SHoP Architects designs the first tower of the Essex Crossing clad in anodized aluminium curtainwall modules

Aluminium is opening up more avenues for the architects to experiment with design and utility performance. SHoP Architects completed the first tower of the Essex Crossing mega-development located in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, clad in anodized aluminium curtainwall modules. An architectural marvel, the tower has used aluminium intelligently for lighting and aesthetics.

Essex Crossing is a sprawling 6- development project master planned by SHoP. In total, the project will cover about two million square feet of development. The podium of 242 Broome is primarily reserved for retail use, with large curtain wall modules and window widths to allow optimum daylight.

Just over 500 aluminium-and-glass curtainwall modules are distributed across the building’s elevations for design and convenience. SHoP installed a continuous waterproofing barrier behind the aluminium rainscreen modules. The facade was installed in approximately three months.

“Anchors for the curtain wall are embedded in the concrete slabs, and serrated aluminum L-shapes attach to the anchors allowing for adjustability,” said the design team. “Hooks are attached to the back of the curtainwall mullions which rest on the L-brackets.”

The all-aluminum rainscreen clads the west elevation of the tower. Parametric design and digital workflows helped the SHoP Architects develop the continually changing curtain wall panels and interior layouts. The colour of the folded panels was achieved by bathing the aluminium panels in a colouration bath.

SHoP Architects is also designing the International Center of Photography’s new home with perforated aluminium claddings, cut, folded, and hung on a series of vertical rails.