In the demanding climate of Boston, where heavy rain, freezing winters, and high humidity test the resilience of building envelopes, DELTA®-FASSADE S delivers unmatched weather protection. The 1047 Commonwealth Avenue project, a six-story residential complex developed by Urban Spaces LLC, showcases how this premium water-resistive barrier meets the rigorous demands of open-joint cladding systems in a commercial application requiring superior durability and energy efficiency.

Project Overview: A Commercial Solution

for Urban Housing

The 1047 Commonwealth Avenue project transformed a two-story building into a modern six-story complex, delivering 180 studio apartments designed for graduate students and young professionals. Urban Spaces LLC collaborated with Neshamkin French Architects to create a building that not only complemented Boston’s urban landscape but also met stringent requirements for weather protection and energy efficiency. The project’s immediate leasing to Boston University for temporary student housing during dorm renovations, with plans to transition to market-rate housing after two years, underscores the effectiveness of its design and material selections.

The building’s exterior needed to withstand Boston’s challenging weather while supporting an open-joint cladding system from Trespa. DELTA®-FASSADE S was selected to provide the critical weather protection required for this high-performance commercial project.

Meeting the Demands of Superior Weather

Protection

Several key challenges in designing the building envelope:

• Extreme Weather Resistance: Boston’s climate, with its cold winters, heavy rainfall, and wind-driven moisture, demanded a water-resistive barrier capable of preventing infiltration while maintaining structural integrity.
• UV Exposure: The open-joint cladding system left the barrier partially exposed, requiring exceptional UV resistance to ensure long-term performance.
• Energy Efficiency: To reduce operating costs in a region with high heating demands, the building envelope needed to contribute to thermal efficiency.
• Aesthetic Compatibility: The barrier had to integrate seamlessly with the open-joint cladding to maintain the building’s modern aesthetic.

DELTA®-FASSADE S was chosen for its ability to address these challenges, offering a premium solution tailored to the needs of open-joint cladding systems in demanding commercial projects.

DELTA®-FASSADE S: Engineered for High-

Performance Weather Protection

As a high-performance water-resistive barrier, DELTA®-FASSADE S was specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of open-joint cladding applications. Its key features include:

• Unmatched UV Resistance: With the highest UV rating among water-resistive barriers, DELTA®-FASSADE S ensures long-term durability in exposed conditions, making it ideal for open-joint cladding systems.
• Advanced Water and Vapor Management: The barrier provides robust protection against water infiltration while remaining highly vapor permeable, preventing moisture buildup and promoting a healthy building envelope.
• Superior Durability: Highly tear-resistant, DELTA®-FASSADE S withstands the stresses of construction and environmental exposure, ensuring a long, trouble-free service life.
• Aesthetic Integration: Its black color enhances the visual appeal of the open-joint cladding, adding depth and sophistication to the building’s exterior.

These features made DELTA®-FASSADE S the perfect choice for 1047 Commonwealth Avenue, where weather protection and performance were paramount.

Application in Action: Protecting 1047

Commonwealth Avenue

In this project, DELTA®-FASSADE S was installed as the water-resistive barrier behind the Trespa open-joint cladding system. The barrier’s robust design effectively shielded the building from Boston’s harsh weather, including heavy rain and freezing temperatures, while its vapor permeability ensured moisture could escape, maintaining a dry and efficient building envelope. The black membrane complemented the cladding’s modern aesthetic, contributing to a visually striking exterior that blended seamlessly into the neighborhood.

By incorporating DELTA®-FASSADE S, the project team achieved a building envelope that not only met the immediate needs of weather protection but also supported long-term energy efficiency and durability. This allowed the building to serve as a reliable housing solution for Boston University and future market-rate tenants.