New York, New York
James Hartford, Project Manager for James R. Gainfort, Consulting Architects
The designing architects hired James R, Gainfort, Consulting Architects to provide a design solution for the glass terrace to be built over their clients’ breakfast room. The objective of this design was to balance structural, thermal, and moisture control issues with the aesthetic requirements befitting the exquisite renovation of a classic Manhattan brownstone.
As the project manager for this design challenge, James Hartford proposed a tempered and laminated structural glass walking surface over a clear laminated glass underside, separated by an argon-filled insulating air space. The edges of the structural glass create a lip that bears onto a high density polyethylene thermal separation, eliminating the thermal bridge at the structural steel and the likelihood of water condensing on the underside of the glass and steel.
The result is a graceful design that is beautiful from both above and below. The walking surface on the top is slip-resistant and sturdy, yet translucent and light. The glass terrace bathes the room below with comfortable, even light, giving the occupants a glare-free space that is animated by the sky above.
