The curtain wall is one of the most groundbreaking innovations in modern commercial architecture. It has transformed the aesthetics of properties and provides benefits such as increasing natural light within the structure. In addition, the surface is non-structural and therefore can be much lighter. This is why they are commonly made of glass.

The Hallidie Building, San Francisco

The seven storey retail and office building is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2018. When it was complete in 1918 it was unique, the very first building in the US to feature a lightweight, sheer glass curtain wall. It was a groundbreaking design by architect Willis Polk.

A number of issues inspired the creation of the glazed wall. Firstly there were budget limitations. Creating an entire surface from brick would have cost much more than the curtain wall. After-all it would have required more extensive foundations to account for the additional weight. In addition, the use of glass helped to maximise the amount of natural light inside the building.

Striking yet odd

The glass facade makes the building stand out but also made it something of an oddity at the time. It creates an interesting juxtaposition with the gold painted iron work that was common in the area during the period.

One of the incredible things about the design is that the glass wall is attached to each concrete floor with brackets and steel mullions. As a result it is a similar to the floating walls we see on modern commercial architecture today, particularly skyscrapers. This shows just how innovative the idea was for the time.

Modern buildings

Curtain walls are very common now. The weight savings are a big reason why it is possible to build such large skyscrapers. They would have a much larger footprint if heavier materials were necessary instead of lightweight glass. It would also dramatically increase the construction costs.

Coffey Architects loves commercial architecture, especially iconic buildings that innovate and inspire others. The Hallidie Building definitely deserves fits into this category.

The architecture field moves forward thanks to technological advancements. New equipment allows architects to be more creative with their designs. It can also reduce the amount of time that is necessary for modelling and feasibility studies. One of the most powerful devices an architect can use is a 3D printer; with one they can produce accurate models from a number of materials. Continue reading →

For decades the trend in commercial architecture has been to create buildings that stand out. There are many incredible examples of this all around the world, including the Shard in London as well as the new Apple Campus in LA. Although these designs can be attractive, they can have a huge impact on an area. Consequently, architects are now starting to consider the wider settings in which their buildings are based. Continue reading →

Commercial architecture is something we are very familiar with, having completed many projects revolved around it in the past. Using our talents as well as extensive knowledge of the sector, we can produce first class complexes that suit a plethora of specifications. Committed and hard working, ours is a team you can depend on. Continue reading →

In a past blog we wrote about our plans for a brand new three storey mixed retail and office building in King’s Cross. We submitted the proposal to the London Borough of Camden, hoping their planning committee would grant permission. These hopes were successful because on February 22nd approval was granted for this exciting piece of commercial architecture. Continue reading →

BBC Television Centre is an iconic piece of commercial architecture and is familiar to TV viewers from numerous generations. The property faced an uncertain future in 2010 though because many services were relocated to new buildings in Salford. The decision was ultimately made to transform the property, creating new homes, commercial spaces, and community facilities. Continue reading →