The Life Sciences Complex is home to dozens of Buffalo’s leading medical, educational, and research groups and is central to the growing life sciences industry in Western New York. The objective for the building exterior was to create visual splendor with uncompromising strength against the harsh weather on the eastern shore of Lake Erie. Working collaboratively, EEWS brought the architect’s vision to life with aluminum plate, strongly cantilevered butt glazing, dramatic point-supported glass, and profiled zinc. The completed exterior features a belt-and-suspenders approach to the weather using a barrier system (aluminum plate and glass) with a rainscreen backup system of waterproofing, insulation and stainless steel. Sixty thousand square feet of zinc rainscreen enclose rooftop machine rooms to complete the exterior.