GFRC Case Study: Galleria Tower II, Houston TX

Challenge: The 320,000 square foot 21 story building needed a new exterior look and a new 1 story parapet and signage added at the roof. Access was limited. The surrounding area is underground parking with a weight limit that prevented using a traditional crane. The building is embedded in a popular shopping area and access to the building was difficult. The building was occupied and was to remain occupied during the work. The architect had originally designed pre finished metal cladding panels but the "details were problematic". The cladding needed to be attractive, light weight, durable, fast and easy to erect, hurricane proof and cause minimal disruption.

Solution: Stromberg worked with the architect to create details and engineered solutions. The GFRC cladding panels were cast in a buff colored architectural concrete texture. The panels were erected by roof top davit type cranes to minimize disruption and reduce the load on the parking garage. Shopping at the Galleria and office work inside the building continued during the installation of the GFRC panels.

Result: A low maintenance, high quality cladding that meets the needs of the owner and the tenants. The GFRC panels were installed on time, on budget and to the owner's satisfaction.

"I am really pleased with the look of the GFRC and the way it all came together"
Charles R.
SFG
Building Owner

Hurricane Ike: Just 18 months after the GFRC was completed, the panels passed a real world test of their durability. Hurricane Ike hit Houston in 2008. It was the third costliest hurricane ever causing over $32 billion in damages and 195 deaths worldwide. Galleria II reported no damage to the Stromberg GFRC panels.

Hurricane Ike hits Texas