E&A was contracted and responsible for pre-construction, construction, and close-out tasks to successfully complete the installation of a state of the art logistics package and new rainscreen overclad system

Description of Work and Location: This structure is located at 211 East 70th Street, New York, New York. It is a flagship building of a major Manhattan Owner-Developer.  In accordance with Ownership’s requirements the work was performed under full tenant occupancy while minimally impacting the day to day lifestyle of the tenants.  The building is nestled between two privately owned parks situated upon expanded sub-grade parking and basement structures. Another main feature of this building is the full service “Porte Cochere” which extends through the base of the building from East 70th Street through East 71st Street. Within the Porte Cochere is the building’s feature main entrance.  The overall project consisted of a two-phase installation.  Phase one was the installation of the new Rainscreen Over-Clad Façade. Phase two included the restoration of the Porte Cochere and the surrounding gardens and plazas known as the East and West gardens.  

Project Role: E&A was contracted and responsible for preconstruction, construction, and close-out tasks to successfully complete both phases.

Pre-Construction: E&A was involved with the project from commencement and directly responsible for the design coordination, fabrication, and delivery of all materials.  The design coordination was the link between the architect of record and the material fabricators and engineers located overseas.  This involved numerous video conferences to process, evaluate, and disseminate the extensive information gained from the laser point survey of the building’s façade, essential for establishing the design parameters and criteria.  E&A’s responsibilities also included coordinating the design specifications for the project and assisting the fabrication team in implementing these into the material fabrication tolerances.  In addition to assisting in the design, E&A was responsible for coordinating the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the Rain Screen fabrication process. E&A also developed and managed the categorization order in which material was fabricated, shipped, and delivered based on the installation methodologies and schedule requirements. 

Phase 1 – Rainscreen Over Clad
Site Logistics: E&A was instrumental in developing and installing the detailed site logistics plan to facilitate the requirement of minimal disruptions to existing tenancy.  An elaborate structural platform was constructed at the 2nd floor slab elevation around the entire building.  Strategic access points were installed away from the normal flow of occupants thereby minimizing interaction with the construction and tenant activities.  To preserve the panoramic views offered to each apartment, a custom vertical work access system was installed.  This system consisted of twelve Mast Climber platforms with loading capabilities vertically transport all tools, material, equipment, and manpower required to perform daily work tasks ensuring minimal disruption to existing tenants at non-work locations.  Accommodations were made within the building for which tenants could go to a newly built-out lounge if exterior work in the vicinity of their apartment was causing discomfort. 

Rainscreen Installation: The existing façade, constructed of concrete and masonry, was repaired to its original integrity, and coated with a barrier membrane.  This work transformed the existing façade into a long term, weather tight substructure, capable of supporting the new Rainscreen façade for many years. The Rainscreen over cladding system design required modifications to the existing packaged terminal air condition units (PTACs), these are individual AC units under the windows and were unsightly. The PTAC modifications allowed for their incorporation into the new design and their seeming disappearance.  The installation of the new rain screen required a new structural support framing system in support of the new terracotta cladding, window surrounds and PTAC grillage.  The structural framing system was comprised of custom extruded vertical framing components connected to anchored wall brackets. Newly installed window surrounds and PTAC extensions with baffles connected via hook and pin to the vertical framing. New railings at the main roofs required the design and installation of new structural support systems. Existing roof membranes and drainage systems were removed and replaced with proprietary systems and overburdened with green roofs and pavers.