Goldray Glass: 1775 Tysons Boulevard

There has been a shift in recent years from the austere, impersonal corporate atmosphere, to one that encourages collaboration and creativity. Developers, architects and designers are using color and non-traditional building materials to create spaces that foster teamwork and ingenuity.

Aptly named for it’s physical address, 1775 Tysons Boulevard is the newest addition to the extensive Tysons Corner development, just North of Washington D.C. A mixed-use property that boasts 15 stories of office space, above a two-storey, glass-enclosed lobby and retail center.

A stunning art installation, wrapping the top tier of windows can be seen from inside the foyer area, and the courtyard outside.

A pattern of brilliant blue, purple and yellow decorative laminated glass panels, designed by world-renowned artist Spencer Finch, casts lines of color across the lobby floor.

To ensure the curtain wall maintained it’s integrity Goldray supplied the decorative laminated pieces to JE Berkowitz, who created insulated glass units that adhered to the rigid building codes. These units were then shipped to site and installed by Harmon Inc., who meticulously placed each panel according to the artist’s vision.

The linear motif found in the decorative glass installation is carried through the structure, from the calculated “H” design of the building’s architecture to the etched glass balustrades running along the main floor stairway.

These laminated etched glass railings offer a stark contrast to the dark stone steps, while keeping the sightlines open and adding texture and depth to the space.

As these glass panels are not set into a full framing system, rather just held by runners at the top and base, the edgework was visible and required special attention when manufacturing.

Goldray fabricated each piece, polished the edges and then laminated the panes together, all while ensuring the edges lined up perfectly. Once these pieces completed the laminating stage, they were tempered to meet strict safety guidelines.

While these two types of glass installations vary greatly in appearance and composition, the ultimate goal remains the same, to add expression and elegance to the space.

Statement pieces, like Spencer Finch’s multi-colored pattern glass can be incorporated into small or large areas, offering a pop of color and texture. While the subtle etched glass is not eye-catching, but provides a finished suitable for innumerable applications.

Project Details

Location: Washington, D.C.
Application: Curtain Wall, Interior Glazing, Laminated Glass Art, Railings
Market/Industry: Corporate
Type of Glass: Laminated Colored Interlayer Glass, Etched Laminated Glass