GLOBAL INSPIRATION // Nova, Long Island City, NY

CERAMICS CREATES AN IMPRESSIVE FACADE DESIGN

In the architectural landscape of Long Island City, a modern ceramic façade design is attracting attention. With its 24 storeys and impressive vertical lines, the new ceramic and glass residential tower blends perfectly into the skyline of Queens, New York. The innovative ceramic façade is visually impressive and fulfils high functional requirements. The KeraTwin ventilated rainscreen façade system from Agrob Buchtal gives the building an unmistakable aesthetic and at the same time ensures sustainable durability.

Design and concept of the ventilated rainscreen ceramic façade

The design of ‘Nova’, developed by the renowned Fogarty Finger Architects, is based on an intelligent utilisation concept that combines living, working and leisure. The white ceramic façade of the high-rise building is at the centre of the architectural concept. It not only gives the building structure, but also creates a harmonious connection to the urban surroundings.

The corner formulation becomes the significant theme of an exciting dialogue with the urban space. Without question, ‘Nova’ proves to be a sustainable urban building block that defines and integrates the park and square for social interaction in the public space.

Façade technology and design

The façade is characterised by a structure that gives the building a rhythmic aesthetic and at the same time creates visual appeal through its repetition and variability. The central element of the ‘Nova’ façade is the use of glacier white glossy ceramic panels of the KeraTwin K20 ventilated rainscreen façade system from Agrob Buchtal, with assistance from Cladding Concepts International. The ceramic panels give the façade an interesting texture thanks to the profiling, create an exciting contrast to the smooth glass surfaces and give the façade a special haptic quality. The profiling skilfully captures the light and gives the architecture a lively, sculptural appearance with sun reflections and shadow play. This effect is skilfully enhanced by the alternating use of transparent and opaque materials. The slightly recessed glass surfaces also create an illusion of depth and three-dimensionality, rounding off the rhythmic façade composition to perfection.

Functionality and sustainability

The ‘Nova’ high-rise not only offers an impressive façade design, but also impresses with its functional room layout and sustainable construction. The flexible floor plans and spacious living areas were designed with future adaptations in mind, which supports the longevity of the building. The integration of retail space, luxury residential units and communal areas such as a landscaped roof terrace makes ‘Nova’ a vibrant part of the urban space.

Conclusion: façade design meets innovative façade technology

‘Nova’ is an outstanding example of the successful combination of aesthetic façade design and state-of-the-art façade technology.