Lantern House is a project designed by Heatherwick Studio in Manhattan, consisting of two residential buildings connected by a lobby. The lobby is located beneath the New York’s High Line connecting both towers serving as a reception area.

This ceiling blends into the space and merges with the High Line’s columns with parametric geometry. The seamless surface has multiple double curvature shapes and consists of very light and distinctive GRG (glass reinforced gypsum) panels, perfectly adapting to the rooftop structure.

To achieve this precision, our approach was to begin with a meticulous 3D scanning process and follow a datadriven design methodology. Through a digital fabrication process, we created 16 GFRP (glass fiber reinforced polymer) molds to create a unified shape from which individual 1.22x2.44m (4'x8') GRG panels were meticulously crafted. The integration of a 7-axis KUKA robot facilitated the precise milling of the molds, ensuring that the panels seamlessly fit together without any discernible overlap. We meticulously planned the joints and prepared the pieces to require minimal on-site assembly work. Each panel was equipped with its own customized assembly and suspension anchor system, with light fixtures and special features pre-installed.

To isolate the ceiling from the glazing, we designed a special gasket seal incorporated into the GRG panels which required a specific fitting sequence successfully achieved through off-site supervision. Because of COVID-19 outbreak, we remotely coordinated with a third party to do the assembly on-site. We managed to fabricate the full scope in four months, and we make sure everything fitted perfectly.