111 West 57th Street

New York, USA

Project details
Client

JDS Development Group

Architect

Architect: SHoP Architects, Interiors: Studio Sofield

Services provided by Buro Happold

Facade engineering

Located in the heart of midtown Manhattan, 111 West 57th Street is formed from the original landmark Steinway building and a new tower built alongside it.

The 316,000ft² mixed-use tower takes advantage of sweeping views of Central Park, and will feature residential apartments and a large retail component with shared recreation spaces and lobby.

Challenge

The design of the new tower has been conceived to bring back the essence of historic New York City towers while employing the latest technology to push the limits in engineering and fabrication. This is apparent in the narrowness and height of the structure, which is 45ft wide and more than 1,400ft tall.

The building features textured terracotta ornamental and bronze detailing, which references traditional approaches while providing a rich aesthetic. A key requirement for our team is to ensure that the facade is capable of supporting the heavy weight of the terracotta, especially given the building’s extreme slenderness.

The 1,400ft tower is feathered at the top, accentuating its slender form. Image: JDS Development Group.

Solution

Buro Happold is providing facade engineering services for the tower envelope as well as the new 57th Street entrance. The north and south orientations will employ a fully glazed curtain wall system, and the east and west orientations will consist of a curtain wall with custom terracotta rainscreen panels. The 57th Street entrance will be an elegant glazed facade with bronze accented structural elements.

In order to successfully deliver the terracotta and bronze elements, our team of specialists employed their extensive knowledge to perform a robust analysis of the facade materials and their geometry for feasibility, serviceability and adherence to the architect’s vision.

Value

The forward thinking approach to engineering and architectural design is immediately visible from the narrowness and height of the structure, as well as in the technical and material boundaries the tower explores. When completed, the building will not only become one of the thinnest skyscrapers in the world, but will also take its place on New York’s skyline as one of the city’s tallest and most iconic buildings.

Awards

2022

NYCxDESIGN: Award in building façade category

2022

CTBUH’s 2022 Award of Excellence: Best Tall Building 400 Meters and Above

2022

CTBUH: 2022 Award of Excellence, Best Tall Residential or Hotel Building

2022

CTBUH: 2022 Award of Excellence – Best Tall Building 400 Meters and Above

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