Understanding How Glazing Can Impact Safety and Fire Protection  

When specifying glass, architects and designers must consider many factors, including safety, security, energy efficiency, thermal protection, and daylighting. Over the past 20 years, safety in schools has increasingly become a concern due to the increase of gun violence and active shooter situations in schools, churches, government buildings, and public places.

Photo courtesy of Global Security Glazing

Security glazing on an elementary school in Pennsylvania provides added security for occupants while allowing sunlight to penetrate the building, creating a positive environment for students.

These situations have caused an increase in funding for new school buildings and renovations on existing buildings which, in turn, has driven demand for protective glazing. Dodge Data and Analytics reports that the education sector is expected to grow 3 percent in 2019, while the rest of nonresidential construction will remain flat. School districts and officials are increasingly asking architects to develop design solutions to better protect students in the event of threats, from fires to intruders or active shooters. This is what Rob Botman, general manager, Glassopolis, calls the “second wave of school security glazing” that is happening right now. “The first wave was to increase security by filling existing openings with thick, heavy laminated glass assemblies. Unfortunately, the cost of these glazing solutions can be prohibitive. Now that architects have had time to digest the new school security objectives, they are coming up with better building designs that don’t require extreme sole-source glazing. Instead of putting expensive glass everywhere, they are being more selective in where they apply the glazing.” For the glass industry, the call for safer schools translates to requests for forced-entry-resistant products in addition to the already code-required fire-protection solutions. Designers also want these solutions while still meeting stringent energy codes and maximizing daylighting and views, as daylighting can improve student morale and performance in the classroom.

Oftentimes, projects will include various types of materials such as high-performance security glazing in areas most vulnerable to intrusion and then contain fire-rated glazing throughout the rest of the building. Specifiers must consider how fire-rated glass and other protective glazing can work together to provide added fire safety for occupants.

Fire has been a danger to buildings for centuries, and modern codes and standards have adequately accommodated for the threat. Designing safer schools and public buildings is an evolving concern and, due to the nature of the evolution of active shooter and intruder situations, requires additional education and specification assistance. Security glazing and fire-rated solutions are applicable for any project application. “It’s not just schools—it’s churches, government buildings, offices, etc.,” says Urmilla Sowell, technical and advocacy director, National Glass Association. Quality products and protective glazing provide many benefits to buildings, with glass installations both inside and outside.

What Is Protective Glazing?

Protective glazing is an added protection that can be specified for glass products to help provide protection for occupants against both intruders and fires. While no glass is indestructible, protective glazing provides added protection and durability that can allow occupants extra time to get to safety in the event of an intruder or fire while also providing extended protection while law enforcement and emergency responders rush to the scene.

There are a variety of considerations for determining protective glazing applications in education facilities that, in many cases, involve multi-performance products. Hurricane-impact glazing, for example, may have contributed to the lives saved at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The building features code-required impact glazing at all levels. Investigators say the shooter appears to have attempted to shoot through a third-floor window, firing 16 rounds into the glass. The laminated impact-resistant glass, however, did not give him a clear opening.

There are many factors to consider when evaluating protective glazing in schools, such as the threat, time, weak link, budget, safe zones, alternate points of entry, interior openings, and fire protections.

Threat

Many school districts are looking to add forced-entry resistance to their school buildings, according to glass industry sources. “As these school shootings have become more prevalent, we started hearing demand for bullet-resistant doors and glass,” says Kenny Webb, director of integrated solutions and marketing communications, Assa Abloy. However, traditional bullet-resistant solutions offer a level of protection beyond what is needed for forced-entry resistance. The goal for forced-entry resistance glazing is to “deter or delay access, giving time for first responders to arrive,” Webb says.

Time

While glass can be made more durable, even the strongest glass has the potential to break. As discussed, the primary goal is to specify glass that can stand up to a threat long enough for first responders to arrive. The amount of time required will vary depending on the location of the entry point, meaning where it is in the building, and also where the building is geographically located. If the building is located in an urban area across the street from a police station, the need to withstand impact is less critical than a similar glass entry point in a rural area that is 15 minutes away from the nearest police station.

