Located in the prominent Cheongdam-dong Avenue in the Gangnam district, the flagship store draws inspiration from elements in Korean architecture and culture, such as the Hwaseong Fortress or the swooping movements and white costumes of the traditional Dongnae Hakchum crane dance. Designed to "give an impression of flight", the louvered glass panels help to filter light throughout the 5-story building while the roof forms zigzags up the Maison, creating a series of private terraces above. The entire building comes to life as night is falling with the incorporated façade lighting that was engineered by the Permasteelisa Integrated Lighting (PIL) team. The overall effect is one of weightlessness and awe. The interiors combine the luxury fashion house's clothes and accessories with a permanent collection of art and archival objects, a temporary exhibition space, and a fully equipped commercial kitchen for 'pop-up' restaurant events.
Permasteelisa began coordinating with Louis Vuitton, Gehry Partners and the Consultant Team in late 2016 through a Pre-Construction Service (PCS), and was later awarded the façade build contract. Working through the different stages of design development through to construction, Permasteelisa led the process of realizing the complex forms of the façade using computer-aided 3D design software and technology. From initial geometry rationalization and optimization to the eventual data output for fabrication and site setting-out during installation, the digital asset was instrumental in delivering the project. Software algorithms and scripts were created to make each component of the 3D model parametric in order that all data could be efficiently analyzed, modified and tracked during the entire process of the project.
Design & engineering, procurement, manufacturing and installation for this complex skin shape featuring around 1,200 sqm (12,900 sq ft) of stone façade, 600 m (1,970 ft) of circular hollow shape structural steel and 925 sqm (10,000 sq ft) of glass.
Designed by Frank Gehry, the Maison is one of the latest successful examples of the Permasteelisa Group’s ability to deliver on a project that required a high quality product and service for both an iconic architect and retail brand, coordinating and moving resources both locally, regionally and overseas to best fit the needs of the job. Design and engineering was executed from Hong Kong while material sourcing, procurement and manufacturing crossed three continents in six different countries. The signature façade is comprised of 1,200 sqm marble (12,900 sq ft), 600 m (1,970 ft) of circular hollow shape structural steel that is curved for a total weight of approximately 30 metric tons, and a total of 925 sqm (10,000 sq ft) of signature glass. There are a total of 306 glass panels that are all uniquely shaped, 82 pieces of which are double curved heat slumped glass.
The iconic, free-form shaped glass façade is supported by an innovative bracket system made of cast duplex stainless steel, designed and engineered by Permasteelisa. A total of 553 sets of brackets that were parametrically located in the 3D model were crucial in allowing for a smooth and efficient installation process. The genius of the bracket is its ability to handle 6 different axis of adjustment that was quintessential in the installation of the unitized panels.
2019 Completion
600 m (1,970 ft) of circular hollow shape structural steel
306 uniquely shaped glass panels
82 double-curved heat slumped glass panels
Material sourcing, procurement and manufacturing crossed 3 continents in 6 different countries
OWNER AND CLIENT: Louis Vuitton Korea
DESIGN ARCHITECT: Gehry Partners, LLP
EXECUTIVE ARCHITECT: D.P.J. & Partners
INTERIOR DESIGN: Peter Marino Architect
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: C.S Structural Engineering Inc.
CONTRACTOR: Ssangyong Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd.
Due to the complex geometry and engineering of the project, Permasteelisa developed an Inspection Test Plan for quality assurance and control that allowed for 3D scanning devices to be used. Point cloud data was generated from these scans that were then overlaid with the 3D model in order to identify any irregularities or tolerance non-compliance. 3D scanning checks were done both in the factory for the individual double curved unitized panels and the assembled curved Circular Hollow Steel (CHS) modules, in addition to on-site 3D scanning to check the installation setting-out and final positioning.
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