Confidential Technology Client

Redmond, WA
Oct 28 2023 6
Project Keywords: BIM, Building Enclosure Consulting, Curtain Wall, Facade Design, LEED Platinum, Structural Engineering, Thermal Bridging, Thermal Modeling
  • Size 334,850-sf (office/R&D); 372,150-sf (parking & ancillary)
  • Completion 2023
  • Services Provided Building Enclosure Consulting, Structural Engineering, Thermal Modeling, BIM and Fabrication Support
  • Market Sector Commercial Office
  • Architect Gehry Partners
  • General Contractor BNBuilders (RDH Client)
  • Sustainability LEED Platinum Certified
  • Photographer Tim Rice
Designed by Gehry Partners for a confidential technology client, Building X is a five-story office and research and development facility set into a wooded hillside in Redmond, Washington. The building's expressive facade, curtain wall, insulated metal panels, and custom sunshade systems reflect the architect's signature geometric complexity, while the program balances workspace, meeting areas, and structured parking across approximately 707,000-sf of total project area.

RDH joined the project as an integrated member of the design and construction team, delivering Building Enclosure Consulting and Structural Engineering services from design through construction. Early in the project, RDH’s structural engineers worked directly with Gehry Partners and the general contractor, BNBuilders, to provide design-assist services that helped advance the facade design while addressing constructability, coordination, and seismic performance requirements. The facade’s non-standard geometries required detailed strategies to maintain continuity of the air, water, and thermal barriers across a system with tight tolerances and an aggressive delivery schedule. Thermal modeling evaluated performance at both the assembly and component level, identifying opportunities to reduce thermal bridging at gaskets, anchors, and connection points.

As the project transitioned into construction, RDH continued working with the glazing and insulated metal panel contractors to develop a coordinated facade BIM model, fabrication-ready shop drawings, and structural support systems. This design-to-construction role provided continuity between the original design intent and deferred submittal engineering, helping streamline coordination, reduce project risk, and support efficient installation. Integrated 3D models within the project’s BIM environment also facilitated early clash detection, prefabrication planning, and reduced field coordination challenges.

Oct 28 2023 3
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