Weak Link

When considering the protective properties of a glazing system, look first for the weak link. Glass will often be the weakest link in a system until some type of safety glazing is employed. Once the glass is taken care of, look to the locks and hardware. When possible, specify multipoint locking at entry points and points of weakness. Architects can also employ reinforced doors and frames to harden the system further.

Budget

While security is a high priority for many people, the added protections provided by glazing solutions can be cost prohibitive when applied to all-glass entry points in a building. Schools often face budget restraints, therefore assessing the risk and picking a cost-effective solution can be a challenge. To accommodate for this, key discussions about balancing performance demand and budget should happen early in the project specification process. Fortunately, the glass industry offers a wide range of security solutions that can help accommodate the project budget. When specifying glass for these types of projects, let your supplier know your budget and concerns so it can help determine the best solutions for the project. Specifiers can choose from various products ranging from simple laminated glass to materials that are fully resistant to ballistics. The question is: How much protection is needed and for how long?

Safe Zones

Suppliers recommend that architects consider using a range of protection levels for different areas of the building. For example, certain secure zones will require higher levels of protection. If a school or business can’t provide security glazing in all places, perhaps they can provide it in the “secure zones.” A secure zone is a room or area where a large number of occupants can safely and securely congregate. An example would be the cafeteria or the gymnasium. These areas could include higher-rated protections such as bullet-resistant glass or additional security glazing not present in other parts of the building.

Key points of entry such as the front door should also be a focus. In schools, banks, or medical facilities, pass through windows and bullet-resistant products can provide extra security for occupants stationed at the entryway.

Alternate Points of Entry

Front entrances aren’t the only locations for safety and security glazing. Ground-level windows and back and side doors should also be considered. All areas on the first floor should be protected, as they are much easier to access than areas on higher floors.

Interior Openings

Exterior solutions are a focus of forced-entry resistance. However, interior protections should also be considered. Classroom doors, for example, often have small glass areas in the panels. To help secure classrooms, the specifier could choose to use protective glass or glass with security glazing in addition to using special hardware to lock the doors against intruders.

Fire Protection

The addition of forced-entry resistance products must act in concert with requirements for fire protections. In many cases, these two protections work together; however, in some cases, they can work against each other. While it may seem like a good idea to add more and more layers of protective glazing for added security, an aftermarket film applied to a fire-rated glazing system will affect the product’s ability to perform in a fire. The fire marshal can help a project team determine if the assemblies fully comply with fire-code requirements.

Understanding How Security Glazing Can Promote Building Security

In our modern world, there is a need for protective glazing on glass doors and windows to keep occupants safe. This is especially true in public buildings and areas where people congregate, such as schools, churches, and government buildings. While it would be great to make every window and point of entry bullet and fire resistant, the truth is the technological advancements that make areas more secure sometimes come with a high price tag. In response, the glass industry has developed a range of security glazing solutions that provide forced-entry resistance without the high price of more traditional bullet-resistant products. The products are not only designed to delay a potential intruder until first responders arrive but also provide daily benefits, such as thermal protection, enhanced acoustics, and daylighting. We’ll discuss characteristics of and differences between various types of glass products, including monolithic safety tempered glass, single lite with film/plastic, laminated, laminated IGU, and multi-ply.

Monolithic Safety Tempered Glass

Monolithic safety tempered glass is a single glass lite but is also safety tempered. Safety tempered glass is approximately four times stronger than regular annealed glass and is called “safety glass” because, when fractured, it breaks into smaller pieces, which makes it less likely to cause serious injury. Monolithic safety tempered glass is also great for daylighting because it allows sunlight to penetrate the building. This glass is the least secure of all the options discussed in this course and is best suited for areas not prone to forced entry, such as windows on upper floors.

Image courtesy of National Glass Association

Monolithic safety tempered glass only contains one lite and is great for daylighting because it allows sunlight to penetrate into the building.

