Challenge
Deep Vertical Fins with Minimal, Clean Expression
The architectural vision required 12–13” deep fins that emphasized verticality, acted as solar shading, and avoided any visible horizontal aluminum or exposed exterior metal. The design also demanded ultra-slim 15mm visual profiles across fins and mullions.
Project
1640 14th Street | Challenge Two
Process
We engineered a fully custom facade expression:
01
Developed extruded aluminum fins and cover caps tailored for depth and visual consistency.
02
Shifted from standard pressure-fit systems to a mechanically fastened U-channel connection to resist wind loads generated by the deep projection.
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03
Designed all fin-to-mullion relationships to maintain a consistent 15mm visual thickness, reinforcing the “aluminum-through-glass” concept.
04
Implemented a structurally glazed, wet-seal exterior system to eliminate visible horizontal aluminum and reinforce the vertical language.
Result
The facade achieved a highly refined vertical composition with deep-performing fins that function as solar control elements while maintaining a completely clean exterior expression with no exposed aluminum interruptions.
