standards and a robust system designs ensures the next stages proceed smoothly.
PRECISION TESTING
Through 3D computer modeling we verify the precision and efficiency of the system design. Designers and engineers meet through routine feedback sessions to ensure proper calculations and installation feasibility. Once our departments have approved the system design, we engage in prototyping and factory testing and then implementation.
AND THE CREATIVITY OF THE ARCHITECTS.
We make sure each of our projects are held to the highest of standards and a robust system designs ensures
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A uniquely designed, intricately developed unitized facade with ultra-thin profiles and pristine woodgrain accents.
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1. UNITIZED GLASS CURTAIN WALL. 2. OVERSIZED DUAL-ACTION WINDOWS. 3. ALUMINUM EX TRUSIONS WITH FILIGREE WOODGRAIN ACCENTS 4. HIGH PERFORMANCE LOW IRON GLASS RAILS
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An elegant rear facade envelope with polyhedral geometry, fitted with double-glazed slender glass. A Mullion-Transom facade ensures stability, tightness, and robust insulation. Motorized, operable vents guarantee optimal energy-efficiency.
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5. MULLION-TRANSOM FACADE 6. LONG-LASTING ALUMINUM COVERINGS (25+ YEARS OF WEATHERING ) 7. HIGH-EFFICIENCY, OVERSIZED DUAL-GLAZED GLASS WINDOWS 8. MOTORIZED WINDOW VENTILATORS
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THE FLYNN 20 A custom-fabricated, highperformance facade with in-house engineering and a specialized installation strategy to meet the needs of a restricted project schedule and site. 1. FULLY UNITIZED FACADE 2. ROUTE AND RETURN ACM PANELS 3. DOUBLE HEIGHT FRAMES 4. HIGH PERFORMANCE, REFLECTIVE LOW ENERGY CONSUMPTION GLASS 5. ZERO SIGHT-LINE OPERABLE VENTS 6 CUSTOM-COLORED PAINT AND BACK PANS
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A slender, window-wall system with extruded slab covers, designed and engineered to compliment the sleek minimalism of the Financial District. Precision installation within a demanding project schedule. 1. FULLY GLAZED WINDOW WALL SYSTEM 2. EX TRUDED INTEGRATED SLAB COVERS 3. HIGH EFFICIENCY MULLIONS-TRANSOM FACADE
4. 60 MIN FIRE RATED WINDOWS 5. ALUMINUM PUNCH WINDOWS 6. ROUTE AND RETURNED ACM PANELS 7. LED LIGHTED EX TRA CLEAR GLASS RAILS
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Quality & Craftsmanship
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For decades we have studied the capabilities of different manufacturers in dozens of countries and have the unique ability to match the strongest manufacturer to each project.
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TRANSPARENCY
Manufacturing glass facades and aluminum cladding is a tough job. Every manufacturer is different, carrying with them unique strengths and differences depending on their size, traditions, standards and technological capacities. For decades, we have studied the capabilities of different manufacturers in dozens of countries and have the unique ability to match the strongest manufacturer to each project. INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURER CURATION
Selecting the best manufacturer is especially important to us because each of our projects are pre-assembled in the factory. Expert assembly can only happen in controlled environments protected from changing weather conditions. Pre-assemble also permits rapid and economical installation. We build relationships with each of our manufacturers in order to understand whether or not they are the right fit for the job and take great consideration in our selection.
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RELATIONSHIPS AND QUALITY
At the heart of our relationship with manufacturers is quality control.
We work only with manufacturers who embrace our standards for quality and craftsmanship.
open to the a process of trial and error, experimenting with new ways to execute and complete the often challenging systems presented to them. In this way, our relationship with the manufacturer is just as important as the manufacturer itself. We guide the project through this stage and need to make sure our manufacturers are flexible enough to incorporate our direction.
engaging in a tailor-made project on a large scale.
Our manufacturers need to be perfectionists when it comes to sourcing, glazing and assembly. They need to be open to our system designs, modifying their manufacturing workflow to the specifications we put in place. They also need to be
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TEAM OF CRAFTSMEN
Our manufacturers in this sense, constitute a team of craftsmen —
To strengthen our relationship with them before and during a project, we make sure to travel to facility sites regularly, offering technical assistance and providing an additional level of inspection and quality control. If we encounter obstacles or challenges we are on-site to make sure a proper solution is found.
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Our integrated approach to glass facade design construction maximizes workmanship in the factory so that
installation is seamless, efficient and quality-driven.
