The Prudential Plaza is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Chicago’s East Loop. Managed by Jones Lang LaSalle, the 60-year-old Prudential I Tower embarked on a $100 million upgrade to its Class A, high-rise office tower. Its façade was restored for improved aesthetics and comfort for building tenants. Working closely with Apogee’s Building Retrofit Strategy team, Auburn Corporation replaced more than 1,200 bays of existing single-pane windows with Wausau Window and Wall Systems’ energy-efficient units.

“The windows throughout the Prudential I Tower were original to the building. The overall appearance of the windows was the first thing that would catch your eye when you walked onto a floor,” explained Greg Prather, senior vice-president and group manager at Jones Lang LaSalle.

Previously known as The Prudential Building, its construction was completed in 1955 as the headquarters to the Prudential Mid American Company. The 41-story structure remained the tallest building in Chicago for 21 years. Architects Naess and Murphy designed the tower with large floor plates to yield 1.2 million square feet of space.

Today, Prudential Plaza overlooks the world-class Millennium Park, just blocks away from the breathtaking Chicago Lakefront. According to Prather, “The best views in the city can be seen from the south elevation of the building. The new windows in the Prudential building are the picture frames for the views that attract new tenants to the building.”

At the time of the original windows’ installation, the center pivot units were intended to make the cleaning of the windows easier by rotating the windows inward. However, the seals on the windows failed and the windows were caulked shut to reduce air and water infiltration.

“Tenant comfort is extremely important to the leasing efforts of a building. Prospective tenants are a lot more savvy than many people give them credit for. The first impression they get when they walk into a space can make or break a showing,” Prather noted. “If the first thing a prospective tenant sees are old, single-pane windows that are caulked shut, their first impression is going to be they are in an old space, with old infrastructure and complaints from their employees for the life of their lease.”

Replacing Prudential I Tower’s windows was a key consideration when the owners and the leasing team developed the leasing strategy. Prather elaborated, “We got a lot of feedback from prospective tenants who viewed space prior to the windows being replaced, and it was not positive. Our new tenants would not have signed leases without the windows being replaced.”

Infrared imaging shows window frame surface temperature differences of nearly 8ºF between the old unit on the left and the new Wausau INvent unit on the right. The exterior temperature was 33ºF. The interior temperature was 71ºF.

Prather added, “We spent a lot of money upgrading the windows, but it was an investment that had to be made and convincing ownership to make the investment was a pretty easy sell.” To support the best return on this investment, Apogee’s Building Retrofit Strategy team conducted energy modeling with respect to site-specific and building-specific conditions.

“Prudential I Tower’s historical window replacement supports energy and environmental goals, as well as aesthetic and financial ones,” emphasized John Bendt, Apogee’s vice president of Building Retrofit Strategy. “Using the proprietary energy modeling tools of Wausau Window and Wall Systems and Viracon, these models helped the team review annual energy use, peak demand, carbon emissions, daylight, glare, condensation predictions and cost saving to optimize product selection.”

He continued, “Choosing the most efficient window design for a commercial building can be difficult. Using published U-Factor, SHGC [Solar Heat Gain Coefficient], VLT [Visible Light Transmittance], and CRF [Condensation Resistance Factor], as relative importance depends on site- and building-specific variables. Today’s energy-efficient windows can help to dramatically lower building’s heating and cooling costs, while increasing occupants’ comfort and minimizing window surface condensation issues.”

“Bringing in the experts from Apogee and Wausau to coach me on the nuances of window construction was the smartest thing I could do, though I did not realize it at the time,” concluded Prather. The property management team also followed Apogee’s suggested strategy of installing the windows prior to undertaking further energy efficiency initiatives.

“When I first spoke to Apogee and Wausau, I really did not understand the difference between Architectural (AW) grade windows and the other window product we were contemplating,” admitted Prather. “I had no idea there was a significant difference in the construction of commercially available windows and the impact wind-load has on the selection of the appropriate product.”

Contributing to a safer, more comfortable, more energy-efficient and more attractive workplace, Jones Lang LaSalle decided upon Wausau’s AAMA AW-100 Performance Class, high-performance 4250i INvent™ Series windows with polyamide thermal barriers and Viracon’s VE1-2M glass. Linetec finished the windows’ aluminum framing in a clear anodize on the interior and a durable 70 percent PVDF in white for the exterior.

