PRE-DESIGN

At Boston Valley Terra Cotta we understand the value of providing assistance at the initial stages of a project’s design. Architects, building owners, developers, and contractors all can benefit from our involvement as early as possible. During the Pre-Design phase, we can use our experience with architectural terra cotta and our expertise with using the material to better help you realize your vision. Our Pre-Design services include Site Survey & Digital Reproduction.

TECHNOLOGICAL AFFILIATIONS

Our professional affiliations with industry experts include The Center for Advanced Ceramic Technology (CACT) Alfred University, Architectural Testing Inc. (ATI), University at Buffalo Instrumentation Center and The Center for Industrial Effectiveness (TCIE) a part of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. These technology/testing based affiliations are complimented by several academic collaborations like our most recent Digital Capture and Reproduction initiative with the University at Buffalo School of Architecture. This technological innovation, like so many in the past, contributes positively to product output and quality, ergonomic work conditions, and adherence to specifications and industry standards.

SITE SURVEY

Product output and quality contributions begin right from the start. During site survey, blocks marked for replacement are tagged and photographically documented to determine which pieces need to be replaced.This service helps determine the scope of the project. From these photos, using specific software packages, 3D models of the blocks marked for replacement are electronically generated and can be manipulated to produce shop drawings for architect/owner review and approval.

Boston Valley offer full survey services for restoration projects that can be done in house or through 3rd party vendors.

Site Survey, 150 Nassau Street, Dorothy, Boston Valley Terra Cotta, Restoration, New York

DIGITAL REPRODUCTION

Following the site survey, once approved, these 3D electronic models are used to generate laser cut profiles or mill models and molds for replacement blocks. Time is saved during site survey, shop drawing production, and model/mold fabrication. Our expert staff moves less product, thereby reducing physical requirements of their workday and frees them to focus on a greater number of project specific requests. The accuracy of digital capture and laser cutting increases quality, predictability and consistency of replacement block fabrication.

Design Innovations

Boston Valley’s Arch Design Lab uses 3D CAD/CAM technologies to rapidly fabricate and manufacture custom terra cotta products for interior surfaces, new building exteriors and existing building re-clad or restoration projects of all sizes and scopes. The collaborative design process begins by receiving 3D files in most any format from a client. Our team will then rationalize the design to make it possible to manufacture by our material and facility guidelines. We will work to determine the best manufacturing and installation methods based on a series of factors including profile, size, project scope, desired finish, and budget. This parametric design process allows us to collaborate sooner, with greater ease and efficiency, and to a manufacturable end goal.

DIGITAL REPRODUCTION

Following the site survey, once approved, these 3D electronic models are used to generate laser cut profiles or mill models and molds for replacement blocks. Time is saved during site survey, shop drawing production, and model/mold fabrication. Our expert staff moves less product, thereby reducing physical requirements of their workday and frees them to focus on a greater number of project specific requests. The accuracy of digital capture and laser cutting increases quality, predictability and consistency of replacement block fabrication.

Design Innovations

Boston Valley’s Arch Design Lab uses 3D CAD/CAM technologies to rapidly fabricate and manufacture custom terra cotta products for interior surfaces, new building exteriors and existing building re-clad or restoration projects of all sizes and scopes. The collaborative design process begins by receiving 3D files in most any format from a client. Our team will then rationalize the design to make it possible to manufacture by our material and facility guidelines. We will work to determine the best manufacturing and installation methods based on a series of factors including profile, size, project scope, desired finish, and budget. This parametric design process allows us to collaborate sooner, with greater ease and efficiency, and to a manufacturable end goal.

“The purpose of 3d in art and manufacturing is to bring us closer to spatial reality in the earliest stages of design and invention. What begins with sound dimensionality in the conceptual phase has more potential for an informed and solid construction than that which might otherwise only be described in 2d. The closer that we are able to insert 3d modeling into the very beginning of our manufacturing process, the more competitive and streamlined the design process may be. With photo documentation and scanning we are able to construct digital models of whole site conditions and assemblies. With Rhino we can render entire building facades fluidly, accurately, and in a manner that welcomes scan data as well as creative and concise revisions according to architect and in house recommendations.”

— Michael Fritz, Boston Valley Terra Cotta Industrial Designer and Master Sculptor