Single Lite with Film/Plastic

A single glass lite with an applied film or plastic is also considered safety glass because it is safety tempered and will therefore break into smaller pieces when fractured. A single glass lite with film or plastic will also allow for proper daylighting. The added benefit is that the extra layer of film or plastic can help slow down forced entry or blasts, making it more secure than standard single safety tempered glass lites.

Image courtesy of National Glass Association

Single-lite glass with a plastic film helps slow down forced entry or blasts, thus making it more secure than standard glass.

Laminated Glass

Laminated glass is made up of two or more lites that are permanently bonded by heat or pressure with one or more plastic interlayers to provide extra protection. This type of glass is great for areas that need added protection, such as entry doors or glass areas in banks, waiting areas, or other public spaces where safety is a concern. Laminated glass is enhanced to prevent forced entry or blasts and provides additional safety for occupants. Another safety feature is that, when broken, the glass stays contained instead of shattering. This is especially important in the event of forced entry or a blast where injuries could occur from the flying debris if the glass shatters. In addition to safety, laminated glass provides enhanced acoustics by keeping sound in areas where it belongs and out of places where it doesn’t. It also provides daylighting for areas where glass may not have been an option before.

Image courtesy of National Glass Association

This example of laminated glass is made up of two lites that are permanently bonded by heat or pressure with two plastic interlayers for added protection.

Laminated Insulating Glass Unit (IGU)

Laminated glass within an insulating glass unit (IGU) provides all the benefits previously discussed for laminated glass but has the added benefit of energy efficiency and resistance to adverse weather. Laminated IGU glass is also made up of two or more lites that are permanently bonded by heat or pressure with one or more plastic interlayers. However, laminated IGU glass provides an extra layer of protection thanks to the spacer that is placed between the two panes. Sometimes laminated IGU is two laminated pieces of glass, and other times it’s a single lite with a spacer and laminated glass on the other side. This space between the two panes provides extra thermal protection and can limit unwanted heat transfer. This type of glass can also protect against impact from wind and rain in strong storms, such as hurricanes.

Image courtesy of National Glass Association

This example of a laminated insulating glass unit (IGU) contains four layers of glass, interlayers between each pair, and a spacer between each pair for added insulating properties and improved thermal performance.

Multi-Ply Glass

Multi-ply glass is a high-quality fiberglass sheet that contains multiple inner layers and/or plastic glazing for added protection to withstand extreme conditions, including forced entry, blasts, ballistics, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Like laminated glass, it can also provide enhanced acoustics, keeping sound in areas where appropriate and out where not. It can also provide daylighting options for secure areas that may not otherwise have the option for daylighting, like if the area were surrounded by a concrete wall for protection.

Image courtesy of National Glass Association

This image illustrates how multi-ply glass can contain various levels of insulating layers between glass lites for added security.

Whether it’s added protection or lower cost, there is a type of glazing for every application that provides benefits to the building owner. By specifying a combination of various glazing types for specific applications, architects and specifiers can create a solution that’s best for all.

Understanding Fire-Rated Glass and the Latest Trends

While protective glazing and security glazing that can frustrate intruders have become more popular in public places, fire-rated glazing products and fire-protective glass have been in demand for quite some time. Fire has been a risk to building structures for centuries, and market demand has driven innovative fire-protection technology to ensure occupant safety. In addition, fire-rated glass and glazing solutions are capable of providing additional benefits to occupants, including daylighting and thermal performance.

Fire-Protective vs. Fire-Resistive Glazing

Product performance, design, weight, cost, and delivery will vary depending on whether a glazing product is fire protective or fire resistive. This begs the question: What’s the difference?

In terms of performance, “fire-protective products limit the spread of fire and smoke. Fire-resistive products also limit the spread of fire and smoke but also act as a barrier to radiant heat,” says Jerry Cucchi of Aluflam.

“The barrier to radiant heat is an important distinction between the two and can have a significant impact on cost and schedule,” Cucchi says. “There are also differences in how the glass options are made and supplied. Fire protectives are thinner, lighter, and are more of a commodity product that can often be sourced from a different supplier than the hollow metal frames. Fire resistives are thicker, heavier, and are supplied as a system—frame and glass—from a single manufacturer.”

