In early design phases, Radius Track Corporation met with Grimshaw Architects to discuss structural light gauge framing possibilities for the Frost Museum of Science Aquarium façade.

Kenpat was awarded the design-build façade contract, and they hired Radius Track to their team of experts. “The combination of four realities challenged the team: tight tolerance, patterned compound curving tiled façade, unique structural attachment, Miami-Dade NOA,” said Paul Wolmarans, CEO-Kenpat USA. “Assembling a core team to bring the right expertise at the right time is the key to the success of this project.”

“Our team developed a process that enabled us to take two-dimensional details, deploy them three-dimensionally and create a feedback loop to gain exposure on the project all the way around,” said Jeff Montague, Radius Track Sr. Design Technologist.

Through the design and construction of several mock-ups, Radius Track perfected the detailing of the system, and embedded material behavior of the curving assembly learned from the mockups back into the 3D model of the building. This holistic understanding of the design to fabrication and installation process made it possible to accurately utilize advanced surveying techniques. And for Kenpat to locate the curved structural steel studs fabricated by Radius Track and accurately install the precise parallelogram facade pattern.

“Delivering a project as complicated as the aquarium building is only possible by collaborative effort. This team focused on what needed to be done to create a project that is the best for the owner and the building,” said Chuck Mears, FAIA, Chief Design Officer, Radius Track.

PROJECT TEAM:
Architect: Grimshaw Architects
AOR: Rodriguez & Quiroga Architects Chartered
Construction Manager: Skanska
Exterior Wall System Contractor: Kenpat
CFS Design & Fabrication: Radius Track Corporation
CFS Engineering: McClure Engineering Co.
Skin Parametric Modeling: Kotronis Consulting LLC

Check out the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h304Lwx6zn4&feature=youtu.be