GatewayGrand

In a town built with clapboard and stucco, Gateway Grand is the first structure to incorporate an aluminum composite rain screen panel system as a primary skin element. Rising over 200 feet above the surf, this 16-story landmark building was constructed in accordance with the Miami-Dade protocol for building envelope protection from small- and large-missile projectiles.

During a severe weather event, the most critical factor in increasing the chances of a building’s survival is protection of all the openings to the outside. Once the wind enters the structure, the pressure changes lead to disastrous results. Not only is it critical that the windows, doors and curtain walls be impact resistant, but the entire envelope must be able to withstand loads and flying debris during a severe weather event. Tidewater Glazing was awarded the contract to provide nearly 165,000 square building envelope materials consistent with this design.

Due to high winds, installing material along the coastline is always challenging. Doing so off-season during bitter winter months compounded the challenge on Gateway Grand, demanding that weather delays would be inevitable. However, through careful planning and proper staffing, we completed the project ahead of schedule.

The project earned LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.