On September 27, The Architect’s Newspaper’s Facades+ conference series returns to Denver. The conference will be co-chaired by Brandon Andow, principal at HKS. Hosted at The Cable Center in downtown Denver, the conference will include a Methods & Materials Gallery, exhibiting the latest products from facade manufacturers, as well as a symposium room, which will hold eight expert-led presentations throughout the day. Click here to view additional information and register.
In this case-study, Jenny Trumble of CCY Architects will present DNA Alpine, a remote residential project located 10,000 feet above sea level in the Rocky Mountains. The building’s copper facade takes inspiration from the Engelman spruce trees which surround the site, as well as the client’s interest in biology. The folded surfaces along the enclosure emulate the DNA sequence of the Engelman spruce trees.
Commissioned for Colorado State University’s SPUR program, the Hydro building takes its name from the water-related research which takes place in the facility. The facade of the structure is intended to mimic the flow of a river or stream, utilizing a metal-scrim sunshade applied in sweeping curvilinear gestures. Jennifer Cordes, principal at Hord Coplan Macht, will cover the technical details of the perforated shade structure as well as the challenges installing rounded facade elements.
This roundtable will cover important shifts within the certification and accreditation process. Panelists will share their expertise regarding the competing enclosure credentials such as IIBEC, CBECxP, ASTM, CPH, and more. Will Babbington, facade design director at Studio NYL, David Young, technical director at Lerch Bates, and Jeff Crowe, building science consultant at Morrison Hershfield, will discuss the development of new accreditation standards and certification programs which promise to add tools and expertise for AEC professionals. They will also share their expertise on the evolution and added value of processes such as building enclosure commissioning.
Jr. Butler is a leading glazing contractor with a strong internal commitment to leadership development. Through the Elite Team training program, a hand-selected group of Jr. Butler employees are taught leadership, teamwork, personal responsibility, and professional decorum.
This panel’s focus is climate resiliency strategies. Dr. Sara Stenabaugh, senior engineer at CPP Wind Engineering, will discuss wind-loads and other topics related to performance-based wind engineering. Andrew Dillenbeck, associate at RDH, will show how rigorous testing and thoughtful building design can mitigate the destruction of wildfires and other extreme heat events.
A team of researchers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado will provide attendees with an overview of the latest developments in high-performance glazing. NREL develops performance tests and economic feasibility models for new glazing products before they are on the market. Our expert panelists will discuss vacuum-insulated glass, chromogenic glass, and aerogel-insulated windows, focusing on the aspects of NREL’s research which are relevant to architects and other AEC professionals.
The symposium’s final case-study of the day will highlight the work of Meridian 105 Architecture, a local firm headed by founding principal Chad Mitchell. Alongside Daryn Hosiassohn of White Construction Group, Mitchell will present the Berkeley Hotel in Northwest Denver. The pair will delve into details related to the selection, detailing, and construction of the hotel’s brick screening and structural concrete exoskeleton.

source