Making the complex look simple: AWS honored for craftsmanship on Krause Gateway Center
It seems that world-class architecture can be found around nearly every corner in bustling downtown Des Moines – a luxury the city is lucky to have. These architectural works of art not only enrich our culture, but also provide benefits to those who inhabit and interact with the spaces. But have we ever stopped to wonder how these places are made possible? The design and construction teams behind these projects require collaboration, innovation and often new ideas that have never been done before to bring these miraculous designs to life.
For local exterior envelope specialty contractor, Architectural Wall Systems (AWS), their team takes pride in constructing the “face” of many of the icons found around the Des Moines area and across the Midwest – including the newly completed Krause Gateway Center (a Renzo Piano Building Workshop and OPN Architects design). Other familiar faces by AWS include neighboring Wellmark, Des Moines Public Library, the Pappajohn High Education Center and more. Last month at the 2019 AIA Iowa Convention, AWS was recognized with an Excellence in Craft Honor Award for their work as the building façade contractor on Krause Gateway Center, with judges commending superior craftsmanship: “An exquisite detail” “Complexity made to look simple” “Subtlety with a big impact on scale and detail” The façade achieves a sleek, simple and elegant look, while incorporating some of the tallest glass lites and most robust curtainwall systems in the country. All six floors have unobstructed 360-degree views and are separated by four horizontal planes. Impressive 29-foot-tall insulated glass units welcome guests, employees and the community into the lobby-level entrance facing the Pappajohn Sculpture park on Grand Ave. “Projects like Krause Gateway Center inspire us to believe that anything is possible. Our team is humbled to be a part of bringing architecture like this to life.” Chris Portz, Area Superintendent, 22-year veteran at Architectural Wall Systems. With the architect’s vision at the forefront and an unshakeable dedication to completing a groundbreaking project, teams dared to do what had never been done before. Innovative solutions were born out of collaboration, trial and error, and a passion for building incredible buildings. Krause Gateway Center showcases what hard work, innovation, and excellent craftsmanship is capable of accomplishing in architecture and design – and provides a result that benefits the entire community. |