The fire-rated glazing market can be a challenging one to navigate. Suppliers continue to push the envelope of what solutions are possible, and codes are consistently being updated, along with adoption and enforcement.

Suppliers recommend that architects seek assistance from fire-rated glazing partners early and often. “In order to address misconceptions, we stress the importance of involving the manufacturer as early in the design process as possible to avoid issues—design and budget—later on,” Cucchi says.

Building owners or architects also frequently have questions about the fire rating of a particular application. The rating of a partition or barrier is not determined by the manufacturer but instead by the authority in the building’s jurisdiction. Manufacturers can help provide solutions when given the required specs; however, they are not the ones who can determine if you are meeting code. When selecting a fire-rated product, consider not only the appropriate product for a specific application but also make sure it will comply with local codes. After you determine which product is most functional, from that category you can determine which will be the most aesthetically pleasing in the application.

Several fire-rated glazing suppliers also offer continuing education opportunities to address market trends and common questions and concerns.

Fire-Rated Glazing Products Do more than Protect

These days, fire-rated glazing products do more than protect. Thanks to market demand, the glass industry has developed solutions that satisfy multiple needs, from daylighting to thermal performance to aesthetics. There are many popular trends that have emerged over the years, thanks to the technological developments that have made glass a more viable product for exterior and interior walls.

Following are just a few of the top fire-rated glazing trends for 2019.

Large Expanses

In the past, glass was not ideal for large expanses of buildings because it did not provide insulating properties that could prevent unwanted thermal heat gain or loss. Older buildings often have smaller windows and solid doors instead of full facades made of glass. Thanks to the advancements in glass technology and glazing, glass is now much more energy efficient. That, coupled with architects and buyers enjoying the benefits of daylighting and visibility, means many are specifying larger windows and glass installations in new construction and renovations. In response to demand, suppliers have developed solutions that maximize vision areas of glazing systems, including fire-rated systems. Larger lites and butt-glazed systems, both two sided and four sided, are more and more common in these applications.

Thermal Performance

As is the case with other exterior glazing systems, thermal performance remains a primary consideration. This not only keeps occupants comfortable in a temperature-controlled environment but can also provide energy efficiency, thus reducing heating and cooling costs. While some glazing can help absorb or reflect heat from the outside, additional benefits are present when fire-rated glazing is applied. Glazing systems, in conjunction with proper sealants, can play a key role in the building envelope by reducing unwanted air, heat, and moisture intrusion.

Matching Systems

As previously discussed, budget constraints often prevent architects and owners from specifying an entire building with fire-rated glazing systems and protective glazing that can help prevent intruders. Many architects and owners want areas that contain fire-rated glazing systems to match with their nonrated systems, according to David Vermeulen, national sales manager, Technical Glass Products. “Fire-rated frames tend be thicker to hold the fire-rated glass and provide the necessary level of fire defense,” he says. “In addition, many have limited mullion and cover caps options. While these framing systems are effective from a fire and life safety standpoint, they can cause aesthetic discrepancies at the visual transitions between rated and nonrated assemblies. We’ve seen an increase in projects calling for fire-rated glazing products that more closely resemble the look of ordinary window glass.”

Multifunctionality

Fire-rated glass oftentimes needs to support structural loads while also blocking flames, smoke, and heat from fires. But what about also providing additional security against intruders or burglaries? Glass that is multifunctional can provide a high level of fire and life safety while also offering resistance against bullets, blasts, intruders, or forced entry. Glass products that can meet these safety and security needs while also providing an aesthetically pleasing facade are trending. And that trend does not appear to be slowing down any time soon.

Weight Reduction

Added security often means adding extra layers or additional materials to glass to make it more durable. Fire-rated glass and security glass is often thicker than standard glass, which can make it really heavy, thus making doors harder to open. To accommodate for this, architects and builders must specify upgraded hinges and hardware. Some door manufacturers are looking for lighter-weight options to help accommodate for this challenge. One solution is fire-rated glass ceramics, which have a lower density than regular soda lime glass. Fire-rated glass ceramic products are trending in doors and other applications where the wall or window needs to move.