“The combination of these high-performance components, Wausau’s experienced engineering and quality fabrication allow our INvent Series windows to achieve NFRC U-Factors as low as 0.34 and a CRF as high as 65, aided by the 4.5-inch-deep systems,” explained Terry Iczkowski, Wausau’s local representative. “These windows also offer acoustic performance with STC [Sound Transmission Class] ratings of 31 to 42, further improving the occupants’ interior comfort.”

Jim Price, manager of business development at Auburn Corporation, added, “The new Wausau INvent highly thermally efficient window was selected not only because of its thermal design, but also for its ability to perform in an application with high design pressures with close proximity to Lake Michigan.”

Auburn Corporation, a window erection contractor based in Illinois, celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2014. They began their work on this historic window replacement project in the autumn of 2013 on the property’s vacant offices. They resumed in Spring of 2014 on occupied spaces and concluded in December 2014.

Working in phases minimized disruption to Prudential I Tower’s occupants. Auburn Corporation’s field team members would enter an office at a scheduled time and carefully remove the existing pivot window. These old windows were taken back to Auburn’s facility and disassembled for scrap materials, which were recycled and avoided landfill waste. At the project site, other team members would prepare the opening and install the new Wausau unit.

The average single-unit opening’s dimensions span 4 by 5.75 feet, which means each unit weighed approximately 145 pounds, estimated Iczkowski. He added, “Most were single windows, but a few were twice as big and had two windows in the bay. We’re very proud that the new units provide a dramatic improvement in both appearance and performance to this architecturally and economically significant property.”

Prather also was pleased that “the materials were delivered according to schedule, as per the specifications and without any drama. Auburn Windows was our selected installation contractor based on their experience and… performed in an exceptional manner and replaced all the windows without incident. I would sign another contract with them again tomorrow, and for me that is very high praise, indeed.”

Today, window appearance and performance are one of many key selling points on every leasing tour Jones Lang LaSalle conducts at Prudential I Tower. Amongst the many other upgrades being made to the building are a new rooftop deck, new fitness center and tenant lounge, major lobby renovation and the replacement of the perimeter induction units with new chilled beam technology.

As part of Prudential Plaza, Prudential I shares a common lobby and mezzanine level with a second, Class A office tower. Together, they total 2.2 million square feet and occupy a full city block.

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Prudential I Tower; 180 N. Stetson, Chicago, Illinois 60601; http://prudentialplaza.info
* Property manager: Jones Lang LaSalle; Chicago; http://www.us.jll.com
* Window renovation strategists: Apogee Enterprises, Inc., Building Retrofit Strategy Team; Minneapolis; http://www.apog.com
* Window erection contractor: Auburn Corporation; Orland Park, Illinois; http://www.auburncorp.com
* Window systems – manufacturer: Wausau Window and Wall Systems, an Apogee company; Wausau, Wisconsin; http://www.wausauwindow.com
* Window systems – glass fabricator: Viracon, Inc., an Apogee company; Owatonna, Minnesota; http://www.viracon.com
* Window systems – finisher: Linetec, an Apogee company; Wausau, Wisconsin; http://www.linetec.com
* Images provided by: exterior photo – ©iStock.com/christopherarndt; infrared image – Infrared Inspections, product photo – Wausau Window and Wall Systems

Apogee Enterprises, Inc.’s Building Retrofit Strategy Team assists building owners and property managers evaluate the benefits of window renovation and upgrades, such as improving the appearance of the building, saving energy, downsizing HVAC loading, reducing maintenance, lowering vacancy rates, increasing rental rates and enhancing the value of the building. The team offers free energy modeling, product selection and design assistance, and a network of installers covering North America. To learn more, please contact John Bendt at jbendt@apog.com, 715-846-3355; or Kevin Robbins at krobbins@apog.com, 715-846-3343.

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Four more associates at Wausau Window and Wall Systems have earned a Certificate of Approval for successfully completing the National Fenestration Ratings Council (NFRC) Approved Calculation Entity (ACE) Training Workshop and passing all necessary examinations.

Wausau’s most recent ACEs include: engineering team leader, Jerry Habeck; research and development design engineer, Josh Cole; and architectural sales representatives, Brad Glauser and Gregg Tassone. Based in Washington state, Glauser serves design and building teams in Alaska, Oregon, Washington and northern Idaho. On the opposite coast, Tassone supports New York City and northern New Jersey.

