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Boston — Logan International Airport’s new, 10-story West Garage Extension features an attractive, kinetic exterior to distinctively screen the facility. Designed by Arrowstreet Inc. and manufactured by EXTECH, the dynamic façade system consists of more than 48,000 aluminum flapper panels that move in response to wind currents. Each flapper panel was finished by Linetec in Class I clear anodize.
The 6-inch square curved flapper panels (see photo) are set within 353 extruded aluminum framing support assemblies that span eight stories high by 290 feet wide. The system was subjected to 130 mph winds to test system resiliency; its anodize finish also contributes to its durability.
Class I coating is a high-performance anodic finish used primarily for exterior building products and other products that must withstand continuous outdoor exposure.
“Anodizing successfully combines science with nature to create one of the world's best metal finishes. Because it is an integral part of the substrate, the anodic coating provides excellent wear and abrasion resistance with minimal maintenance,” said Tammy Schroeder, senior marketing specialist, Linetec.
"Choosing clear anodize to create the unique façade for (the garage) not only contributes to its lasting performance, but also accentuates the intended sense of movement as the light reflects off the aluminum flapper panels that seem to dance in the wind," she said.
“Various shapes, material thicknesses, and finishes were tested, resulting in the curved, anodized aluminum pieces that reflect light and ripple with the breeze,” said David Bois, principal, Arrowstreet. “Our partnership with EXTECH allowed us to develop and fabricate a system for the facade that would have been difficult — if not impossible — without their collaboration.”
Before finalizing the façade design, EXTECH provided Arrowstreet with several mock-ups for the Massachusetts Port Authority’s (Massport’s) review and approval. The self-supporting Massport owns and operates Boston Logan, and receives no state tax money to support its operations or facilities. In the last decade, Massport and its airline partners have invested more than $4.4 billion to build a new runway, roadways, terminals, taxiways, and garages.
Massport relied on Arrowstreet to lead a multidisciplinary team that evaluated and integrated the new garage within the existing Central Parking, walkways, and adjacent terminals. Situated over the existing Hilton Hotel parking lot, it is the airport’s tallest parking structure and offers 1,700 more parking spaces. The resulting garage optimizes the experience for passengers and its dynamic façade enhances the view for the traveling public and visitors of the nearby 9/11 Memorial and Hilton Hotel.
Turner Construction Co. served as the general contractor. Construction on the 68,880-square-foot building started in June 2015. Massachusetts-based glazing contractor Ipswich Bay Glass Co. began installing the dynamic façade in November, and worked through the winter to complete the exterior in January 2016.
Linetec is one of the nation’s largest paint and anodize finishers, and the largest independent architectural finisher. Located in Wisconsin, the company serves customers across the country, finishing such products as aluminum windows, wall systems, doors, hardware, and other architectural metal components, as well as automotive, marine, and manufactured consumer goods.