EXPERT INSTALLATION
Our window units come pre-assembled so that no glazing is done on site. This helps us eliminate the variables of temperature and wind conditions during the installation process and ensures that expert craftsman are doing the work of assembly, and expert installers are doing the work of installation. This process helps us enclose buildings faster so that contractors can begin working on the interior components of the building sooner.
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35 Our window units are installed from the inside out and sealants are triple checked before being approved.
INSTALLATION STANDARDS
We hire, train and employ our own team of installers and make sure their work adheres to a set of installation standards we design and enforce. We train them individually over a period of months so that they can bring to each job the skill set necessary for the uniqueness of each of our projects. Our window units are installed from the inside out and sealants are triple checked before being approved. Our supervisors reinforce our installation standards and our respect for our team encourages retention. We develop a culture of ownership, where installers see themselves as an important part of the process and take pride in what they do.
THIS PAGE WINDOW MECHANIC WATER-PROOFING SLAB EDGE
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39 An Interview with Partner, Monique Delacroix
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MONIQUE DELACROIX
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WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THIS INDUSTRY?
I was raised in manufacturing, it’s in my blood. My father ran a very important aluminum resource manufacturing company when I was growing up. They also produced windows and curtain walls so it’s something I’ve always been around and exposed to. I remember visiting the testing sites when I was younger and listening to hours and hours of conversation about extrusions.
At the time, I wasn’t very interested, but now the work I do resonates with my earliest memories and it all feels very natural to me. WHEN DID YOUR INTEREST IN THIS WORK BEGIN?
As a teenager my passion was for fashion design. I loved the creativity of design and the fact that you could empower people through appearance and bring something
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“ I AM QUITE DIFFERENT THAN MOST PEOPLE IN THIS INDUSTRY
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AND I DON’T WANT TO CHANGE THAT.”
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With architecture and buildings, once something is made it’s timeless, it affects and influences an entire cityscape.
beautiful into the world. I came to New York to be a designer, and went to art school for it. I think when you’re young and rebellious you want to do something that’s absolutely different from what’s around you. And so that’s what I did. I think art and fashion, ironically enough, led me back into construction. Once I cultivated a love for design, textures, and light I noticed in myself a strong appreciation for facades and curtain walls in particular. That’s when my understanding of manufacturing became integrated with design. For instance, the superstructure building became like the body of a mannequin and the facade like a fabric you could drape around it. I was attracted to facades that were unexpected and singular. I wanted to be a part of that process. It was at this time, I became disillusioned with fashion. If you’re designing clothing it’s only going to stay relevant as long as the trend lasts. With architecture and buildings, once something is made it’s timeless, it affects and influences an entire cityscape even after the building has been demolished. Think about the Twin Towers for instance. It was this discovery that influenced my decision to work with glass facades.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES IN WORKING IN THIS INDUSTRY?
Well, I’m quite different than most people in this industry and at first it was tough. I wanted to be myself, but it was hard to be taken seriously. I’m showing up on sites in high heels and people don’t know what to make of me, it’s quite a shock. Even now people sometimes think that I’m some kind of salesperson. I had a developer once that asked me a very funny question, “oh so you’re going to sell the job and then I guess you’re going to disappear..” and I’m like, “No sir, I’m sorry to disappoint you but I’m really going to be here towards the end and then past the end.” Once people discover I have a lot to say, the process becomes very energizing for everyone. I have a unique approach to business, I’m very hands on and relationship oriented and I am always going to push and fight for an architect’s vision. WHAT IS YOUR VISION MOVING FORWARD?
I am proud to be asked to build facades that are revolutionary in their nature and need someone’s constant attention to build. I want to continue doing this, working with architects and developers who are ready for that journey. I want architects to feel more openness in their designs because someone like me is there offering the technical expertise, support, experience and passion to make those designs happen in the world. And I want developers to be reassured that a project will be made within budget, on time and with the highest quality standards possible. I want to feel that, in some small way, I contributed to the expansion of architectural ideas and the shape of New York City. It’s not enough for me to just help make something, anything. I want to walk in New York and stand in front of a beautiful, iconic building and say to myself, “I helped to make THAT.” That’s why I do this, for that moment.
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SPECIAL THANKS TO DANA & STEPHANE MAITEC FOR THEIR INCREDIBLE WORK PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS COVER, P5-10, 13-14, 24-29, 32-34,36-42 COPYRIGHT NYR 2016
nyrfacade.com Head Office NYR 2079 Wantagh Ave. Wantagh, New York 11793 T 888 304 6065 F 516 804 8990 info@nyrfacade.com