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he Waller at Symphony Square – located in the heart of Austin, TX – is a mixed-used development, complete with a high-rise multi-family residential tower and an office building. The project presented a unique opportunity to design a structure that would not only set a new standard for downtown living but enhance the city’s skyline, seamlessly complement the existing Symphony Square complex and harmonize with variations in the local topography. With these challenges in mind, the project’s architect, R2L Architects, required an exterior cladding material that would create a visually captivating façade while also delivering design flexibility and an expedited construction schedule.
“ALUCOBOND PLUS was instrumental in bringing our vision to life,” stated Lee Rubenstein, principal, R2L Architects. “The material’s versatility allowed us to craft a dynamic and modern facade that seamlessly blends with the extraordinary site conditions.”
ALUCOBOND PLUS emerged as the ideal solution, offering much-needed configuration alternatives to accommodate the building’s sophisticated geometry and modular construction. The material was well-suited for modular construction and allowed the fabricator to minimize material waste while simplifying installation for the contractors, and meeting project timelines and budget constraints.
Location: Austin, TX
Sector: High-Rise Multi-Family and Office Building
Product: 4mm ALUCOBOND PLUS ACM and .040” AXCENT aluminum sheet metal .040”
Colors: Azure Blue and Native Copper Mica
Fabricator: AUZMET
Architect: R2L Architects
Sustainability: LEED Gold, Austin Green Energy Program
Developer & Construction Manager: Greystar
The Design
The design team opted for a striking combination of ALUCOBOND PLUS panels in Native Copper Mica and Azure Blue. The warm tones of the copper are brilliantly distinct from the vibrant blue, yielding a visually captivating façade that is both eye-catching and complementary to the Austin skyline and local landscape. The ALUCOBOND PLUS panels also beautifully partner with the building’s limestone base which was locally sourced and meticulously finished.
“The contrast between the copper and blue creates a vibrant chemistry that is visible from both pedestrian and city skyline perspectives,” Rubenstein notes. “The copper adds richness to the ground level, while the blue contributes to the building’s overall prominence.”
One of the most distinctive features of the project is its custom-formed “frieze” panels, positioned along the bottom two levels of the structure, which were fabricated from ALUCOBOND PLUS Azure Blue. These panels add a unique and visually interesting element to the building’s overall impression.
“The “frieze” panels were an ambitious element to fabricate and install due to the complexity of the project. However, the end result is a visually stunning feature,” said Isaac Nimick, project director, Greystar. “To impose this uniform design on such a large-scale project required a significant amount of coordination between R2L, Auzmet and a mix of different trades. Together they fashioned and methodically installed ALUCOBOND PLUS, establishing a look with unparalleled impact.“
AXCENT aluminum sheet metal produced in matching Azure Blue and Native Copper Mica finishes were supplied to seamlessly transition large wall panels into building details like the heads, jambs, and sills of large windows and parapet coping caps that are highly visible from balconies and terraces requiring precise visual uniformity.
Completing the building’s exterior is a large-scale mural conceived by local artist, Amy Eisenhart. This artwork, intended to pay tribute to nature and music in the built environment, garnishes the building’s already striking design and adds a unique cultural element to the neighborhood. The mural’s vibrant colors and imagery create an engaging focal point that resonates with both residents and visitors.
Fabrication
Due to the Capital View Corridor Restrictions – a series of regulations on construction in Austin – The Waller consists of a range of height levels and distinctive angles which deliver an unobstructed view of the state Capitol building. In order to accommodate for these demands and provide a perfect fit for the building’s geometry, fabrication of the ALUCOBOND PLUS panels was a complex process for the AUZMET team. Each panel was carefully engineered and pieced together, bringing the blueprint to life. The installation process was also intricate, as each section – from the clever freeze panels to the sleek upper levels – had to be aligned to ensure a coordinated seamless finish.
“ALUCOBOND PLUS allowed us to produce a one-of-a-kind appearance we are proud of in the heart of downtown Austin,” said Sebastian Berry, head of project management, AUZMET. “The material’s durability and ease of fabrication made it an ideal choice for this project.“
The Possibilities
The Waller at Symphony Square is a prime example of how ALUCOBOND PLUS can be used to create a visually stunning and sustainable building. The material’s versatility allowed for the complex design of the project, while its durability will help to ensure a long-lasting, low-maintenance structure. The recycled content of the raw materials used to manufacture ALUCOBOND contributed to the building earning LEED Gold and Austin Green Energy Program Certification. ALUCOBOND is 100% recyclable with its raw materials able to be repurposed to avoid future energy and landfill consumption.
By selecting ALUCOBOND PLUS for The Waller at Symphony Square, R2L, AUZMET, and Greystar not only developed an Austin city landmark but also demonstrated their commitment to sustainable construction practices.