As an NFRC ACE, each is qualified to carry out performance calculations of fenestration products for design support and final certification using the NFRC Component Modeling Approach (CMA). They join their colleagues, John Kolbeck and Tom Mifflin at Wausau, who were among the first to earn ACE certification in 2009.

In 2014, the NFRC also approved Wausau Window and Wall Systems as a Manufacturer ACE Organization. Many of Wausau’s products are listed in NFRC’s Certified Products Directory, including operable and fixed windows, sliding glass doors and unitized curtainwall.

“We are proud of all four of them for their accomplishments. With this knowledge, they are able to directly support architects and our customer’s project needs and keep Wausau at the forefront of emerging industry trends in energy efficiency,” said Mifflin.

Through NFRC’s CMAST libraries of approved frames, glass and spacer components, users can configure fenestration products for a project, and can obtain a U-factor, solar heat gain coefficient and visible transmittance rating for those products. Performance values are then compared to the energy requirements of local codes, such as New York City’s Energy Conservation Code and Seattle’s Energy Code, to determine compliance.

Performance of specific Wausau frame-glass combinations can be obtained from the NFRC Certified Products Directory or the CMA process. In addition to 24 active product listings in the NFRC Certified Products Directory for factory-glazed fenestration, Wausau has many approved curtainwall, window and door products in the CMAST library, and new product variations are added frequently.

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Kolbe’s Old World Classic and Ultra Series Sterling triple hung windows expand the vertical space for greater views, increased daylight and natural airflow, while offering high performance and design flexibility. The windows’ precise architectural details are customized to match both traditional and historic homes, including replacement units for some of the nation’s oldest properties.

Inspired by all-wood windows of an earlier era, Kolbe’s Old World Classic triple hung units feature a chain and pulley system to meet strict historic standards. Bridging the best of the past and the present, Kolbe’s Old World Classic windows’ modern performance delivers reliable, nearly effortless operation and dependable longevity.

Custom-built to the match each project in size and appearance, Old World Classic triple hung windows may be specified in numerous wood species, finish options and exterior wood trim choices. Curved glass or wood exterior decorative accessories, such as pediment heads, keystones, rosettes and corner blocks, complete the aesthetic.

Ultra Series Sterling triple hung windows present the warmth of wood on the interior with clad with low-maintenance aluminum and durable finishes on the exterior. These windows are engineered with smooth-operating, spring-loaded block and tackle balances or Class 5 balances to accommodate the largest sizes.

Wood covers conceal Ultra Series Sterling triple hung windows’ interior jambliners, bringing the their appearance up to the level of fine furniture. Extruded aluminum trim and sill nosing offer architectural aesthetics similar to wood trim, and typically are finished to match the windows’ frames and sash. For unique expressions, custom trim profiles may be requested and the trim, sill nosing, frames and sash may be finished in complementary or contrasting colors.

Both Old World Classic and Ultra Series Sterling triple hung windows may be requested with performance divided lites, interior removable grilles or grilles-in-the-airspace, finished to match inside and out. Glazing bead options accentuate the desired style: Beveled glazing beads help create the traditional look of wood windows. Ovolo glazing beads create a more unique profile.

Further defining a one-of-a-kind look, consider Kolbe’s tinted, colored patterned or finely crafted glass. Beyond aesthetics, Kolbe supports energy efficiency across the various climate zones in the U.S. with glass options that include high performance, insulating glass with LoE coatings. Laminated glass may be specified for enhanced safety, security, sound control and UV control. Impact resistant glass further withstands harsh environmental conditions, especially in coastal regions.

Visit Kolbe’s website to learn more about its triple hung windows and to download air, water, structural and thermal reports; finish performance and wood certification documentation; warranties; and installation and maintenance information.

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For homeowners who prefer the classic look of wood with modern convenience of vinyl, Kolbe now offers four interior laminate choices for their Latitude® Series windows and doors: Dark Oak, Natural Cherry, Natural Oak and White Ash.

“Kolbe believes that quality is in the details – we can customize a solution to meet nearly any aesthetic and performance desire. With our new wood-look interior finish options, our Latitude Series units have more aesthetic choices to make them perfect for new construction, historical renovation or energy-efficiency replacement projects,” said Mark Harger, Kolbe’s general manager, Manawa division. “Kolbe strives to offer the highest end options and finishes to our customers, and the realistic wood appearance of these laminates does not disappoint.”

