10/30/2015 (PRESS RELEASE JET) -- Structurflex was recently recognized with the Outstanding Achievement Award for Façades for work on Northwestern University’s Visitor’s Center in Chicago, IL.
“We are honored to be recognized by such a notable organization as the IFAI. Though we are seasoned in the international design, fabrication, and installation of tensile structures and have a diverse project portfolio, we are particularly excited that this iconic project has received accolades in this year’s IAA,” said Paul Snustead, Business Development and Design Manager at Structurflex. “Both the Visitor’s Center and the adjoining parking garage are integral parts of the historic Northwestern’s campus, reflective of the university’s diversity, culture, and innovation.”
Work on the Visitor’s Center was completed with fabric supplier and producer Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corp., and architect Perkins + Will, with engineering, fabrication, subcontracting, installation, and project management handled by Structurflex. The University’s vision for the Sailing and Visitor Center encompassed a state-of-the-art parking structure serving an imminent need for a parking solution while making a signature statement. The tensile façade was designed to blend with the adjoining development of the Sailing and Visitor’s Center. The project features 94 panels, or approximately 10,000 square feet of PTFE membrane, that were custom-shaped to mimic a wave of water, evoking the sailing theme. Structurflex provided collaboration on the design, engineering of the sails and structural support, plus PTFE fiberglass fabrication and installation. Due to the need to avoid conflict with post-tensioned slabs and rebar in the concrete parking garage, Structurflex collaborated with the contractor to devise a solution for placement of the embedment anchors responsible for attaching the structural framing.
In addition to the Outstanding Achievement Award for Façades, Structurflex also received the Outstanding Achievement Award for Frame-Supported Structures for work on Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
About Structurflex
Among the world’s leading producers of fabric architecture, Structurflex has over 75 years experience in designing, manufacturing, and installing ETFE, PTFE, and PVC tensile membrane structures and tensile facades internationally. Their immense understanding of the intersections of engineering, construction, and architecture ensures high quality, precision, and functionality. Currently, the company has operations in New Zealand, the United States, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates and Brazil.
To learn more about Structurflex, visit http://structurflex.com/.
About IAA
For more than six decades, IAA has recognized excellence in design and innovation, highlighting truly spectacular work in the specialty fabrics and technical textiles industry. The International Achievement Awards competition is sponsored by IFAI, a not-for-profit trade association whose over 1,600 member companies represent the growing international specialty fabrics and technical textiles marketplace.
IFAI received a total of 293 entries from 11 countries that were submitted for 31 categories in this year’s competition. Winners were selected based on complexity, design, workmanship, uniqueness and function. Judges included industry experts, editors, architects, educators and design professionals who were chosen for their knowledge in a particular field of study or product area.
All entries receive prominent recognition at the IFAI Expo, the largest specialty fabrics trade show in the Americas. Winners receive additional publicity through coverage in IFAI magazines and press releases distributed to media professionals.
For photos and a detailed project description, visit ifai.com/iaa
Media Contact
Company Name: Structurflex
Name: Paul C. Snustead
Phone: 1-816-889-9000
Email Address: psnustead@structurflex.com
Website: http://structurflex.com/