1201 Normandy Place
PROJECT OVERVIEW
1201 Normandy Place is a four-story, 137,000-square-foot life sciences building located at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Designed by DIGASAU and developed by Ensemble/Mosaic, the facility features a distinctive precast concrete façade inspired by the structure of DNA. High Concrete Group partnered with the project team through a design-assist approach to deliver custom architectural precast panels that balance visual depth, durability, and performance. Precision engineering and close coordination supported seamless integration with the curtain wall systems, Terra-Cotta Scrim, and complex balcony conditions. The result is a contemporary façade that meets the technical demands of a modern research environment while contributing to the Navy Yard’s growing campus.
Project Details
- Owner: Ensemble/Mosaic
- Architect: DIGSAU
- General Contractor: LEF Driscoll
- Project Size: 137,000 sq. ft.
Key Project Attributes
- Shared design reviews improved constructability and ensured alignment between the precast façade and the building’s architectural and structural requirements.
- BIM coordination helped prevent conflicts with lab systems, curtain wall assemblies, and balcony structures in a highly technical life-sciences environment.
- User-specific design considerations included 15’–16’ floor-to-floor heights and a 22’ x 50’ structural grid. The façade was composed of vertical precast wall panels and horizontally spanning precast spandrels.
- Tight precast tolerances were achieved to support precise integration with the adjacent curtain wall system.
Design Assist Collaboration
Through early design-assist collaboration, High Concrete Group helped shape a façade strategy that supported the project’s architectural vision while delivering long-term performance. A custom formliner was developed to create a repeatable DNA-inspired motif that added visual depth while maintaining material efficiency. An acid-etched finish added refinement and texture, contributing to a contemporary aesthetic that complements the Philadelphia Navy Yard’s growing life sciences district.
Custom Design Features
The DNA-patterned façade required precision engineering, multiple mockups, and ongoing refinement to fully realize the design intent. Tight interfaces with lab systems and curtain wall assemblies made early and proactive BIM coordination essential to efficient fabrication and erection. High Concrete’s engineering team supported the fast-paced schedule through responsive coordination and a streamlined erection strategy tailored to Navy Yard site constraints.
Complex Façade Conditions
One of the more challenging façade conditions involved the cantilevered balconies. High Concrete collaborated with LF Driscoll and the structural team to address thermal-bridging concerns while accommodating projecting steel members and maintaining the intended architectural expression. Resolving these conditions required innovative detailing and close coordination across disciplines.
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