Vessel is a new public landmark and attraction at Hudson Yards in New Yok City, the largest private real estate development in the U.S. Designed by Heatherwick Studio, the 150-ft tall structure consists of a repetitive, honeycomb-shaped series of staircases and landings allowing visitors to climb and explore. With its 154 flights and approximately 2,500 steps, Vessel enables visitors to attain sweeping views of the surrounding buildings and the Hudson River.

The curved and faceted copper-colored stainless steel cladding panels of Vessel required a high degree of quality control and assurance during both fabrication and installation. Due to the complexity of panel geometry and their extreme reflectivity, any surface irregularities would be easily discernable in the mirror-like finishes. Therefore, it was essential to maintain consistency of panel curvature, uniformity in color, and tight panel-to-panel joints in order to achieve the desired result. Thorough review of cladding shop drawings focused not only on the aesthetic implications of panel design and detailing, but also on the equally significant performance issues, such as structural integrity, thermal movement, and corrosion resistance.

Heintges provided cladding consulting services for the design, fabrication, and installation of the copper-colored stainless steel panels and glass guardrails enveloping the structure.

Photograph by Whitney Starbuck Boykin