The Kolon Tower
In Collaboration with: Christina Griggs, Priyanka Rajani, Irvin Shaifa
About the project..
In the Kolon One and Only Tower, the GFRP panels had two major functions: sun-shading and cross-bracing the facade.
Post analyzing, we proposed a material change from GFRP to ETFE. ETFE can address these two issues while bringing other benefits to the table. In terms of sun-shading and visibility, the ETFE will be covered in a custom frit pattern, thus allowing for an even higher degree of specificity than the GFRP offered. Secondly, the ETFE system is one of tension and as such makes it suitable to function as cross-bracing on the diagonal of the curtain wall.
The lightweight quality of the material and its ability to deform under live load make it particularly suited to dampening wind. This is especially an asset as the Kolon Tower is located in an area prone to monsoons.
There are be double-layer inflated ETFE panels where there was originally GFRP. Secondly, there will be an additional single-layer ETFE system which sits behind the inflated panels. These are outfitted with frit to control and harness the sun as well, thus taking material advantage of spaces which were completely empty in the original building.
