The new headquarters for the local Chicago logistics company, C.H. Robinson, is located on the site of the former Gutmann Leather Tannery on the east bank of the Chicago River. The four-story office building features a riverfront terrace, 25,000 sf green roof, landscaped surface parking for 140 cars and on-site parking for over 200 bikes.
Collaboration Provides Cost-Effective Solutions
Our team worked closely with SOM during pre-construction to provide multiple exterior design and pricing options that achieve the overall design concept within budget. The enclosure cost was reduced by using stick-built curtainwall instead of unitized curtainwall, which allowed for improvement of the metal panel sunshade options to mitigate solar heat and reduce glare in the office.
Design-Assist Approach for Unique Curtainwall Enclosure
The curtainwall design called for undulating sunshades along the West elevation to improve thermal comfort within the facility. They also create a wave pattern that is reflective of the motion in the Chicago river. A visual mockup was constructed near the jobsite to review the custom joints and field tolerances of the sunshade installation. We worked with the design team and fabricators to ensure constructability of these unique exterior elements.
