
LEED Platinum Building Envelope Consulting
Building Type: Class A Office and Medical Complex
Developer: CNL Commercial Real Estate
Architect: Behar Font Partners
Building Envelope Consultant: GCI Consultants
Certification: LEED Platinum Certified
The Aventura Optima Plaza, designed by Behar Font Partners, is the first LEED Platinum certified high-rise in the city and the second in the state. GCI Consultants joined the project to help ensure the LEED Platinum building envelope systems met the highest standards of performance and compliance. Initially, our team conducted in-depth submittal reviews to verify adherence to specifications, contract documents, product compatibility, design requirements, and local building codes. Through meticulous quality control inspections and field testing, we identified significant challenges, including non-compliant installations, water leakage issues, and exposed laminated glass edges requiring specialized solutions.
To address these issues, our team:
- Prepared detailed reports outlining deficiencies and repair recommendations
- Participated in negotiation meetings with responsible parties
- Developed repair protocols and identified qualified repair contractors
- Conducted pre-bid meetings, pay requisition reviews, and RFI responses
- Monitored repair work through ongoing site inspections and testing
Our recommendations led to the following outcomes:
- Reworking fabrication and installation to meet industry tolerances
- Resolving water penetration issues with validated field testing results
- Ensuring compliance with Miami-Dade County Notice of Acceptance (NOA)
- Implementing innovative solutions for exposed laminated glass edges
After construction, GCI conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the glass curtain wall systems. This included visual jobsite inspections, destructive testing, construction monitoring, and water infiltration testing. Our team also assessed interior walkway glass floors, prepared detailed reports, and managed the repair process to ensure the building envelope achieved optimal performance. Our proactive approach helped ensure that critical systems, such as curtain walls, glazing, cladding, and sealants, functioned seamlessly together to meet the rigorous standards required for LEED Platinum certification in seven categories: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, Indoor & Environmental Quality, Innovative in Design, and Regional Priority. In conclusion of the project, our team conducted a final compliance assessment and project close-out.
GCI Consultants specialize in managing construction quality control for the exterior building envelope systems to help keep everything on track and meet the highest standards. Whether you’re seeking LEED certification or simply striving for excellence in construction, our team is here to help you achieve your goals. To discuss how we can support your next development project, contact our team for a consultation.
Addressed Exterior Building Enclosure Systems
The Aventura Optima Plaza, developed by AKKO Group, consists of a nine-story, 114,000 square foot office tower and a four-story medical building connected by a rooftop terrace over an eight-story parking garage. Its LEED Platinum certification underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability, setting a new standard for high-performance building envelopes in Miami and standing as a testament to innovative design in architecture.