Signal House

SGH consulted on building enclosure design, including below-grade and plaza waterproofing, unitized curtain walls with integrated terracotta panels, protected membrane roofing systems, and rooftop-mounted photovoltaic panels. Highlights of our work include the following:

• Working closely with the architect and curtain wall manufacturer during the early concept phase and design-assist process to integrate terracotta panels into the prefabricated curtain wall panels, achieve thermal continuity and condensation resistance, and transition the curtain wall to adjacent rain screen cladding
• Recommending performance values (e.g., U-value and solar shading requirements) used by the mechanical engineer in their building energy model and performing computational fluid dynamics modeling to assess condensation risks at the curtain wall
• Evaluating wind uplift resistance of roof assemblies
• Developing details to integrate the various enclosure systems, such as intersections from vertical assemblies to roofing and vegetative roofing assemblies and waterproofing at plazas, balconies, and the roof deck
• Advising on drainage and waterproofing strategies for exterior doors
• Consulting on safety requirements, visual and performance expectations, and quality control during the manufacturing process for various glazing types
• Reviewing laboratory curtain wall mockups and witnessing performance testing of the mockups and in situ enclosure assemblies
• Providing construction-phase services, including reviewing contractor submittals, observing installation of the enclosure systems, and helping the project team address complex field conditions