Empire State Building provides the backdrop, HDI’s CIRCUM Square with LED and glass provides the security and spectacular view

Request a Quote

Rooftop lounging is part of the lifestyle in New York City where cityscape views are unparalleled. The 21-story art deco building at 16 East 34th Street is situated in the center of  Manhattan’s retail district and has incredible rooftop views of the Empire State Building. A contemporary railing system was needed for this spectacular rooftop space overlooking the bustling Manhattan shopping district.

Railing System: CIRCUM™ Square railing system
Location: Manhattan, NYC
Architect: Design Republic Architect
Contractor:  Nucor Construction Group

HDI’s Circum Square™ railing system with glass infill and LED lighting provided a sleek look without sacrificing unobtrusive views. Additionally, the high-quality stainless steel and expert engineering made this railing system a sturdy and durable choice for high wind loads. Secure mounts are especially important for tall buildings or rooftop decks exposed to higher wind loads. HDI coordinated with the onsite field management staff and engineers to ensure that the mount design met all applicable engineering standards and wind load requirements. “Due to mounting condition challenges that come with mounting into old brick on the build’s rooftop, HDI worked very closely with their design team in conforming our standard railing base into an enlarged base plate specified by their EOR,” said Mike Kay, Vice President of HDI Railings.

Due to the complexity of the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall construction project was delayed, but HDI worked very closely with the general contractor and building owner to provide flexibility in response to changing COVID restrictions. HDI made special arrangements to send a Project Manager to site to take onsite field measurements necessary for fabrication. All railings were fully assembled in HDI’s Lancaster, Pennsylvania facility and then deconstructed into fully assembled sections for shipping thereby ensuring an efficient installation.

HDI was able to provide a professional installation crew to install the rooftop railing system amidst the pandemic whilst abiding by all local guidelines and restrictions. HDI’s highly qualified, factory trained installers have a wide breadth of experience installing and finishing custom railing systems in a variety of construction environments. While HDI always provides railing system installation as an option, we handle supply-only projects too. In order to facilitate easy installation HDI provides installation manuals and everything you need to do-it-yourself.

When installed and concealed properly, LED lighting within your stair railing system can provide increased security, durability, and design appeal. Specific lighting requirements were needed for the rooftop, so HDI furnished solutions to match the lighting design criteria. HDI provided asymmetric LED lighting to provide a directional beam in all required locations on the rooftop. Asymmetrical beam spread provides beam spread angles of 26 and 60 degrees measured from center, when it is desirable to vary the illumination on either side of the railing.

When building professionals need a commercial railing system that can keep up with industry demands they turn to HDI. Please contact a regional sales representative to discuss your next railing project.

More Case Studies Request a Quote

Optik™ Boss Enhances Vantage Data Center

  The Vantage Data Center in Denver, CO, exemplifies modern architectural innovation. Designed by Acquilano Architects and constructed by Rand Construction, the building required railing systems that aligned with its sleek, contemporary design. To meet... Read more

Precision and Elegance at SF Civic Library

  The San Francisco Community Civic Campus Library is a beacon of modern design and functionality. Designed by SmithGroup Architects and built by Swinerton, this facility required a railing system that delivered both aesthetic value... Read more