Opening Glass Wall Performance Characteristics

Window and door systems in a building enclosure are typically a performance weak spot in terms of energy and weatherability. This is particularly true in mid-rise and high-rise multifamily projects that can be subjected to greater wind and other forces compared to ground level. Fortunately, folding glass wall systems are available that have been independently tested and shown to be capable of meeting the demands of these situations. In particular, unit U-factors can be specified as low as 0.2 with triple glazing. Similarly, air infiltration has been measured as low as 0.125 at 1.57 psf (75 Pa). Both of these conditions contribute to the availability of ENERGY STAR rated products.

When it comes to the structural integrity of opening glass walls in high-wind conditions, they have been tested to perform well up to 35 psf for folding glass walls and up to 60 psf for sliding systems. In terms of maintaining security in the building, all have been shown to provide excellent forced-entry resistance when tested per AAMA 1202.5 and CAWM 300-96. And since sound is often a concern in multifamily housing, the systems have been tested and can achieve sound attenuation ratings up to STC 45.

When looking at these different performance characteristics, keep in mind that inward opening folding glass wall systems offer better performance and safety capabilities than outward opening systems since the wind dynamics are a bit different. They are also easier to clean since both sides of the glass panels are accessible from the inside. The sills of the folding glass wall systems will make an impact on performance as well. Folding glass wall systems with ADA (low-profile) sills need to be assessed in terms of water resistance compared to some others. Still other sills with higher profiles have been found to support higher water-resistance ratings during field testing.

Overall, it is easy to see why opening glass walls have been used in a variety of luxury and other multifamily projects throughout North America.

Conclusion

Residents of multifamily housing are looking for amenities that suit their lifestyles and meet their demand for access to outdoor spaces. Building owners are happy to meet that need as long as it can be integrated appropriately into the building construction and budget. Architects and other design professionals can use the approaches presented in this course to meet those needs in a creative, elegant, and affordable manner.

CASE STUDY: ADAPTIVE REUSE ROOF TERRACE

Photo courtesy of Bison Innovative Products/© Troy Theis

Project: Schmidt Artist Lofts
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Architect: BKV Group
Developer: Dominium

The Project: It was no small feat for St. Paul, Minnesota-based developer Dominium to turn this 147-year-old brewery into a live-work-play community that revitalized its surroundings. After sitting vacant for a decade, many of the buildings had fallen into disrepair following attempted remodels from various owners that left them open to the relentless Midwestern winters. As such, the property spent two long years being brought back to life with the help of the local Heritage Preservation Commission, State Historic Preservation Office, and National Park Service to honor the building’s iconic history. Targeted to young, creative people, the building brings a renewed vivacity to the area and creates units with artists’ needs in mind, including wider doorways to move large pieces of artwork and enough square footage in the units for workspace.

The Rooftop Deck Design: Scenic views of the Mississippi River are visible from the roof, so the design team pursued the creation of a communal rooftop deck. Using a pedestal roof deck system with wood tiles and concrete pavers, this appealing space provides an inviting, modern retreat for residents and their guests to relax, enjoy the view, or gain some inspiration. The architects selected modular wooden deck tiles on top of adjustable pedestals as part of a coordinated system, allowing for considerable design flexibility in this unique outdoor amenity space.

The Result: The Schmidt Artist Lofts project is the winner of the Adaptive Reuse award for 2015 issued by Multifamily Executive magazine.