Vanity Fair Headquarters
Project and design of a glazing facade
Architect
Peter Fearon Brown
Location
Stabio, Switzerland
Year
2013
Client
AZA Spa
Services
- Structural Analysis
- Construction Drawings
Peter Fearon Brown
Stabio, Switzerland
2013
AZA Spa
In order to get appointed, a glazing constructor (AZA-Aghito Zambonini) was looking for an improved solution for the facade of the new Vanity Fair Headquarters in Melide (Switzerland) in order to get the work. The idea of hanging the entire facade at the top of the main structure thus eliminating any steel substructure was successful and the work was well accomplished.
The entire entrance facade of the building is characterized by insulating glazing with high energy performance. The roof under which the facade is located is supported by steel columns placed 10m apart from each other; a thin steel bracket was fixed to the main columns which corresponds to the horizontal joints of the glazing. The whole facade is supported to the soffit through thin steel cables. The project needed regular checks on site to test the state of tension and deformation of elements installed under tight margins of tolerance between the panes.