Birdair wins prestigious award for exceptional craftsmanship at Under Armour's new global headquarters in Baltimore
Washington, DC, December 3, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Sara Schüttlöffel
(202) 383-4885
Birdair wins industry award for architectural and decorative excellence in construction of Under Armour's global headquarters
Washington, DC – December 1, 2025 – Birdair, the global leader in custom tensile membrane structures, is proud to announce that the company, along with Iron Workers Local Union 5 in Washington, DC, has won the 2024 IMPACT Project of the Year Award in the Architectural/Ornamental category (under 5,000 hours) for their work on Under Armour's new global headquarters in Baltimore. IMPACT is an association of over 4,000 contractors and 130,000 ironworkers that supports industry growth by expanding job opportunities for union ironworkers and partner contractors across the country.
The Under Armor headquarters features an impressive 21,000 square meter TensoSky® ETFE facade designed and installed by Birdair. Architecture firm Gensler envisioned a transparent, lightweight shell that would highlight the building's identity while advancing its sustainability goals. Birdair translated this vision into a complex system of 27 custom ETFE panels spanning more than 400 feet and ranging in height from 50 to 75 feet, seamlessly integrating into the project's solid wood structure.
“This project shows what is possible when innovation and craftsmanship come together,” said James Thomas, Director of Construction at Birdair, who accepted the award alongside Michele Roth, Business Development Manager and Director of Marketing. “Iron Workers Local 5 delivered an exceptional performance on site and together we brought to life a sophisticated and highly visible façade.”
The team overcame several unique installation challenges, including navigating green roof areas with specialized access systems, coordinating the transportation of oversized components in standard shipping containers, and designing the façade to withstand wind loads and waterfront vortex conditions. The steel arch frame system, with a total weight of 105 tonnes, was manufactured and assembled with the utmost precision to support the ETFE membrane.
Beyond aesthetics, the façade plays a role in Under Armor's pursuit of LEED® Platinum and Net Zero energy goals. ETFE's transparency, light weight and thermal performance help maximize daylight while minimizing energy requirements – underscoring the company's commitment to sustainable, future-focused design.
For more information about the project and the Birdair portfolio, call 1-800-622-2246 or visit Birdair.com.
For all media inquiries please contact Sara Schuttloffel at [email protected]
CONTACT: Sara Schüttlöffel
Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust
2023834885
[email protected]
