Location: New York, New York

Year:   2010

The Liquid Wall project is an advanced prototype completed in colloboration with RFR Engineers in Paris and Lafarge in the production of custom unitized cladding systems in Ultra-High Performance Concrete. Conceived as a panelized system, the frame is made of two forms of Ductal, an ultra-highperformance concrete. Digital modeling and CNC milling at Georgia Tech created undulating flexible molds in which the concrete was set. Triple glazing reduces acoustic transmission while providing high thermal performance, natural day lighting , and transparency. The glazing , designed as replaceable, repairable panels, is installed directly into the concrete frame. Within spandrel cassette panels, nonfreezing liquids flow and capture solar energy that is transmitted for use as radiant heat, domestic hot water production, and dehumidification of ventilation systems. The heat recovery systems are optimized to function in both winter and summer. Thermal performance is considered exceptional for this unified curtain wall system due to the elimination of metal units bridging the exterior and interior.

Project Team: Peter Arbour, Kelly Henry, Andres Cavieres, Rob del Vento, Clemente Duroselle, & Minh Nguyen