Photo: Bjarke Ingels Group
Standing at 1,031’ tall (314 m2) and spanning 66 stories, The Spiral is an architectural marvel and a defining feature of New York City’s Hudson Yards. Developed by Tishman Speyer and designed by the renowned Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), The Spiral’s cascading outdoor terraces create a striking, interconnected ribbon of green space that extends from the base to the pinnacle of the tower. This forward-thinking design reflects a commitment to sustainability and human-centric workspaces, offering employees access to fresh air, natural light, and panoramic views of the city skyline.
A project of this magnitude required construction materials of the highest quality to meet the demanding aesthetic and performance requirements. MAPEI, a global leader in construction solutions, played a vital role in bringing The Spiral to life. MAPEI’s extensive product range was used throughout the building, including the lobby, amenities spaces, bathrooms, and feature walls, ensuring durability, sustainability, and visual excellence.
MAPEI’s contribution to The Spiral
The Spiral represents the future of workplace environments, with seamless indoor-outdoor integration that prioritizes occupant wellbeing. Ensuring the longevity and resilience of such a groundbreaking design required expert craftsmanship and high-performance building materials. MAPEI partnered with Garcia Marble & Tile, a leading installation contractor, to deliver superior flooring and surface solutions throughout the tower. The project was supported by Daltile in Maspeth, Queens, as the dealer, with MAPEI Sales Representative Darin Shocker overseeing the process. MAPEI’s involvement spanned multiple phases, utilizing a comprehensive suite of products designed to meet the unique demands of the project.
MAPEI Ultralite S2 lightweight mortar provided excellent adhesion and flexibility, ideal for the large-format tiles used in key areas. To create a stable and level foundation, the crew used 4 to 1 Mud Bed Mix mixed with Planicrete AC. As a pre-blended mixture of finely-graded sand and portland cement used for thick-bed mortar installations, 4 to 1 Mud Bed Mix flattens and levels an existing substrate before the installation of tile and stone. Mixed with this mortar to ensure superior bond strength and durability was Planicrete AC, a one-component, concentrated, liquid latex admixture used to enhance the performance of cementitious repair mortars, plasters, stuccos, and toppings.
Mapelastic AquaDefense is a high-performance, premixed, advanced liquid-rubber, extremely quick-drying waterproofing and crack-isolation membrane for installation under ceramic tile or stone in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. It was used extensively in this project in wet areas, especially in the bathrooms, to prevent moisture infiltration and protect the integrity of the structure.
For tile installations throughout the building, Ultracolor Plus FA grout was chosen for its fast-setting properties and stain resistance, ensuring a seamless and low-maintenance finish. Ultracolor Plus FA is an ultra-premium, fine-aggregate, fast-setting, polymer-modified, color-consistent, non-shrinking, efflorescence-free grout. Mapesil T Plus specialized silicone sealant—which exceeds both ASTM and ANSI standards—was used to provide long-lasting elasticity and movement accommodation in high-traffic and moisture-prone areas. These solutions collectively contributed to a project that not only met but exceeded industry standards for durability, performance, and sustainability.
Tackling a 1.2 million-sq.-ft. (111 484 m2) project takes mad coordination and logistical skills.
“The scope of this project was massive,” explained Shocker. “Just the lobby alone used approximately 19,000 bags (24 trucks) of our 4 to 1 Mud Bed Mix. The opening order got them started with 8,000 bags of 4 to 1, 500 pails of Planicrete AC, and 300 bags of Ultracolor Plus FA. At one point, for a long period of this project, the contractor was going through eight pallets a week of Ultralite S2—which is not produced in our New Jersey plant—so we had to make sure we had it shipped up here from Virginia. The contractor did not have enough room to store all this material in their warehouse or on the project, so we had to stay ahead of them.”
Overcoming challenges with MAPEI’s expertise
Large-scale projects like The Spiral present numerous logistical and material supply challenges, especially in a city as dynamic as New York. However, MAPEI’s supply chain expertise ensured a steady and timely delivery of materials, keeping construction on track despite global raw-material shortages.
Shocker reflected on the project’s execution: “The Spiral is a landmark achievement in modern architecture, and we are proud to have played a role in its construction. This project demanded innovative solutions, and MAPEI delivered with our advanced product technologies. Our ability to consistently supply high-quality materials, even amid industry-wide shortages, was a testament to our team’s dedication and logistical expertise.”
A significant milestone in the construction of The Spiral was Garcia Marble & Tile’s decision to transition from a competitor’s products to MAPEI solutions. After experiencing the superior performance and reliability of MAPEI materials, Garcia Marble & Tile has since continued to specify MAPEI for its large-scale New York City projects, reinforcing MAPEI’s reputation as a trusted partner in the construction industry.
A sustainable future for Manhattan’s skyline
Sustainability was a central focus in the design and construction of The Spiral. The integration of green terraces throughout the building not only enhances occupant wellbeing but also contributes to environmental responsibility by reducing heat-island effects and promoting natural air purification. The building’s irrigation system, designed by Bosch, conserves approximately 4.5 million gallons (17 million liters) of water annually, further underscoring its commitment to sustainability.
MAPEI’s environmentally-friendly products aligned seamlessly with The Spiral’s green building initiatives. Many of the materials used in the project feature low-VOC emissions, contributing to healthier indoor air quality. Additionally, MAPEI’s advanced adhesives, mortars, and grouts were formulated to enhance the durability of the installed materials, reducing the need for future replacements and minimizing waste.
The crown jewel of Hudson Yards: a monument to innovation and excellence
The successful completion of The Spiral represents a significant achievement in modern construction. Its bold design, combined with state-of-the-art materials and engineering, positions it as a premier workplace destination in New York City. MAPEI’s involvement in the project highlights the company’s expertise in delivering high-performance construction solutions that align with architectural vision, sustainability goals, and long-term durability.
As businesses and industry leaders move into The Spiral, they will experience firsthand the benefits of a workspace designed with wellbeing, innovation, and sustainability in mind. Thanks to the collaboration between MAPEI, Garcia Marble & Tile, and Tishman Speyer, The Spiral stands as a testament to what is possible when visionary design meets world-class construction expertise.
