Innovative applications of natural materials create a distinctive facade for a Manhattan gallery.

The New York flagship of global art dealer Pace Gallery offers expansive, column-free galleries, in addition to dedicated space for public programming, performances, research, and art storage.

Designed by Bonetti/Kozerski Architecture, the building embraces the Chelsea neighborhood’s manufacturing past and art-mecca present through its raw, quasi-industrial material palette and refined detailing.

The eight-story, 75,000 SF structure was designed to achieve a LEED Silver rating, utilizing a large-format prefabricated enclosure system to enhance thermal performance across multiple rainscreen cladding and glazing conditions.

Island engineered, assembled, and installed the megapanel assemblies, creating custom solutions to incorporate a unique aluminum-foam cladding and lava-rock masonry—the latter sourced from Italy’s Mt. Etna. Our engineering team coordinated with Bonetti/Kozerski Architecture and key material suppliers to manage the dimensions of panel-to-panel and cladding-module joinery across the facade, eliminating hierarchy and delivering a clean, uniform grid throughout.

All rainscreen finishes (including the aluminum foam, lava rock, and structurally glazed 18’ insulated glass units) were factory-installed, enabling Island to deliver each crane-set panel as a weathertight enclosure system.

In order to deliver the full facade as “single-source” partner, we designed and fabricated bespoke elements including stainless steel soffits, louvered screen-walls, glass guardrails, and a one-off skylight.

Project Information:

• Year Completed: 2019

• Certification: LEED Silver (Pending)

• Install Duration: 18 Weeks

• Facade Area: 60,000 SF

• Panel Count: 321

• Island Services Provided:

  • Design Assist

  • Engineering

  • Fabrication

  • Installation

Learn More:

• The New York Times, Picking Up the Pace: A Mega-Gallery Expands in Chelsea

• The Architect’s Newspaper, Bonetti/Kozerski's Pace Gallery Rises Over the Chelsea Scene with Volcanic Stone and Foamed Aluminum

• Pace Gallery, Pace's New Flagship Gallery at 540 West 25th Street