How Design Assist Transforms Large-Span Architecture (II)

At Sentech Architectural Systems, we have spent 20 years pioneering innovative possibilities in façade architecture. We understand that bringing complex structural glass designs to life is an intricate balancing act between aesthetics, structural integrity, constructability, and budget. This is where our Design Assist services can add value to all stakeholders: by partnering with the design team early in the design process and sharing our decades of façade design and manufacturing experience, our goal is to streamline the design delivery process, embrace the architectural vision, and consider budget constraints, energy performance, and sustainability goals. 

Empowering Architects: Preserving Clarity

For our architectural clients who have traveled with us on this journey, the greatest benefit of engaging in Design Assist is the preservation of the design vision while learning with us throughout the process. When we join the project lifecycle early, we act as a specialized extension of the architectural team. We help identify the ideal structural approach and provide a toolbox of system options, such as our VetraSpan clear span systems, VetraFin structural glass mullions, VetraNet cable structures or a custom designed solution to achieve the desired look while respecting the laws of physics and the design team’s energy and sustainability goals.

Through early conceptual modeling and constructability analysis, we can identify potential clashes, refine sightlines, and minimize visible structural supports. If a specific jumbo glass configuration exceeds budget constraints, we can offer alternative structural layouts that deliver a similar level of transparency. Because these decisions are made early, the design is optimized before the construction documents are finalized, ensuring that the elegant, high-performance facade designed is the exact facade that gets built.

Supporting Glaziers: Optimizing Constructability, Mitigating Risk, Cost Control

For glaziers and general contractors, the complexities of installing large span structural glass facades can be daunting. The risks associated with material lead times, on-site logistics, and precise installation tolerances are incredibly high. Sentech’s Design Assist services are specifically structured to mitigate these risks and equip installation teams for success.

The Design Assist services are intentionally structured to eliminate risks during critical project phases:

• Accurate Early-Stage Pricing: By performing structural optimization and optimization of the connection details and glass makeup, we provide highly reliable and coordinated pricing. This eliminates the financial uncertainty of bidding on partially developed specialty glass scopes.
  
• Designed for Constructability: We engineer every system with the installer in mind. We design connection hardware, modular components, and building-tolerance adjustments that dramatically simplify field installation.

• Fewer RFIs and Change Orders: Resolving connection details and structural interfaces during the design phase, and clearly outlining scopes of supply, results in fewer questions during the project execution phase and fewer field-coordination issues, minimizing costly project delays.

This early collaboration dramatically reduces the number of Requests for Information (RFIs) and costly change orders during the delegated design and construction phases. The engineering team performing the delegated design has a clear path and the installer receives a fully engineered, cohesive system that is fully coordinated and fits together seamlessly, allowing them to execute the delegated design and installation more efficiently.

Where Vision Meets Structural Reality

At Sentech, we engineer clarity. This is rooted in material transparency and the client relationships we build throughout the collaboration process. We understand that large spanning glass structures are signature elements of a building. They define a project’s identity. Through our Design Assist consulting and engineering services, we provide a single source for custom structural glass applications and bridge the critical gap between conceptual design and practical execution, ensuring that every stakeholder, from the design team to the owner achieves their goals.

FAQs

What is the difference between Design Assist and Delegated Design in structural glazing?

Delegated Design transfers the legal and design responsibility of a specific system to the contractor late in the project, often leading to coordination clashes and cost overruns. Design Assist is an early-stage, collaborative partnership where Sentech works alongside the design team to optimize the system before bidding, ensuring seamless integration and cost control.

When is the ideal time to engage Sentech for Design Assist services?

The ideal time to engage Sentech is during the Schematic Design (SD) or early Design Development (DD) phases. Engaging us early allows us to influence the structural grid, optimize glass sizing, and prevent design-rework or budget issues before construction documents are finalized.

Can Sentech assist with custom-engineered supporting members and hardware for large-span glass?

Yes. we specialize in custom-designed connection hardware and specialized glass-supporting steel structures tailored to the unique aesthetic and structural needs of each project.

Check out our unique, landmark structural glass projects!