Fire Resistant over Fire Protective

As discussed earlier, there are two distinct performance categories—fire resistant and fire protective—that dictate fire-rated building requirements. Fire-protective products block the flames, while fire-resistant products also block the gases produced by fires as well as the radiant heat they create. These days, the industry is seeing more and more requests for fire-resistant glazing, partly because the demand for larger spans of interior glass has increased. In the example of corridors that feature lots of glass, architects must provide safe egress in the event of a fire. This is not only dictated by clear paths to exit the building but also by reducing the ability for fire and flames to spread. Fire-resistant glazing can help.

Increasing Inspections

Annual Fire and Egress Door Assembly Inspections are on the rise. Many local jurisdictions require that fire-rated doors be inspected annually to ensure they are fully functional over their lifespan. “This not only makes it critical that any replacement fire-rated glass is fully certified but also drives fire-rated door manufacturers to lightweight [glass ceramic products] right in their factory to ensure that the whole door is in compliance,” says Rob Botman, general manager, Glassopolis.

Codes, Standards, and Test Methods for Protective Glazing

Among the biggest tools specifiers can use when determining the proper glass and glazing products are existing codes, standards, and test methods. For centuries, mankind has understood the danger that fire can pose to building structures, therefore there are currently more resources available regarding fire protection than intrusion protection.

In 1896, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) was founded after the Industrial Revolution to help protect buildings and occupants from fire danger. The NFPA is a global self-funded nonprofit organization that aims to eliminate death, injury, and property damage caused by fires. To help reach this goal, the NFPA regularly publishes codes and standards to help minimize the risk of fire danger. These standards are widely accepted and have been adopted and implemented throughout the world.

While the threat of intruders and active shooters is very real, there are currently no mandatory building code requirements for security glazing in schools, churches, hospitals, or other public places. However, a growing number of school districts nationwide have voluntarily decided to meet security glazing standards to provide additional protection for their school buildings.

In response to the increased number of threats, ASTM International is working on an industry-wide test standard to address mitigating armed attacks on buildings, with a focus on schools. Currently, there are impact standards, forced-entry standards, and bullet- and blast-resistant standards. However, standards organizations have yet to develop a standard or test method specifically for active-shooter resistance in schools.

In the absence of an industry-wide test standard, several individual companies have developed their own test methods, and those in the industry are diligently working together to create specs that accommodate for all the variables. Many industry leaders hope they can gain consensus and publish standards by 2020.

Additionally, the National Glass Association (NGA) Fabricating Committee formed a task group to update the NGA’s Glazing Information Bulletin on school security glazing. The task group will explore developing a test method or guidelines for manufacturers looking to supply security glazing or systems for schools.

Existing Standards, Certifications, and Test Methods

While new standards are in development, there are currently existing standards that are recommended for school security applications. ASTM E2395 is the most applicable to modern-day needs. ASTM E2395: Standard Specification for Voluntary Security Performance of Window and Door Assemblies with Glazing Impact was updated in 2018. The specification addresses systems intended to “frustrate opportunistic entry by unskilled and semi-skilled intruders,” according to ASTM. In the test, 2-by-4 missiles are projected at the glazing assembly with an air cannon. Then the system is hit 10 times with a ball-peen hammer. Since bullet-resistant glass is expensive, this glazing assembly was designed to provide schools with another option to help deter the entry of an intruder.

There are three main categories of security products: bullet resistant, forced entry, and blast resistant. Security-rated glass products must undergo certification and testing from an outside test lab. Key standards and test methods include: forced-entry standards (voluntary), bullet-resistance standards (voluntary), blast-resistance standards (voluntary), and school security standards (voluntary). The following sections list standards and test methods for each category. All three of these categories contain items that are voluntary and not yet mandatory.