Wood-look finishes are available on the interior of most Latitude Series window and door products, including casements, awnings, double hungs, double sliders, selected radius and geometric windows, as well as sliding patio doors. This finish choice is available on units with and without performance divided lites, exterior brickmoulds, and other options, giving homeowners the options of a wood window with the low-maintenance versatility for which Latitude Series products are known.

Kolbe’s Latitude Series are engineered for easy installation and backed by a limited lifetime warranty on all frame and sash parts, which is transferable to subsequent homeowners. Kolbe’s website shares downloadable files on warranties, installation and maintenance information, 2-D drawings; air, water, structural and thermal reports; and online videos to demonstrate product operation and performance testing.

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The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) has opened registration for the AAMA 78th Annual Conference, to be held Feb. 15-18 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. A special rate is guaranteed through Jan. 21, and attendees are encouraged to book before this date. The AAMA Southeast Region Winter Meeting will immediately follow the conference in the same location, and separate registration is required.

Kenn Kington, professional comedian and motivational speaker, will serve both as the conference’s keynote speaker and as the master of ceremonies for the annual awards banquet the night of Mon., Feb. 16. The banquet, “Reflections from the Islands,” serves to recognize members who have contributed the time and talent necessary to build and sustain a powerful and respected organization. The dress code is “upscale Tommy Bahama” style.

Optional Sunday events the day before the conference include a deep sea fishing trip, a round of golf at Jacaranda Golf Course, and an Everglades AirBoat ride and gator show. A welcome reception will be held at 5 p.m. on Sun. as well. For more information about the Annual Conference and for registration details, visit the AAMA events page.

Later this year, the AAMA National Summer Conference will be held at the Grand Hyatt Seattle from June 28 until July 1. On July 3, an AAMA-chartered cruise will leave Seattle, sailing Alaska’s Inside Passage and making stops in the following cities: Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia. The ship will dock in Seattle again the morning of Fri., July 10. For more information, please review the AAMA website.

A final 2015 event is the AAMA National Fall Conference, which will take place Oct. 18-21 in Cambridge, Maryland.

Event dates for 2016 are currently in place as well:
* AAMA 79th Annual Conference: Feb. 14-17, 2016 | Huntington Beach, California
* AAMA National Summer Conference: June 12-15, 2016 | San Antonio
* AAMA National Fall Conference: Sept. 25-28, 2016 | Savannah, Georgia

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Tubelite Inc. announces Tim Fookes as its director of engineering. As part of the company’s Leadership Group, he will ensure that the engineering department provides excellent customer service and assistance for both new and existing storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems.

Helping support Tubelite’s clients with dependable products, Fookes also is responsible for monitoring all building codes and standards. He serves as the company’s contact for applicable code-related councils and associations, such as the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), the Glass Association of North America (GANA), and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

With 20 years of experience in engineering and team leadership, Fookes most recently worked at Izzy+, a furniture manufacturer with headquarters in Michigan. Prior to this, he was employed with Haworth, Inc., a commercial furniture systems manufacturer also based in Michigan. While at Haworth’s he served as an engineering manager, project engineer, product engineer and manufacturing engineer.

Throughout his career, Fookes demonstrates a passion for developing innovative products designed with the customer in mind. Supporting this goal, he has directed all aspects of an industry leading process and major product launches, implemented Kaizen events and fostered technical problem-solving with cross-functional teams.

Fookes earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Western Michigan University–Kalamazoo and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

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At 141,000 square feet and situated on a Texas hill, Mansfield Independent School District’s Center for the Performing Arts commands an audience amongst the students, staff and the community. Its oversized entrances are matched with large, curving spans of glass and aluminum storefront and curtainwall with sun shades – all provided by Tubelite Inc. Towering concrete columns accent the façade for a sense of flow and cascading mass.

Designed by Huckabee, the high school’s new performing arts center opened for its first event in 2012. The 5,500-seat Cunningham Performance Hall sits at its heart. Its multi-use design enables the hall to be divided into three separate event venues – including two 750-person lecture halls. In addition, a professional development center accommodates up to 500 and can be divided into six separate break-out rooms designed for meeting, training and banquet needs. Adjacent to the space are three state-of-the-art computer laboratories.

Byrne Construction Services managed the nearly two year-long building project estimated at more than $40 million. Texas Commercial Glass Concepts brought the signature look from creation to completion with Tubelite’s products. In total, 3,400 lineal feet of Tubelite’s 400 Series curtainwall and 14000 Series storefront wrap the performing arts center. A forecourt plaza collects visitors as they approach the facility, and a short set of stairs emphasizes the procession up the covered walkway, leading to the 9-foot-high wide stile doors at the central lobby tower.

