Denver may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of seismic activity, but movement is a fact of life in every building envelope. From thermal expansion to wind drift and seismic shifts, these forces can compromise structural integrity if not properly managed. For the Legacy Building at the National Western Center, this reality shaped the design process from day one.
That is why Nystrom partnered early with Tryba Architects and the project team to develop an expansion joint strategy that would protect the building envelope for decades. Expansion joints are not accessories. They are essential systems that ensure continuity, performance, and safety.
Denver sits in Seismic Design Category B, which means seismic forces still influence drift, anchorage, and detailing. Add to that:
These factors create significant movement in building structures. Expansion joints must accommodate thermal expansion, seismic drift, and wind induced stresses, often simultaneously.
The Legacy Building is a showcase of architectural ambition. Its exterior combines weathered steel, Colorado Buff Sandstone, glass, and wood, each with different thermal expansion rates. The building connects physically to the adjacent Livestock Arena and features elevated terraces, long spans, and dramatic gestures that create large, active joint conditions.
Ignoring these risks can lead to costly repairs, energy inefficiency, and compromised safety.
To address these challenges, Nystrom supplied 15 inch EJN-EWN elastomeric expansion joints engineered for demanding exterior conditions. These systems do more than absorb movement. They protect the building envelope as a whole.
By treating expansion joints as part of the envelope and not an afterthought, Nystrom ensures long term durability and performance.
Installation was handled by Alpha Insulation, whose coordination with adjacent trades ensured proper integration at complex transitions. These are the areas where failures most often occur, and early collaboration is critical. Nystrom approach includes:
This proactive process prevents weak points and guarantees system integrity.
Visitors to the Legacy Building will notice the grand stair, exposed wood structure, and sweeping views of downtown Denver and the Rockies. What they will not notice, by design, are the expansion joints doing their job. That is the hallmark of a successful system: silent, reliable performance.
Expansion joints rarely make headlines, but they are critical for building longevity. Without them, structures face premature deterioration, energy inefficiency, and costly repairs. By integrating expansion joints early, architects and contractors ensure performance, safety, and aesthetics remain intact.
Denver’s temperature swings and wind exposure create significant thermal movement, making expansion joints critical for structural integrity.
What makes the Nystrom EJN-EWN system unique?
It combines weather resistance, moisture protection, and aesthetic integration, ensuring performance without compromising design.
How do expansion joints affect energy efficiency?
Properly designed joints maintain continuity of air and thermal barriers, reducing energy loss and condensation risks.
Can expansion joints handle seismic movement?
Yes. Nystrom systems accommodate multi directional movement, including seismic racking, for long term reliability.
When should expansion joint planning start?
Early in the design phase. Treating joints as part of the envelope and not an afterthought prevents costly failures later.
Managing building movement is not optional—it is essential for the safety, performance, and longevity of modern structures. The Legacy Building at the National Western Center demonstrates how early collaboration and the right expansion joint systems can transform potential vulnerabilities into lasting solutions. By integrating Nystrom EJN-EWN expansion joints, architects and contractors achieved a seamless building envelope that withstands thermal shifts, seismic forces, and wind loads without compromising aesthetics. When it comes to movement management, trust the proven expertise and innovative solutions that Nystrom delivers. Explore our full range of expansion joint systems and start planning for performance that lasts.