Forced Entry Standards (Voluntary)

• ASTM F1233: Standard Test Method for Security Glazing Materials and Systems provides test methods to evaluate the resistance of security glazing materials and systems against ballistic impact, blunt tool impacts, sharp tool impacts, thermal threats, and chemical deterioration, which could happen in the event of a chemical attack.
• ASTM F1915: Standard Test Methods for Glazing for Detention Facilities provides test methods specifically to evaluate the resistance of detention glazing against larger blunt and sharp impacts and fire.
• HP White Laboratory is one of the only National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified laboratories that provides ballistic-resistant body armor. Its independent research and manufacturing practices provide ballistic and ballistic-resistance standards that test blunt and sharp impact plus ballistics.
• UL 972: Standard for Burglary Resisting Glazing Material covers clear, translucent, or opaque glazing materials intended for indoor and outdoor use, particularly those used for plate glass in show windows and case panels. These materials are resistant to “hit-and-run” or “smash-and-grab” burglar attacks.
• ASTM E2395: Standard Specification for Voluntary Security Performance of Window and Door Assemblies with Glazing Impact tests systems against different tools on the framing and missile impacts on the glazing.
• WMFL: Ballistics and Forced-Entry Test Procedure evaluates glazing products for 30-minute and 60-minute retention periods and is often used for applications within detention facilities.

Bullet-Resistance Standards (Voluntary)

• UL 752: Protection Standards for Bullet-Resistant Glass Products provide a system for measuring and understanding ballistic protection in bullet-resistant glass.
• NIJ 0108.01: Ballistic-Resistant Protective Materials standard and test measures a material’s resistance to gunfire.
• WMFL: Ballistics and Forced-Entry Test Procedure evaluates glazing products for 30-minute and 60-minute retention periods and is often used for applications within detention facilities.

Blast-Resistance Standards (Voluntary)

• ASTM F1642: Standard Test Method for Glazing and Glazing Systems Subject to Air-Blast Loadings provides a structured procedure to establish the hazard rating of glazing, glazing systems, and glazing retrofit systems subjected to an air-blast loading.
• ASTM F2248: Standard Practice for Specifying an Equivalent 3-Second Duration Design Loading for Blast-Resistant Glazing Fabricated with Laminated Glass provides a design load suitable for sizing blast-resistant glazing that is comprised of laminated glass or insulating glass that is fabricated with laminated glass.
• ISO 16933: Glass in Building – Explosion-Resistant Security Glazing – Test and Classification for Arena Air-Blast Loading provides a structured procedure to determine the air-blast resistance of glazing. It also sets forth the required apparatus, procedures, specimens, and other requirements for arena air-blast tests of security glazing. Potential simulations include vehicle bombs and standard blasts from satchels.
• The General Services Administration provides a standard test method for glazing and window systems that are subject to dynamic pressure overloads, such as those that would occur during a blast. These blast-resistant standards ensure glazing, sealants, seats and seals, frames, anchorages, and all other attachments are designed to mitigate the hazards caused by flying glass or debris.
• The Department of Defense also released blast-resistant standards that can be referenced and followed to help reduce the impact of a blast.

School Security Standards (Voluntary)

• NFPA 3000: Is the Standard for an Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response (ASHER) Program and was recently updated in 2018. This document doesn’t provide specific how-to information but instead is used to educate first responders who will then determine their own standard operating procedures at the local level.
• Currently in process, ASTM Mitigation of Armed Aggressors in Educational Institutions (F12/E54) held its third meeting in April 2019.
• Currently in process, the International Code Council (ICC) Ad Hoc Committee on Building Safety and Security is looking at current building and fire-code requirements as they relate to developing the necessary balance between building security and fire safety considerations.

Conclusion

Protective glazing, fire-resistant glazing, and fire-protective glazing provide architects many options when specifying glass products for exterior and interior applications. Factors such as budget, potential threats, thermal performance, and daylighting are all part of the decision-making process, which is why early engagement with glass suppliers is key to maximizing product performance. Glass is an essential element in school, government, and church building design, providing occupants the health and wellness benefits associated with natural daylighting. It can also provide the safety and security occupants demand today. Regardless of your needs, the glass industry can provide a variety of customized solutions.

