Swiss Engineering Meets Pacific Northwest Waterfront

When Seattle’s Pier 58 collapsed in September 2020, the city lost more than infrastructure—it lost a beloved waterfront gathering space. Rebuilding required 600 linear feet of coastal protection that could withstand Pacific Northwest conditions while preserving the unobstructed Elliott Bay views that define this location.

Jakob’s Inviss-C frames with Webnet mesh now protect the entire coastal perimeter, delivering transparent safety barriers that visitors barely notice—while performing flawlessly in one of North America’s most demanding marine environments.

The Challenge: Protection in a Harsh Marine Environment

Seattle Parks and Recreation faced specific technical requirements:

• 600 linear feet of coastal protection along Elliott Bay
• Transparent barriers preserving panoramic water views
• Marine-grade durability for constant salt spray exposure
• Seismic-rated systems for earthquake-prone region
• Zero maintenance requirements for public infrastructure
• Seattle Building Code compliance

Traditional railing systems struggle in these conditions. Glass requires constant cleaning in salt-spray environments and blocks natural ventilation. Powder-coated aluminum corrodes in marine exposure. Rigid systems perform poorly during seismic events.

The project demanded engineered solutions specifically designed for coastal conditions.

Jakob’s Solution: Inviss-C Frames with Webnet

Jakob supplied 600 linear feet of Inviss-C frames with Webnet mesh infill for Pier 58’s coastal-facing barriers.

Marine-Grade Material Specification
Every component is fabricated from AISI 316 stainless steel—marine-grade material used in ship construction. This specification matters in coastal environments where material choice determines long-term performance.
AISI 316 contains molybdenum, providing superior corrosion resistance compared to standard architectural stainless steel (AISI 304). In salt-spray environments, this difference determines whether a system performs for decades or requires replacement within years.

Transparent Protection
Webnet mesh provides code-compliant fall protection while maintaining visual transparency. From even a short distance, visitors see Elliott Bay—not the barrier system. The open mesh design allows natural airflow, reducing wind loads across the 600-foot installation.

Seismic Engineering

In earthquake-prone Seattle, flexibility provides structural advantage. Webnet’s flexible mesh construction absorbs seismic movement without failing. The Inviss-C frame system meets Pacific Northwest seismic codes, with each section designed to move independently during seismic events.

Installation Efficiency

Pre-engineered Inviss-C frames simplified installation and code approval processes. The modular system adapted to Pier 58’s geometry without requiring custom fabrication, supporting the project timeline.

Performance in Pacific Northwest Conditions

Since opening, the installation has demonstrated its design intent:

Safety Performance

• Zero fall incidents across 600 linear feet of coastal perimeter
• 100% Seattle Building Code compliance achieved on first inspection
• Full ADA accessibility maintained throughout

Visual Experience

• Panoramic Elliott Bay views preserved across entire installation
• Transparent barriers maintain sightlines from all angles
• Natural ventilation through mesh reduces wind turbulence

Material Performance

• Zero maintenance interventions required since installation
• No corrosion treatment, painting, or structural repairs
• System has withstood Pacific Northwest winter storms and seismic activity

Material Specification for Coastal Projects

For waterfront and coastal installations, material specification drives long-term performance.

Understanding AISI 316 Stainless Steel

AISI 316 stainless steel contains:

• 16-18% chromium (corrosion resistance)
• 10-14% nickel (structural stability)
• 2-3% molybdenum (marine environment protection)

This composition provides resistance to chloride corrosion—critical for salt-spray environments. Alternative materials without molybdenum content deteriorate in marine conditions.

The Scale Factor

At 600 linear feet, material specification becomes increasingly important. Systems requiring periodic maintenance create ongoing operational obligations. Marine-grade materials eliminate these requirements entirely.

For public infrastructure, this distinction affects budgeting, staffing, and long-term facility management.

