Sentech’s latest project feature is the tallest and final phase of an iconic 3-tower Wolf Point masterplan designed by architecture firm Pelli Clarke & Partners. Rising 57 stories and 850-feet into the northwest corner of the Chicago legendary skyline, Salesforce Tower serves as the regional headquarters for software company Salesforce, who occupies half a million square feet of the tower- just over a third of the building’s 1.4 million square feet. Sentech Architectural Systems designed, engineered and supplied more than 14 exterior VetraFin-G Series System glass facades for the tower’s 2-story lobby, totaling over 13,530 square feet of structural glass. Sentech also supplied the vestibule and elevator enclosures, made up of low-iron, laminated glass.
The lobby wall design was created using a Sentech-designed cantilevered glass fin wall that hangs from level 3. The large, cantilevered slab edge supporting the glass fins was soft-shored around the perimeter, leaving an intentional gap to account for the anticipated deflection while maintaining a constant, level elevation around the perimeter to bottom-out the slab edge as the concrete was placed. This maintained the stringent elevational tolerances necessary for the glass fin wall installation.
Salesforce Tower’s design and location were carefully selected to not only maximize convenience but encourage geographical connection between tenants, employees and the community. The tower’s design was intended for the post-pandemic workforce- geared for collaboration, flexibility, neurodiversity and sustainability. The selection of a Sentech-supplied all-glass structural façade at the base was in perfect harmony with the design intent. Allowing for natural light and a feeling of solidity, openness and transparency, the façade connects the structure to expansive waterfront views and a scenic surrounding park setting. It opens the lobby up to visitors, paving the way for connection in various forms.
Salesforce Tower is tracking to achieve LEED v4 Gold Certification for the exterior of the building and LEED v4 Platinum for the interiors, as well as a Zero Carbon Certification. The building is powered by 100% electric systems, meaning there is no on-site use of fossil fuels.
Interested in learning more? Visit the project page
Location: Chicago, IL
Completion Date: 2023
Architect: Pelli Clarke & Partners
Contractor: Walsh Group
Glazing Contractor: Harmon Inc.