Curved Glass Installation by Harmon with Custom Lifting Solutions from Wood’s Powr-Grip

The Sie Welcome Center at the Denver Art Museum features a striking elliptical façade of jumbo curved glass—36 insulated, laminated lites measuring 8 by 26 feet and weighing over 3,200 pounds each. Subcontractor Harmon was responsible for the precision installation of these massive curved units, manufactured by Sentech, which form the building’s signature transparent envelope.

Because of the glass’s curvature and 6-degree hang angle, standard lifting equipment was not sufficient. Wood’s Powr-Grip partnered with Harmon early in the project to engineer a custom vacuum lifter capable of safely handling the concave glass. The design incorporated 32 smaller, 9-inch vacuum cups to conform to the curved surface, along with an auxiliary suction cup system that allowed installers to “pull” each lite into perfect vertical alignment.

This collaboration between Harmon and Wood’s Powr-Grip enabled the precise placement of each jumbo curved lite, transforming the architects’ bold vision into a stunning reality on Denver’s cultural campus.

(Award: Best Jumbo Glass Project – Glass Magazine Awards)

Best Jumbo Glass Project
Denver Art Museum Welcome Center

https://www.glassmagazine.com/article/2019-glass-magazine-awards-cutting-edge