The ION Exterior
Dubbed a “nucleus of innovation”, The Ion (www.ionhouston.com) is the anchor for academic, corporate and community collaboration in downtown Houston. The project of Rice University was overseen by Hines and designed by SHoP Architects. The Houston office of Gensler served as the architect of record for the project with Gilbane as the General Contractor. James Carpenter Design Associates designed the facade and related elements.
Integrated into the curtain wall system is a system of custom metal fins with profiled perforations and alternating formed angles. Artform provided design assistance with system details to ensure seamless integration into the specified curtain wall systems. The scope for the lower floors included a coordinated array of alternating metal patterns with a custom blue metallic coating on the inside and the silver curtain wall coating on the outside. The upper floors fin system consists of 30’ tall unitized assemblies that span two stories and were installed as single units.
Artform’s services included design and engineering, fabrication, custom fluoropolymer coating and logistical and installation support. Admiral Glass Company provided installation for the project.
Credits:
Design Architect: SHoP Architects
Architect of Record: Gensler
Facade Designer: James Carpenter Design Associates
Owner: Rice University
General Contractor: Gilbane