A total of 2,766 methodically constructed precast concrete cladding panels enclose the upscale, urban high-rise known as “Eleven”. The building is home to 118 high-end condos each with a unique, picturesque view of the Minneapolis skyline and the mighty Mississippi River. Residents of Eleven enjoy summer days lounging by the 25-meter pool located on the beautifully landscaped 8th-floor roof deck – probably unaware that this 42-story art-deco masterpiece couldn’t have been completed without precast concrete.
The ornate eight-story podium called for numerous customized forms to construct lefts/rights, corners, double-notches and fanciful cornices. It took the Gage Brothers’ in-house craftspeople more than two weeks to construct some of the most intricate forms. To ensure maximum consistency, they brought in custom 3D-printed molds for some of the higher-use cornice elements that crown the property’s eighth-floor
podium. The contractor noted that the reveals, jointing, overall color and texture consistency of panels showcase Gage Brothers’ attention to high-quality fabrication and site installation.
Extensive detailing embedded into the off-white sandblast-finished panels continues up to the 16th floor before the upper stories slowly cascade into a thinner design completely clad in precast. Reveals ranging in depth from a half inch to 1½ inches provide numerous lines and shadows at varying times of day. The concrete top structure provided a minimal base for attachment, yet Gage Brothers created numerous custom forms to successfully achieve the architect’s vision.
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