News

Senna Tower: Soon to be the Tallest Residential Tower in the World

Rising rapidly in Balneário Camboriú in Brazil, Senna Tower is set to surpass 550 meters, positioning it to become the tallest residential building in the world. Inspired by the ambition and legacy of celebrated F1 driver Ayrton Senna, the project channels a sense of performance and precision into its design, pushing the boundaries of contemporary high-rise construction.

We recently visited the site, where construction is already underway, to take part in a series of focused design workshops addressing both the façade system and the complex geometry of the specialty crown. Working alongside Talls Solutions, discussions centered on resolving the technical demands inherent in projects of this scale, from material performance at height to constructability and integration across disciplines.

During the visit, Will Laufs also spoke to an audience of local developers, contractors, and façade specialists, sharing insights drawn from more than two decades of international high-rise experience. LaufsED’s role on the project includes façade engineering as well as the design and development of the tower’s distinctive crown, contributing to both its performance and identity on the skyline.

New Glasshouse Conservatory at Longwood Gardens

LaufsED is proud to have contributed to the stunning new 2,900m² glasshouse conservatory at Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania. Designed by Weiss/Manfredi, the conservatory features a striking crystalline form with a pleated glass roof supported by curved, non-repetitive steel moment frames.

Fabricated in Germany, the tree-like steel structure was assembled on-site and tilted into place. Operable windows, automated shading, and winter louvers ensure optimal climate control year-round, safeguarding the unique plant collection, including a garden by celebrated Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx—the only one of its kind in North America.

LaufsED provided design-assist façade structural engineering services, including structural calculations, detailing, and thermal performance assessments, with a focus on corrosion protection and durability to meet the project's high standards.

EarthNest Sculpture opens in Berlin

LaufsED are proud to have supported specialty metal fabricator Fittkau with structural engineering for EarthNest; Berlin’s first memorial to decolonialization. The design is by The Lockward Collective with advisors Rolando Vázquez & Max Bentler.

EarthNest is an open, bronze nest that invites visitors to engage with decolonial resistance. It honours the peoples and territories affected by the violence of colonialism and speaks out for healing the wounds that have resulted from our colonial past. It is intended to be a place of remembrance and encounter.

Earthnest is now open to the public in front of the Berlin Global Village in Neukölln.

Three New Treehouses Installed at Chatwal Lodge

The Chatwal Lodge, set in the scenic Catskill Mountains of the Lower Hudson Valley, is a collection of luxury hotel structures offering an unparalleled retreat. LaufsED provided architectural and structural engineering services for the newly completed treehouse structures. Designed by the German firm Baumraum, the three treehouses were installed by a skilled local team, harmonizing innovative design with the natural landscape.

Momentum sculpture opens in Emeryville, CA

LaufsED provided structural engineering expertise for five mirrored stainless steel spires, each seamlessly integrating video screens that project dynamic light displays. This striking installation serves as a welcome sculpture at the Emeryville, CA campus of a company pioneering immunological therapies for cancer treatment. Titled Momentum, the artwork symbolizes the global impact of cancer and stands as a powerful reminder of our collective fight against the disease.

Kingspan Microhome – Live On Top

LaufsED have completed the design and engineering for a rooftop microhome with a unitized structure comprised of structural CLT and Kingspan insulated cladding panels.

Live On Top aims to provide affordable housing with amazing views by utilizing available rooftop space in crowded cities. Kingspan Quadcore panels are preassembled onto CLT structural boards in modules sized to fit into a typical residential elevator. The modules can be quickly assembled on the roof using lightweight equipment.

Live On Top has three core sustainable strategies:

1. Upfront carbon is significantly reduced by plugging into the existing building infrastructure.

2. Extra building occupants pay into ongoing building maintenance providing economic and social benefit to the community and extending the lifespan of the building.

3. Densifying urban areas by utilizing existing footprints reduces the need for greenfield development for housing.

450 Warren named Archdaily Building of the Year!

450 Warren Street, designed by Brooklyn based architects SO-IL has been voted Archdaily Building of the Year in the Housing award category.

Text from the architects:

“A community means shared spaces for living and relaxing together, but also informal interaction. Neighbors see one another’s comings and goings across the way, and a shared entry courtyard encourages chat. Transparent materials allow light and changing seasons to permeate the building’s activity.”

As building envelope consultant LaufsED advised on façade options, material choices, constructability and the thermal and structural performance of the façade.

ABETARE by Petrit Halilaj installed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

ABETARE is the Berlin based artist Petrit Halilaj’s first major project in the United States, installed on the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

LaufsED supported with structural calculations for the sculptures. The work will be on display until October 27, 2024.

Riviera Galleria

Located at the site of the former international Airport of Athens - Riviera Galleria will offer visitors a multifaceted, high-end shopping, gastronomy, and entertainment experience reflecting current international trends. Designed by the award-winning Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the landmark structure mirrors the ripples of each wave on the water, an effect that’s enhanced by the magnificent views of the Aegean Sea.    

Inspired by sailboats cruising the Greek sea, Riviera Galleria’s unique architecture is an icon of simplicity and elegance, created in absolute harmony with the natural surroundings.

LaufsED are the facade consultant collaborating with KKAA and local architect BETAPLAN to provide design assistance for the building envelope, including the undulating semi-transparent shade canopy design.