The large doors and glass opening at the Oakbrook Center Pavilions, is an example of how to meet stringent energy codes with larger openings. According to Project Architect Mark Schantz, AIA, of Omniplan Architects, the engineers provided energy models to the Oakbrook building department working closely with them for approvals. The engineers specified a high-performance glass system with a winter U-value of 0.28 and a summer U-value of 0.26. The glass opening with a shading coefficient of 0.27 was protected from the summer sun with a large 10-foot overhang. The original 1962 shopping center was the largest outdoor shopping center in the country. With the addition of the glass pavilions, the architects have renewed the spirit of place with this indoor/outdoor café that allows the public to experience the gardens, fountains and the outdoors, even in the winter.

Sustainability and Aluminum Framing

New designs using large glass openings were primarily made possible by the advancement in the use of extruded aluminum as a structural material. Aluminum is an alloy that provides twice-as-much strength per weight as steel. Aluminum glass frames are extruded components. These components can be manufactured to meet any profile, using the least amount of material necessary to provide the maximum strength over the distance of the frame required. This material offers plenty of design flexibility due to being ductile and easily formable. This allows designers to customize openings to meet aesthetic requirements without large up-charges.

An example of the expansive use of aluminum frames is the large glass opening installed in the luxurious 65,000-square-foot Drais Beachclub Nightclub located in Las Vegas, Nevada on the rooftop of the Cromwell Hotel. This lift and slide opening is 60 feet long by 21 feet high with eight panel openings. The recessed track system provides a seamless barefoot pathway from inside to out for patrons of both the pool and the bar. This colossal opening was designed to open the interior space of the nightclub into the exterior pool area that provides exciting views of the Las Vegas strip below.

In addition to providing great strength for large openings, aluminum frames have the following advantages. Aluminum frames are corrosion resistant which contributes to the longevity of the glass opening and easy maintenance. Aluminum is 100 percent recyclable and continues to have high scrap values. Aluminum is a material that can be repeatedly recycled, retaining the same material physical properties. Aluminum can be up-cycled into materials of the same or greater value as a structural member.