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Complex Geometry Without Compromise – Simplicity in Movement

Creating one of the nation's most recognizable museum facades required more than precision framing—it required a collaborative approach that transformed an ambitious architectural vision into an innovative solution that became a simple buildable reality that reinforced the design intent while protecting the budget.

Client

Jones Heartz Building Supply

Location

Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Value

Precision

Type

Cultural

Features

Freeform

Knife Edges

Walls

Assembly

Panels

Sticks

Overview

Designed by Anderson Mason Dale Architects and Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the U.S. Olympic& Paralympic Museum features sweeping curves and complex roof-to-façade transitions that demanded exceptional coordination between the structural framing, and façade teams.

Radius Track collaborated early in the project to engineer framing solutions that simplified construction while preserving the architect's vision.

Prefabricated roof-to-façade transition assemblies
Proprietary rotating clip connecting light-gauge framing to round HSS steel
Curved exterior and interior light-gauge framing
Digital fabrication modeling and full-scale constructability mockups
Precision prefabricated assemblies delivered ready for installation

Problem & Approach

As the project evolved, portions of the original structural steel design presented opportunities to reduce cost and simplify installation without sacrificing the building's signature appearance. The roof-to-façade transitions required complex geometry, tight tolerances, and seamless integration between structural steel, light-gauge framing, and the exterior aluminum panel system.

Radius Trackworked alongside the architects, structural steel team, framing contractor, andfaçade installer to develop a collaborative solution that replaced portions ofheavy steel with engineered prefabricated light-gauge assemblies. Throughfabrication modeling and full-scale mockups, the team verifiedconstructability, coordinated every interface, and resolved potential conflictsbefore fabrication began.

“When I first saw the design of this project, it was a model and a rendering, and it was a wow. Right? Your jaw kind of hits the floor. Just because it’s such a beautiful building. And it immediately goes to the, okay, well, how are we going to build it?” - John Schwarz, Integrated Services Manager, GE Johnson(General Contractor

This digital-first approach protected the design intent while giving every trade confidence that the assemblies would fit precisely in the field. More information.

Solution & Results

Radius Track engineered and fabricated a combination of curved framing systems and prefabricated assemblies that transformed complex geometry into repeatable construction. Custom-designed rotating clips, segmented knuckle assemblies, and precision curved framing allowed the façade to transition smoothly from roof to wall while reducing installation complexity.

The result wasa framing solution that improved constructability, reduced steel requirements,and delivered installation-ready assemblies that fit as designed.

Key technicalachievements included:

Reduced structural steel requirements while maintaining design intent
Simplified installation with more than 120 prefabricated assemblies
Improved coordination between structural steel, framing, and façade trades
Minimized field adjustments through digital modeling and mockups
Delivered precise roof-to-façade transitions for a seamless architectural finish of over 9500 metal tiles
Supported both exterior façade framing and interior curved exhibit space

When complex geometry demands precise coordination between design and construction, early collaboration and engineered prefabrication can simplify installation without compromising architectural intent.