“They wanted an impressive building with big stretches of radius curtainwall, lots of glass and monumental doors.” Tubelite was able to step in, meeting the spec and schedule, without missing a beat,” said Patric Murphy, vice president/operations manager at Texas Commercial Glass Concepts. “It was one of our larger jobs and it turned out very well. It definitely is impressive.”

Beyond aesthetics, Tubelite’s thermally improved, 7-inch-deep curtainwall and Max/Block™ sun shades help keep out the Texas heat. The sun shades’ 5-inch airfoil blades and tubular fascia direct wind and water away from the building. Enhancing the systems’ durability, Linetec finished all of the aluminum framing and sun shades in clear anodize.

“This is truly a standout building,” says Tubelite’s local client development manager, Kelly Townsend, CSI. “The entrances, curtainwall and sun shades magnify the scale and sweep of the design viewed from the exterior. Grand views and lots of daylight bring a warmth and sense of place to the interior.”

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Mansfield Independent School District, Center for the Performing Arts, 1110 W Debbie Lane, Mansfield, TX 76063; http://center.mansfieldisd.org
* Architect: Huckabee; Fort Worth, Texas; http://www.huckabee-inc.com
* General contractor: Byrne Construction Services; Fort Worth, Texas; http://www.tsbyrne.com
* Glazing contractor: Texas Commercial Glass Concepts, L.P.; Weatherford, Texas; http://www.texascommercialglass.com
* Glazing systems – finisher: Linetec; Wausau, Wisconsin; http://www.linetec.com
* Glazing systems – manufacturer: Tubelite Inc.; Walker, Michigan; http://www.tubeliteinc.com
* Photos courtesy of: Huckabee

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Kolbe will be exhibiting at the NAHB International Builders Show 2015 in Booth #C2608

Helping simplify the process of choosing windows and doors that contribute to quiet, comfortable interiors, Kolbe has more than doubled the number of its products tested for Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) ratings.

“At Kolbe, we understand the growing importance of blocking undesirable noise to provide the quiet, peaceful space we want in our homes. In commercial buildings, optimizing acoustic performance has proven benefits to students’ learning, patients’ recovery and workers’ productivity. These same qualities also benefit residents,” said Cindy Bremer, Kolbe’s vice president of marketing.

“Kolbe offers acoustic-rated windows and doors that are both high-performance and beautifully designed. We have the options to meet the solutions architects, builders and homeowners seek for nearly every location, style preference or project specification,” added Bremer.

The wide array of Kolbe products tested for sound transmission includes VistaLuxe® Collection, Ultra Series, Heritage Series, Latitude® Series and Windquest® Series windows and doors. Many Kolbe products meet or exceed various testing requirements, such as ANSI/AAMA/NWWDA 101/I.S.2-97, 101/I.S.2/NAFS-02, Canadian CSA 440-00, AAMA/WDMA/CSA 101/I.S.2/A440-05, ASTM E1886 and E 1996.

Kolbe products’ STC and OITC ratings, glass options and downloadable reports are summarized in a comprehensive “Acoustic Data” page on its website. To learn more, please visit www.kolbe-kolbe.com and find the Acoustic Data page under the online Architect Library.

Photo courtesy of Benjamin Benschneider Photography & Janof Hald Architecture.

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For its fourth consecutive year, Appleton Coated earns the designation of “Green Master” and recognition as one of the most sustainable companies in the state of Wisconsin. Company representatives were honored at the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council Conference on Dec. 4 for attaining the highest tier achievable in the Green Masters Program.

“It is clear that sustainability has become part of the fabric of Appleton Coated, and that they are continuing to excel, even as the competition around them raises the bar,” praised Tom Eggert, executive director of the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council.

Contributing to its 2014 Green Master Award, Appleton Coated increased its offering of printing papers made with high levels of post-consumer recovered fiber (PCRF). “By adding 69 new stocked items and eliminating the pricing differential, we allow people to easily choose more environmentally responsible papers and increased our overall usage of PCRF,” said Diane Ernst, mill controller who oversees Appleton Coated’s environmental programs.

The first coated mill to be Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified in North America, the company’s sustainability efforts also have been recognized for lowering overall energy usage by substituting biomass for 42 percent of its coal usage during the last three years as it seeks alternatives for fossil fuels. Furthermore, 99 percent of the paper leaving Appleton Coated is shipped with partner carriers that have the Environmental Protection Agency’s Smart Way designation – an industry benchmark.

