Client News: Boston Logan airport garage’s design features EXTECH’s KINETICWALL Dynamic Façade consisting of 48,000 metal panels

Boston’s General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport’s new, 10-story West Garage Extension features an attractive, kinetic exterior to distinctively screen the facility. Designed by Arrowstreet Inc. and manufactured by Exterior Technologies, Inc. (EXTECH), the KINETICWALL® Dynamic Façade system consists of more than 48,000 aluminum flapper panels that move in response to wind currents.

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) relied on Arrowstreet to lead a multidisciplinary team that evaluated and integrated the new garage within the existing Central Parking, walkways and adjacent terminals. Situated over the existing Hilton Hotel parking lot, it is the airport’s tallest parking structure and offers 1,700 more parking spaces. The resulting garage optimizes the experience for passengers and its KINETICWALL Dynamic Façade enhances the view for the travelling public and visitors of the nearby 9/11 Memorial and Hilton Hotel.

Before finalizing the parking garage’s façade design, EXTECH provided Arrowstreet with several mock-ups for the Massport’s review and approval. “Our partnership with EXTECH allowed us to develop and fabricate a system for the facade that would have been difficult – if not impossible – without their collaboration,” says David Bois, principal at Arrowstreet.

He continues, “Various shapes, material thickness and finishes were tested, resulting in the curved anodized aluminum pieces that reflect light and ripple with the breeze.” The 6-inch square curved flapper panels are set within 353 extruded aluminum framing support assemblies that span eight stories high by 290 feet wide.

Subjected to 130 mile per hour winds to test resiliency, the system’s anodize finish also contributes to its durability. Linetec finished each flapper panel in Class I clear anodize. “Because it is an integral part of the substrate, the anodic coating provides excellent wear and abrasion resistance with minimal maintenance,” describes Linetec’s senior marketing specialist, Tammy Schroeder, LEED® Green Associate.

She adds, “Choosing clear anodize to create the unique façade for Logan Airport’s West Garage Extension not only contributes to its lasting performance, but also accentuates the intended sense of movement as the light reflects off the aluminum flapper panels that seem to dance in the wind.”

Turner Construction Company served as the general contractor. Construction on the 68,880-square-foot building started in June 2015. Massachusetts-based glazing contractor, Ipswich Bay Glass Company, began installing the dynamic façade in November, and worked through the winter to complete the exterior in Jan. 2016.

“The local glazing contractor installed the custom, prefabricated kinetic panels in record time. We believe this is a working relationship between architect and fabricator provides opportunities for innovation within our client’s budgetary and schedule constraints,” praises Bois.

He concludes, “The move from the mass-produced to a more custom approach in design and construction provides for new possibilities which parallel clients’ rising expectations. Without the collaborative process, this unique installation could not have occurred within the budget or the project schedule. Simple, common components come together to form an uncommon result.”

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Logan International Airport, Walkway and West Garage, 200 Terminal B, East Boston, MA 02128
* Owner: Massachusetts Port Authority; East Boston, Massachusetts; www.massport.com
* Architect: Arrowstreet Inc.; Boston; www.arrowstreet.com
* Engineer: WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff; Boston office; www.wsp-pb.com
* General contractor: Turner Construction Company; Boston office; www.turnerconstruction.com
* Façade – manufacturer: EXTECH/Exterior Technologies, Inc.; Pittsburgh; https://extechinc.com
* Façade – installer: Ipswich Bay Glass Company, Inc.; Rowley, Massachusetts; www.ibglass.com
* Façade – finisher: Linetec; Wausau, Wisconsin; www.linetec.com
* Photos by: William Horne
* Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DXd372Qego
 
To learn about EXTECH’s KINETICWALL Dynamic Façade system, please visit the product webpage. For more information on EXTECH’s products and services, please call 800-500-8083, email info@extechinc.com or visit https://EXTECHinc.com.

Exterior Technologies, Inc. (EXTECH) is an award-winning manufacturer and designer of wall, window, skylight, canopy and custom façade systems. The company delivers solutions for a variety of industries and applications, and are committed to collaboration, innovation and exceptional engineering.

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