Fiberglass Windows: A Sustainable Choice in Non-Residential and Multi-Family Buildings

Architects have another option for window systems in commercial and institutional building designs.
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Sponsored by Pella Corporation
Peter J. Arsenault, FAIA, NCARB, LEED-AP

Single-story Storefront Style Systemsp

Design Recommendations

Similar to the opening types noted above, fiberglass storefronts include a combination of windows that often require reinforcing mullions, expansion mullions, and subsills to resist wind loads and allow movement while providing adequate water management. (See Figure 15.)



Figure 15: Elevation and details of fiberglass storefront

Images courtesy of Pella Corporation

Case Study: New Beranger Condominiums, Gresham, OR
Architect: Myhre Group Architects

The Beranger Condos is a mixed-use complex in downtown Gresham, OR. The four-story structure contains 24 condominium units and 7,000 square feet of ground-level retail space. One of the building's most unique features is its "green roof" that employs cutting-edge environmental technology to manage rainwater-an important concern given Oregon's climate.

Among the highlights of The Beranger Condos' design are the tall windows present in the condo units. While the architect originally specified fixed aluminum storefront for these openings, the building's owner had used aluminum in a previous project and was dissatisfied with their performance. Fiberglass windows provided the quality, aesthetics and cost-effectiveness he was looking for. He was pleased with their exceptionally durable and energy efficient qualities. But equally appealing was the fact that the building's 264 double-hung, fixed frame and horizontal sliding windows were all glazed in a controlled factory environment, saving time and money during the window installation process. The flexibility of the numerous fiberglass window options along with their outstanding performance, helped make The Beranger Condos a welcome addition to downtown Gresham.

 

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Originally published in December 2010

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