A Clear Vision: Otter Air Services’ Glass Facade
Located on the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Campus, Otter Air Services consists of a dynamic 40,000-square-foot new facility, which includes a 20,000-square-foot hangar that houses a fleet of Swiss-made Pilatus aircraft. With a focus on exceptional customer service and a high-quality travel experience, hangar amenities include indoor and outdoor hospitality areas for both personal and business use, increased visibility into the hangar, and unobstructed airside views.
Otter Air Services stands as a beacon of innovative architecture, with one of its most striking features being the expansive glass facade. This element defines the building's aesthetic and encapsulates the project's commitment to blending form with function.
History
The inception of Otter's glass facade began with a vision to offer an unobstructed view of the runway, enhancing the overall experience for visitors. Early in the project, the idea of using a traditional curtain wall system was considered. However, the client's desire for a more seamless and visually striking solution led the design team to explore alternative systems. This journey eventually brought them to Novum Structures, whose expertise in innovative glass solutions was crucial in bringing the vision to life. Through discussions with the Novum team, four different design strategies for the glass façade were developed. IA recommended the strategy that was ultimately picked by the client and constructed as photos of the finished building show.
Design Challenges
From the beginning it was understood by the IA team that the ambitious design, unconventional requirements, and installation of the glass façade would present various challenges that would call for strategic solutions.
One significant hurdle was sourcing glass that could meet the aesthetic and structural demands without the typical metal supports found in traditional curtain walls. The selected glass panels were exceptionally large. Half of the panels measured at 5’x11’-4” and the other half at 5’x25’-8”, with each panel being 2.5” thick and consisting of two layers of low-iron, low-e-coated lamination. Exceeding the capabilities of any U.S. manufacturer, this necessitated international collaboration with engineering from Germany and glazing fabricated in China. Coordinating across continents added complexity to the project, requiring meticulous planning and frequent coordination meetings.
Environmental factors created additional intricacies. Ensuring the glass met stringent thermal performance standards for the cold climate was critical to the design process. Waterproofing details at the perimeter of the tilted glass system also required a unique approach compared to standard window installations.
Coordinating with so many specialized teams was a challenge of its own. Through every stage of the project, IA ensured that communication between the Novum team, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, civil engineers, interior designers, steel erectors, framing contractors, building cladding contractors, and flooring contractors (just to name a few!) was organized and that the project remained on schedule to deliver a high-quality solution that exceeded expectations.
Importance
What puts the Otter Air Services glass facade in a class of its own is its sheer scale and the innovative engineering behind it. The glass panels used are significantly larger than those typically employed in standard construction projects, akin to the first-floor facades of high-end skyscrapers or iconic structures like the Apple Store in Chicago. The glass facade's ability to resist thermal bridging and withstand environmental stressors is a testament to the advanced engineering involved. Furthermore, the slight overhang and 10-degree slant of the design create a dynamic visual effect, making visitors feel closer to the runway while providing necessary sun protection. IA’s thought leadership, dedicated collaboration, and creative problem-solving guided this important piece of the iconic Otter Air Services’ facility.
Learn more about Otter Air Services Hangar and Passenger Lounge
