520 West 28th by Zaha Hadid is an architectural marvel in New York City, celebrated for its innovative design and meticulous attention to detail. To ensure the interiors reflected the building's high standards, the developer engaged WTS for finishing touches. WTS's scope included wood touch-up of hardwood floors, built-in cabinets, doorknobs, entry doors, window frames, and mullions, as well as touching up bathroom and kitchen faucets, sinks, bathtubs, and other decorative surfaces. However, the most significant challenge—and triumph—came with the building's exterior.

While WTS was completing the interior work, the developer encountered some issues with the exterior metal areas.

Color Matching Exterior Metal

Problem: The color of the exterior metal sheets didn’t match the design specifications. Replacing these sheets would be extremely expensive and would delay the project.

Solution: WTS took on the challenge of matching the color and the shine without replacing the metal sheets. Our team tested various paints to find the perfect match. This involved:

• Studying how different paints interacted with the metal.
• Testing to ensure the paint would hold up against weather and pollution.

After thorough testing, we created a custom paint that matched perfectly. We applied it carefully to ensure a uniform and durable finish.

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Recreating a Missing Metal End-Piece

Problem: A decorative metal end-piece was missing, and a piece of plywood had been used as a temporary fix. It didn’t blend in and looked out of place.

Solution: WTS created a custom end-piece that looked just like metal but was made of plastic. This involved:

• Choosing plastic for its versatility and cost-effectiveness.
• Matching the color and shine to the existing metal.
• Ensuring it was durable and weather-resistant.

The result was a plastic end-piece that blended seamlessly with the metal, restoring the building’s aesthetic.

Results and Impact

WTS's innovative solutions for the exterior of 520 West 28th by Zaha Hadid brought several key benefits to the development team:

• Cost Savings: By avoiding the need for expensive replacements, WTS saved the developer a substantial amount of money.
• Time Efficiency: The exterior solutions were implemented quickly, preventing potential project delays and ensuring timely completion.
• Aesthetic Consistency: The custom paint solution and the recreated end-piece maintained the building's high design standards, preserving the architectural vision.
• Innovative Problem-Solving: WTS's ability to devise creative and effective solutions for complex problems demonstrated their expertise and commitment to quality.

WTS's collaboration with the development team of 520 West 28th by Zaha Hadid highlights the importance of innovative problem-solving in high-end construction. By addressing the exterior challenges effectively, WTS saved significant time and money while maintaining the building's design integrity.