21st Century Building Envelope Systems: Merging Innovation with Technology, Sustainability, and Function

By addressing energy efficiency, moisture infiltration, aesthetics, and occupant comfort, building envelope elements and component systems enhance design opportunities and minimize potential risk
This course is no longer active
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Advertorial course provided by Dryvit, Vistawall, CENTRIA, W&W Glass, Oldcastle Glass, and Alcoa
Barbara A. Nadel, FAIA

Liability Issues

Mold concerns and related health issues linked to this fungus have been the central issue of many lawsuits. The Insurance Information Institute estimates that $3 billion in building mold claims were paid in 2002. Specifying an insulated metal composite panel system engineered for superior thermal performance and moisture control will significantly reduce mold-related risks for owners, occupants, and design professionals.

There is another reason that specifying such systems will further reduce risk and liability. "Insulated metal composite panel construction requires one supplier and installer, so the need for multiple trades, contractors, materials, and manufacturers on the jobsite is significantly reduced. In other types of construction, if leaks occur, it's hard to determine who is responsible for the faulty work or installation. High performance insulated metal composite panels eliminate this potential scenario, thereby reducing risk and liability concerns for owners and architects," said Rick Brow, Director of Marketing, CENTRIA Architectural Systems, Moon Township, Pennsylvania.

Insulated metal composite panels with an aggregate coating create the appearance of pre-cast on the exterior of the Parkwest Medical Center in Knoxville, TN.
Photo credit: Centria

Insulated metal composite panel systems are suitable in new construction and renovations, in all climates. In addition to sustainability, superior thermal and moisture protection performance, and reducing mold concerns, they offer aesthetic qualities as well. Insulated metal composite panel systems are available in a variety of finishes, colors, shapes, and profiles with reveals, curves, and other design options that meet technical criteria, testing standards, and national codes.

Point Supported, Bolted Glass: Maximizing Transparency

Building envelope materials and systems can enhance dramatic interior spaces, such as lobbies and public assembly areas, by maximizing natural daylight and visibility to the outdoors. Point supported, bolted glass systems provide maximum transparency to large expanses of the building envelope. This bolted glass system relies on mechanical fasteners to connect the glass to the structural frame, without mullions.

The point supported, bolted glass system is comprised of glass, fittings, and structural supports. Each element has many options, to meet the design solution for various applications. Structural glass façades rely on the quality of the glass for their performance and aesthetics. An extensive range of glass types can be used with this system, for flexibility of design, appearance, performance, and transparency, such as tempered, laminated, coated, insulating, high performance energy efficient, acoustical, and solar glass.

The Mall at Millenia, in Orlando, Florida, uses point supported bolted glass to maximize transparency between the outdoors and the indoor retail environment.
Architect: JPRA Architects
Photo credit: W&W Glass

Structural elements that work with the system include stainless steel cables, space frames, simple steel pipes and tubes, and elaborate prefabricated trusses. The fitting is critical, to ensure loads are transferred to the structural elements supporting the glass.

Point supported, bolted glass is a flush glass application using a countersunk bolt in the glass that is bolted to the building structural system. This method provides a flush glass surface using countersunk holes, and stainless steel fittings to connect the glass façade to the structure, instead of the conventional framing systems. The result is an engineered system with minimum of structure and maximum visual clarity. A silicone seal between adjacent panels provides weatherproofing.

These systems are suitable for various applications and projects of all sizes and budgets, not only for monumental, iconic buildings. Successful applications include airports, high-rises, cultural facilities, shopping malls, courthouses, universities, hospitals, and corporate headquarters.

 

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Architectural Record
Originally published in August 2006

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