Seeing Clearly: Expedia HQ, USGlass Magazine

The latest June 2022 issue of USGlass Magazine features a deep-dive into how collaborative design, engineering, manufacturing and installation uniquely combined on one of Sentech’s recent projects, Expedia HQ in Seattle, WA.

The magazine’s cover story for the month of June features Sentech’s Director of Business Development, David Dunham, in an article that delves into the strategy behind the structural glass cable net wall and some of the key challenges the design and engineering teams faced throughout the project lifecycle. The article, titled “Seeing Clearly”, was written by winner of the Jesse H. Neal Award, Ellen Rogers, for USGlass Magazine.

Rogers sourced information from some of the key project players, including Dunham, Patrick Gordon, AIA, Principal at ZGF Architects, and Brian Cox, Project Manager from installer Benson (MiTek). Sentech was responsible for the design, engineering and fabrication of the project’s north and south cable net facades of the entrance lobby, which span roughly 48-ft tall by 148-ft wide, totaling more than 10,900 sq ft of structural glass.

Article Overview: Seeing Clearly

The use of insulated glass units (IGU’s) is extremely rare in cable net wall applications; this challenge alone, coupled with seismic considerations, sustainability/energy efficiency requirements, large warping and deformation limits of the façade, coupled with the high amount of movement and flexibility inherent cable net systems made this project a particular challenge. Dunham delves into how Sentech addressed these challenges and developed unique and creative solutions to ensure that the advantages in flexibility and span worked from the design, engineering, manufacturing, and ultimately, the installation front. Team collaboration with all project players, including ZGF Architects and Benson, was critical to the ultimate success of the project.

Featuring a stunning shot of one of the entrance façades, which utilizes Sentech’s VetraNet system, this article is a must-read for anyone in the industry looking to stay informed on structural glass trends and novel applications in structural glass, façade and seismic design in the architectural marketplace.

Visit the article HERE to read more and take a deeper dive into the inspiration, design, aesthetics, performance and creative, team-driven approach to this one-of-a-kind project!

For project credits, additional images & more information on Expedia HQ: Click Here

All Photo Credits: Benjamin Benschneider Photography