By Glasshape
Flying High in Luxury - New York Style
Architects: Corgan (Lead Design Architect) & ICRAVE (Architect of Record)
Client: EeStairs America Inc.
Photography: Zach Griff / The Points Guy
Chase has unveiled the luxurious, flagship Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia International Airport, elevating the travel experience through exceptional facilities. Created by architects Corgan and ICRAVE, the design reflects the essence of New York’s parks, integrating natural elements into a space characterized by low ceilings and an absence of windows. Guests can enjoy regionally inspired food and beverage choices, wellness areas, and secluded suites, all contributing to a peaceful atmosphere before flights. Notable features of the lounge include a circular bar, a chef’s table, soundproof workstations, a family-friendly section, and a game room for entertainment. Additionally, a mezzanine on the second floor provides private suites ideal for social events. An abundance of natural greenery contributes to a tranquil and inviting atmosphere. Ultimately, this lounge redefines the luxurious airport experience, offering travellers a promise of comfort and relaxation.
Access to the mezzanine on the second floor is facilitated by a stone-clad, LED-lit curved staircase, which is further enhanced by Glasshape’s distinctive TemperShield bent architectural glass, which wraps around the entire perimeter of the curvaceous overlook railing, creating a safe yet transparent barrier for the area below.
The accomplishment of this remarkable bent glass undertaking stems from the collaboration and communication between EeStairs America and Glasshape, who have collaborated on numerous past projects. For this particular endeavor, EeStairs supplied Glasshape with a 3D Model of the constructed structure, which Glasshape utilized to inform the design and fabrication of its custom 21.52mm (7/8″) TemperShield bent, toughened (tempered), and laminated low iron glass. Once again, their shared dedication to delivering outstanding service and quality ensured that this project surpassed expectations.
"Glasshape proved to be an invaluable partner on the Sapphire Lounge project. Their unwavering commitment to both service and quality was instrumental in the project's resounding success. We continue to rely on Glasshape as our preferred vendor for glazing systems and will undoubtedly turn to them first for future projects. Tomas Rojcik (Project Director) - EeStairs America Inc.
Delivering Bent & Specialist Glass with Excellence.
Glasshape®, established in 1986, is a leading innovator, designer and manufacturer of bent, tempered (toughened), laminated and digital ceramic print specialty glass. Family owned and based in Auckland, New Zealand, Glasshapes philosophy of growth through innovation, ingenuity and customer service sees it deliver best-in-class glazing solutions in a variety of categories, with notable success in marine, architectural (residential and commercial), cyclonic, high security and heavy machinery projects.
Consistently investing in technology and capacity to meet the increasing demands from architects, designers and their clients, Glasshape® designs and supplies certified bent and flat glass, either monolithic or laminated, for almost any setting. With Australian offices in Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne, and headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, Glasshape® provides customer centric solutions with an international reach.
Our brands are lauded and respected for the quality and craftsmanship they represent and include DurashieldMarine® marine grade glass, TemperShield® bent toughened glass, AmmoShield® and ArmourShield® attack resistant glass, StormShield® cyclone resistant glass and VisionInk® digitally printed ceramic inks.