CASE STUDY: FROM PROTECTIVE TO MULTI-PERFORMANCE

Protective glazing—from fire rated to security—continues to evolve to meet higher code standards, more complex design specifications, and increasing demand for multi-performance products. In addition to fire ratings, customers are asking for higher levels of security, whether forced entry or ballistic; higher levels of impact safety; and better thermal performance or solar control.

The key to maximizing product performance and design flexibility is early engagement with the glass supplier. “All too often, these products are incorporated without a supplier’s involvement, and there are negative impacts on both aesthetics and the bottom line,” says Tim Nass, vice president of sales for Safti First. The ability to recommend products coupled with design features make suppliers invaluable to ensuring the design and specifications meet code well within the owner’s budget.

The following two projects demonstrate the performance and aesthetic qualities protective glazing now offers. From a fire-rated system bringing needed daylighting to the collaborative workspace of a research facility to a hurricane-impact system contributing to the well-being of patients, glass suppliers are working with designers to show what protective glazing can do.

Fire-Rated Glass Breaks Barriers

At Juno Therapeutics in Seattle, fire-rated glass not only provides fire-resistant protection but also natural daylighting for the biopharmaceutical company. Thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows supplied by Vetrotech Saint-Gobain, researchers developing innovative cancer treatments can collaborate in a brightly lit environment. While a traditional research facility encloses and separates laboratories and office space, Juno features windows measuring more than 9 feet tall that separate the office area and labs.

Vetrotech Saint-Gobain and glazing contractor Goldfinch Bros. worked together on lead time, space, storage, and other logistics to create a fire-rated glazing solution that met project requirements and matched the design vision of the architectural firm, Flad. Vetrotech provided Contraflam Structure 120, a fire-rated seamless butt-glazed solution, to separate the labs from the conference and common rooms. In case of fire, Contraflam provides up to 2 hours of fire-resistant protection to help keep occupants safe from radiant heat transfer and gasses caused by smoke and flames. Contraflam Structure also provides needed sound reduction with a sound transmission class rating of 46 decibels. Vetrotech also supplied the project with its VDS framing and door systems, further allowing light into the tall, narrow building.

Photo courtesy of Vetrotech Saint-Gobain/Hannah Rankin Photography

Floor-to-ceiling windows made from fire-rated glass allow for fire protection and natural light to penetrate the cancer treatment facility at Juno Therapeutics, thus providing a cheery atmosphere for patients.

Impact System Provides Protection and Inspiration

Numerous studies have been conducted in the last two decades looking at the relationship between windows and occupant health and performance. The findings show a repeating theme: Access to daylight and views improves occupant health and comfort. In hospitals specifically, studies link daylight to decreases in patients’ stays and use of pain medications.

At the Lennar Foundation Medical Center, these facts were top of mind when designing the new building. Expansive views and daylight both contributed to the goal of providing quality preventative and outpatient care for a variety of patients and focusing on their overall well-being. Located on the University of Miami’s Coral Gables campus, the glass building also had to meet Miami’s strict building codes. The result? A 206,000-square-foot building that incorporates a 9-inch, four-sided structurally glazed curtain wall system to meet South Florida’s Large Missile Impact requirements, manufactured and installed by Crawford-Tracey. In addition, the building can withstand water pressures of 100 psf.

Viracon fabricated the glass, which consists of 1⁵⁄₁₆-inch laminated, insulated vision glass and 1⁵⁄₁₆-inch laminated, insulated spandrel. Kuraray supplied the laminated glass interlayer. Perkins+Will was the architect for the project.

Photo courtesy of Crawford-Tracey

The large glass exterior windows at Lennar Foundation Medical Center provide daylighting and expansive views for patients while also meeting South Florida’s Large Missile Impact requirements and being able to withstand water pressures of 100 psf.

Jessica Jarrard is an independent writer and editor focusing on health, science, and technology. She contributes to continuing education courses and publications through Confluence Communications. www.confluencec.com