Optik Railings Lift Moscone Center Renovation to New Heights

The George R. Moscone Center already casts a civic presence in the heart of downtown San Francisco. An expanded and improved architectural renovation will elevate the center’s impact even further. Slated for completion in early 2019, a key component of the renovation features glass railing systems from HDI Railings, Inc.

Application:

• Glass railing system for indoor and outdoor use
• Smoke baffle

Solution:

• Optik™ Shoe railing and glass
• Optik™ Smoke Baffle

Popularly known as the Moscone Center, the building is the largest convention and exhibition complex in San Francisco. The complex structure spans three blocks and 87 acres in the South of Market neighborhood. It generates more than 20 percent of the 16.9 million visitors to San Francisco, making it a main driver of business.

Designed by SOM, in association with Mark Cavagnero Associates, the expanded and improved Moscone Center casts a luminous and welcoming aura. Its Howard Street structure features transparent and translucent materials, bringing natural light into the public space to reveal activity within. Glass panel railings lead up to the building’s environmental roof.

The architectural firm looked to HDI for custom glass railings to carry their luminous, open concept design. HDI Optik™ Shoe and Optik™ Smoke Baffle were chosen to support the architect’s vision.

The Optik Shoe system is designed to offer users an unobtrusive look by giving the appearance of a floating glass system. A stainless steel covered channel supports glass panels that are secured in place using a patented disc lock system, providing a clean uninterrupted look.

“The end results is a very clean looking rail system. Since the glass panels are wide and there is only cap rail along the top edge of the glass, you see very little of the glass guardrail. Most of the shoe base mounting is concealed in the finished floor,” noted Derek Stambaugh, Senior Project Engineer.

An aluminum shoe base was selected for mounting. Type 304 stainless steel was selected for interior cladding and cap rail, while 316 stainless steel cladding and cap rail offer durability for the structure’s exterior railings. Custom 3/4″ inch low-iron tempered glass panels were selected, some spanning 10-feet wide for a truly unobtrusive appearance.

HDI Optik Smoke Baffle provides a virtually invisible overhead glass curtain designed to restrict airflow and smoke movement along ceilings. This provides assistance to HVAC, smoke control, and sprinkler isolation.

With sustainability integral to the design, the Moscone Center will seek LEED Platinum certification. HDI infill options help contribute to LEED certification by impacting daylighting, controlling energy use and improving environments. For example, a glass infill or smoke baffle can contribute to Energy & Atmosphere credits since they maximize the use of outside light to reduce energy consumption and lighting requirements.

Architects looked to HDI for sales and project manager support, design, LEED, and compliance services. Upon completion in 2019, the Moscone Center will replace 25,000 square feet of surface parking and vehicular circulation, exit ways, and ramps with pedestrian-friendly space. The project will add more than 8,000 square feet of new public open space, including a play area for younger children. Multiple outdoor terraces will offer sweeping city views.

For HDI design and support services, contact a Regional Sales Manager today.