Ballston Point - 4300 Wilson

Arlington VA, USA

2021

As you approach 4300 Wilson, the striking architectural canopy beckons you toward the entrance — a sophisticated design achieved with WOOD-SKIN Tailor Made technology.

This canopy, with an aluminum exterior rendered in faux wood for durability in all weather conditions, transitions seamlessly indoors, where it reveals its true complexity. Inside, a three-dimensional surface of veneered birch unfolds through the lobby, morphing from ceiling to wall in a fluid, uninterrupted wave. This continuous form, housing an integrated bench, envelops visitors in a harmonious blend of aesthetic and function.

My role with WOOD-SKIN involved close collaboration with Gensler on the computational design and engineering of this surface, from initial concept through to on-site installation. Every detail — down to the millimeter (aka smallest fraction of inch 🤓) — was meticulously crafted to ensure the integration of lighting, acoustics, and seating.

This project is not just visually compelling but is also a testament to precision engineering and design innovation.

See the project on WOOD-SKIN website & take a look here too for deeper insights and behind-the-scenes.

For the design process we implemented a bunch of innovative strategies to deal with the huge amount of pieces to be dealt with.

Moreover, we were able to design a self-supporting structure and accomodate for the small discrepancies between construction drawings and as-built conditions, thanks to laser scans and to the ingenious tessellation strategy that made the product self-accomodating as much as 1/2 inch!

PHOTO CREDITS: James John Jetel

CONTRACT: HITT Contracting

PARTNERSHIP: Washington Woodworking

AWARD AND MENTION: INTERIOR DESIGN AWARD 2022 - small commercial lobby + amenity space category