This new medical research building at the University of Washington, adjacent to the existing South Lake Union research complex, provides approximately 183,000 ft² (17,000 m²) of laboratory and office space. The distinctive west-facing curtain wall appears as a series of large folded vertical glass strips, composed of insulating glass units. Color-coated aluminum closure panels span parallelogram openings between the offset folding strips, creating rhythmic swaths of color across the façade. Other curtain wall systems used throughout the building are vertical systems with insulating opaque spandrel glass and low-E coated vision glass units. The primary cladding system is composed of painted aluminum composite panels. Additional elements of the façade include storefront glazing and a laminated glass canopy at the east elevation. Front collaborated with Perkins + Will on the design and engineering of these façade systems during the design development phase.