Harvard University SEC Complex

Boston, MA

facade design, special structures Services

Behnisch Architekten, Boston Architect

A university building at Harvard University featuring four main facade types, including the world’s first hydroformed stainless steel shading system

Project

The new Science and Engineering Complex (SEC), a university building on the rapidly growing Allston Campus of Harvard University in Allston, Massachusetts, brings together various engineering programs under one roof. The building sets new standards in energy efficiency. Through sophisticated façade systems, natural ventilation, and geometrically optimized shading, a significant reduction in energy and resource consumption was achieved. The façade protects the interior from overheating while simultaneously directing daylight into the room.

Highly efficient façade with natural ventilation and geometrically optimized innovative shading elements

Facade design & fabrication of shade panels

The main facade of the building consists of a semi-unitized steel façade with triple glazing and an external shading screen. The structure of the shading system is composed of tension rods, which are held at a prestress level of around 10 kN by spring mechanisms. These rods transfer horizontal forces to the primary structure on each floor via wind braces. Hydroformed stainless steel panels with a thickness of 1.2mm are attached to the tension rods. Different geometries are used depending on the cardinal direction.

Prestressed tension rod structure with a spring mechanism and wind braces

Structural Analysis of the Facade

The tension rod construction is maintained at a pre-tension level of approximately 10 kN. Spiral springs at the upper end of the tension rods allow a reduction of the pre-tension by about 50%, as they compensate for thermal expansion and structural deformations. Deformations and natural frequencies were investigated in static models, which were later examined on a performance mockup and compared with the calculations. The shading elements themselves were also subjected to static analysis and optimized in an iterative process to ensure that the shape of the hydroformed panels became as rigid as possible.