The New York City skyline is one of the most iconic emblems of America. It represents the hopes and dreams of the Land of Opportunity coming to life through epic architecture. To bring the skyline to fruition, it is critical that architects leverage the highest-quality building materials on the market. 

Modern design concepts blend the lines between classic and contemporary for visually stunning structures that are at the forefront of sustainability and performance. Keep reading as we delve into some of the best building materials for shaping the iconic skyline. 

Sustainable Roofing

New York City rooftops are the stuff dreams are made of. How many classic television shows throughout the years have filmed scenes atop a NYC high rise?

To help preserve the sanctity of these rooftop environments, NYC Local Laws 92 and 94 of 2019 took a serious step toward establishing a sustainable roofing infrastructure for the city. The laws state that as of November 2019, all new buildings and alterations of existing buildings where the entire existing roof deck or roof assembly is being replaced must provide a sustainable roofing zone covering 100% of the roof. 

In place of traditional roofing tiles, green roofing solutions use a vegetative layer as the surface material. This provides shade, thermal insulation, and controls stormwater runoff. Statistics by the EPA indicate that green roofs can have a significant impact on controlling urban heat islands. They can lower building temperatures between 30-40 degrees and reduce ambient air temperatures by up to 5 degrees. 

In addition to these environmental benefits, rooftop gardens offer numerous benefits for building occupants. They are shown to improve air quality for the structure. They also offer a stunning, natural aesthetic in which people enjoy mingling or admiring from a distance. 

Structural Steel

There is arguably no material more important than steel when it comes to shaping the symbolic skyline. Its unmatched strength-to-weight ratio helped give birth to the modern skyscraper. Its ability to span over one hundred feet without requiring vertical support columns gives buildings the opportunity to deploy interior space more effectively than with other construction materials. 

With that said, modern applications of steel are far more diverse than for high-strength framing beams and roof rafters. Steel siding can be fabricated in a number of attractive designs to enhance the exterior aesthetics of a building while offering top-notch durability. Lightweight metal b-decking is used in roofing substrates and upper-story floors to provide shear support for withstanding heavy vertical loads. 

Advanced steel prefabrication techniques can shorten construction times and allow for streamlined integration at busy building sites. 

Hurricane-Grade Storm Windows

Glass is one of the most critical building materials for establishing the elegance and modernity of urban structures. Glass glistening in the morning sunshine provides unparalleled vibrancy to a city environment. 

With that said, it is crucial to use glass strategically. Expansive glass facades can become a major point of weakness if they are susceptible to projectile impact damage. This is why building with hurricane-grade storm windows is a great solution for fortifying exterior glass surfaces. Fabricated with reinforced glass panels and structural steel frames that can withstand winds up to 250 MPH and projectile impact up to 100 MPH, these next-level windows can protect the building envelope of New York City high rises in the face of any weather conditions.

On the inside of the facility, there are additional ways to adroitly incorporate glass. By using features such as demountable glass partitions and pocket glass walls throughout the structure, building owners can keep natural light flowing within the facility for a more pleasant ambiance for occupants. 

Concrete

Concrete has been a staple in NYC for nearly 200 years. Few building materials can match its durability, versatility, and cost effectiveness. With that said, modern innovations are continuing to improve on this classic product, allowing architects to further enhance its safety and practicality. 

Advanced polishing methods are making concrete a popular low maintenance flooring option. Polished concrete floors can be finished in any number of attractive designs. They are virtually indestructible and require few cleaning resources, making them a top option in high-traffic areas. Modern concrete foundation waterproofing methods are enhancing the safety of subterranean concrete. By using permeable wall membranes to divert water away from the foundation, the risk of damage due to flooding or increased hydrostatic pressure in groundwater is significantly reduced. 

There are also exciting advancements in the use of self-healing concrete. When stressed to the point of damage, small capsules within this innovative concrete erupt, releasing adhesive liquids that mend the cracks without human intervention. 

Advanced HVAC Systems

Modern HVAC systems are essential in creating energy-efficient and comfortable environments, particularly in New York City's high-rise buildings. These systems maintain indoor air quality and temperature control, crucial for the city's iconic skyscrapers. A key component in these systems is the air volume dampers, which regulate and control airflow within the HVAC system, optimizing heating and cooling distribution throughout the building. By adjusting damper positions, the system balances airflow to different areas, enhancing energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

Where Iconic Meets Innovative: The Best Building Materials for NYC

The NYC skyline is one of the most iconic visuals in America. By leveraging materials such as green rooftops, structural steel, hurricane-rated glass, and innovative concrete, architects can ensure that the legendary skyline remains awe-inspiring for years to come. For more ideas on the latest building and design trends shaping the city, explore the resources at Off the MRKT for the leading market insights!