
Sea of Molasses, nicknamed so for what remained on the ground of what was once the world’s largest sugar refinery, rises again as an innovative building in New York. The Domino Sugar Factory has now been reborn as a modern 15-story office tower nestled among the historic red brick walls, featuring a spectacular penthouse that made its debut with a Hermès men’s fashion show.
The iconic Domino Sugar Factory in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, has been transformed into a stunning contemporary architectural masterpiece, with glass playing a central role in the renovation. Tvitec | Cricursa, a leading glass processor, deployed its comprehensive machinery to manufacture both flat and curved glass units that envelop the building.
Over 13,500 square meters of high-performance glass were used in the project, including more than 4,000 double-glazed units crafted with the best sustainable features available. For the Italian facade company Focchi, Tvitec | Cricursa produced insulating glass with Guardian SNX 60 HT coating, which offers excellent thermal insulation against both cold and heat, allowing for the enjoyment of natural light and exceptional views with significant energy savings.
To ensure exceptional resistance in case of impact, the glass is tempered with HST control. In the curved pieces, Tvitec | Cricursa incorporated laminated units into the double glazing, enhancing safety and improving acoustic comfort throughout the barrel-vaulted glass structure.
The goal of developer Two Trees and the Practice for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU) studio is to achieve net-zero carbon emissions for the new offices on the Brooklyn waterfront. The use of high-performance glass is essential to achieving this goal, as it helps to reduce energy consumption and improve the overall sustainability of the building.
This content was originally published in Architectural Digest as part of a feature on the renovation and transformation of the Domino Sugar Factory into a contemporary architectural masterpiece in the heart of New York City.