Why Architects Specify Jakob for Marine Environments

Pier 58 demonstrates principles that apply to coastal projects of any scale:

True Marine-Grade Materials
We specify AISI 316 stainless steel—not “marine-rated” coatings applied over inferior base materials. The material composition itself provides corrosion resistance, not surface treatments that degrade over time.

Engineering for Transparency

Safety barriers shouldn’t dominate the visual experience. Webnet systems provide code-compliant protection while preserving view corridors—essential for projects where waterfront views create value.

Seismic Performance
Flexible mesh construction performs better than rigid systems during seismic events. For Pacific Northwest projects, this characteristic provides both structural and life-safety advantages.

Operational Simplicity

Public infrastructure managers value systems that don’t require ongoing maintenance programs. Marine-grade materials eliminate the need for inspection schedules, treatment programs, and replacement planning.

Performance in Pacific Northwest Conditions

Since opening, the installation has demonstrated its design intent:

Safety Performance

• Zero fall incidents across 600 linear feet of coastal perimeter
• 100% Seattle Building Code compliance achieved on first inspection
• Full ADA accessibility maintained throughout

Visual Experience

• Panoramic Elliott Bay views preserved across entire installation
• Transparent barriers maintain sightlines from all angles
• Natural ventilation through mesh reduces wind turbulence

Material Performance

• Zero maintenance interventions required since installation
• No corrosion treatment, painting, or structural repairs
• System has withstood Pacific Northwest winter storms and seismic activity

Material Specification for Coastal Projects

For waterfront and coastal installations, material specification drives long-term performance.

Understanding AISI 316 Stainless Steel

AISI 316 stainless steel contains:

• 16-18% chromium (corrosion resistance)
• 10-14% nickel (structural stability)
• 2-3% molybdenum (marine environment protection)

This composition provides resistance to chloride corrosion—critical for salt-spray environments. Alternative materials without molybdenum content deteriorate in marine conditions.

The Scale Factor

At 600 linear feet, material specification becomes increasingly important. Systems requiring periodic maintenance create ongoing operational obligations. Marine-grade materials eliminate these requirements entirely.

For public infrastructure, this distinction affects budgeting, staffing, and long-term facility management.

Why Architects Specify Jakob for Marine Environments

Pier 58 demonstrates principles that apply to coastal projects of any scale:

True Marine-Grade Materials
We specify AISI 316 stainless steel—not “marine-rated” coatings applied over inferior base materials. The material composition itself provides corrosion resistance, not surface treatments that degrade over time.

Engineering for Transparency

Safety barriers shouldn’t dominate the visual experience. Webnet systems provide code-compliant protection while preserving view corridors—essential for projects where waterfront views create value.

Seismic Performance
Flexible mesh construction performs better than rigid systems during seismic events. For Pacific Northwest projects, this characteristic provides both structural and life-safety advantages.

Operational Simplicity

Public infrastructure managers value systems that don’t require ongoing maintenance programs. Marine-grade materials eliminate the need for inspection schedules, treatment programs, and replacement planning.

Planning a Waterfront or Coastal Project?

Whether designing piers, boardwalks, observation decks, or waterfront developments, Jakob’s Inviss-C frames with Webnet deliver what coastal environments demand: transparency, durability, and operational simplicity.
Our engineering team has specified marine-grade protection systems for projects across North America’s coastlines. We understand building codes, seismic requirements, and coastal engineering demands.

Schedule Free Engineering Consultation →

What you’ll get:

• 30-minute call with our technical team
• Custom solution design for your project requirements
• Material specifications and lifecycle cost analysis
• Code compliance guidance for your jurisdiction

Project Information

Pier 58 Waterfront Park
Seattle, Washington

• Jakob Products: Inviss-C frames with Webnet mesh
• Installation: 600 linear feet of coastal-facing barriers
• Environment: High-exposure marine with salt spray and seismic loads
• Material: AISI 316 marine-grade stainless steel throughout

For technical information about this installation, contact our engineering team.