The Carté Hotel Project

Pioneering Glass Solutions In Architectural Design

Brief Overview

Dive into the remarkable journey of the Carté Hotel project in downtown San Diego, a showcase of Primary Glazing’s exceptional ability to conquer complex architectural challenges with innovative glass solutions. Our team’s dedication to precision, adaptability, and cutting-edge techniques brought the architect’s vision to life, achieving aesthetic excellence and functional superiority.

Project Key Features

Diverse Glass Selection: We used four distinct types of glass, including greens, blues, high-performance silvers, and clears, which were chosen to fulfill the architectural vision.
Unconventional Patterns & Structural Challenges: Asymmetrical design patterns and changing bay sizes demanded an innovative approach to ensure structural integrity and visual harmony.
Innovative Signage Installation: Our team designed a unitized curtain wall system robust enough to support heavy, technical signage displaying the hotel's name.
Adaptive Solutions For Window-Washing Equipment: We developed a technical swing gate system to facilitate window-washing access.
Bi-Folding Doors: We added bi-folding doors that seamlessly merge indoor and outdoor spaces to enhance the guests' experience and add a high-end feel to the hotel.

Project Location

Contract

Size

The Challenge

The Carté Hotel posed unique challenges, from integrating a diverse glass palette to installing heavy signage atop a 16-story building without conventional support. Our team faced the intricacies of designing for asymmetrical patterns, developing adaptive solutions for rooftop access, and ensuring the seamless integration of bi-folding doors while adhering to a strict timeline.

The Project Team

Carson Vincent

Project Engineer

Kody Daley

Senior Project Manager

The Process

Early Engagement & Collaboration: Our team’s early involvement was pivotal, enabling us to work closely with Davis Reed Construction. This collaboration ensured that we understood and could anticipate the project’s demands.

Innovative Glass Selection: Tackling the challenge of selecting the perfect glass, we chose four distinct types—greens, blues, high-performance silvers, and clears. Our choices were driven by the need to create a pattern that fulfilled the architectural vision and complemented the urban landscape.

Adapting To Structural Complexities: The unconventional patterns and structural intricacies required a creative approach. We adeptly adjusted bay sizes and integrated a diverse color palette, demonstrating our capacity to handle complexity elegantly and precisely.
Technical Solutions For Rooftop Challenges: Confronted with the task of installing heavy signage and facilitating window-washing access atop the 18-story Carté Hotel, our team developed specialized solutions. We designed a robust unitized curtain wall system for the sign and invented a swing gate mechanism for the window washing equipment.

The Outcome

The Carté Hotel’s beauty and functionality exemplify Primary Glazing’s unparalleled commitment to innovation, even under the most pressing challenges. Every glass panel and pattern—meticulously chosen and installed—elevates the hotel’s presence against the urban skyline, creating a visual masterpiece.

This project showcases our ability to navigate complex design requirements with agility and creativity. It cements our reputation as the trusted ally for architects and building contractors who value reliability, forward-thinking, and excellence in commercial glazing.