As a Green Master, Appleton Coated’s performance was evaluated in nine sustainability areas: energy, carbon and other emissions, water, waste management, transportation, supply chain, community and educational outreach, workforce, and governance. Only the top 20 percent of participating companies achieve the highest “Green Master” designation.

“Their sustainability performance obviously speaks for itself,” added Eggert. “Every year that Appleton Coated has participated in the program, they have been recognized in the group of top-performing companies.”

To learn more about the Wisconsin Sustainable Business Council’s Green Masters Program, please visit http://www.greenmastersprogram.com/.

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Kean University’s west entrance welcomes visitors with a bold architectural statement exemplified in the newly completed Green Lane Academic Building on the Union, New Jersey campus. Designed by Gruskin Architecture & Design, P.C., the award-winning 102,275 square-foot building’s geometric glass and aluminum façade was finished by Linetec. The dramatic exterior elements include a six-story sloping glass radius curtainwall on the northeast elevation and a five-story radius curtainwall on the south side, both accented with sun shades.

Opened in January 2014, the new Michael Graves School of Architecture and Robert Busch School of Design are housed within the Green Lane Academic Building, as well as the university’s expanding business program. The public Barnes & Noble bookstore and café with outside seating area reinforces the connection between the university and the surrounding community.

Dobco, Inc. served as the general contractor on the project, which was estimated at $40 million. Beginning in July 2012, Dobco’s team worked closely with the subcontractors and manufacturers to achieve the design by Gruskin Group™. “This is by far the most unique project I have worked on from a design and constructability standpoint,” Gary Snee, Dobco’s project manager acknowledged. “The radius and sloping curtainwall made it a challenge.”

Bringing their vision to reality, the unitized curtainwall, pressure wall, aluminum sun shades, storefronts, entrances and tilted ellipse glass handrails were fabricated and glazed by Graham Architectural Products – Curtain Wall Solutions, and installed by Union County Plate Glass Company. Super Sky Products Enterprises manufactured and installed the skylight system.

Linetec finished all of the aluminum framing of these architectural building products in a silver color using PPG’s 70% PVDF Duranar XL and Duranar Sunstorm™. These 70% PVDF resin-based coatings meet the stringent requirements of AAMA 2605 and exhibit outstanding resistance to humidity, color change, chalk, gloss loss and chemicals, which ensures the campus’ intended statement endures.

According to Graham’s manufacturing team, Green Lane Academic Building’s design includes several flat vertical walls, a segmented radius, a 56-degree outside corner, parapets, soffits and a tilted ellipse feature wall. Unlike a traditional inverted radius wall with a slope, the intent of the tilted ellipse was to keep the radius constant, with the center of the radius projecting out 4.5 feet at every floor moving up the building. It “was all very complicated. If you can envision an ice cream cone on the side of an undulating building that’s basically all glass,” described Nick Irwin, Graham’s products sales representative.

The south side of the building also showcases a monumental staircase with bench seating and glass rails. The sixth floor offers a 1,200-square-foot circular meeting room with 18-foot-high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as a 4,500-square-foot roof terrace with a view of the Manhattan skyline.

While the glazing systems offer large window views and daylight, the nearly 6,000 linear feet of sun shades assist in keeping the occupants comfortable and energy use low by managing the unwanted solar heat gain and glare. These attributes can contribute to projects pursuing certification through the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating Systems.

As an environmentally responsible finisher, Linetec captures the liquid paints’ volatile organic compounds (VOCs) content to eliminate the exhaust of potential pollutants and re-uses its heat energy byproduct to improve process energy efficiency. This process of re-use is completed before the material exits the paint line. The resulting finish provides durability and requires minimal maintenance throughout the building’s lifespan.

“We’re all very proud of the job,” concluded Gary Tongco, national sales manager for Graham’s curtainwall solutions. Recognizing the building team’s accomplishments, the project’s honors include the AIA Newark and Suburban Architects Gold Award.

“We are honored that our design for this building has been appreciated by so many,” Kenneth A. Gruskin, AIA, principal and founder of Gruskin Group told NJ.com. “The building is a testament to Kean University, the Kean Board of Trustees, and Dr. Dawood Farahi’s pursuit of providing a world-class education and the facilities to match. Without their vision, this out-of-the-box design would not have been conceivable. The Green Lane building is a good example of where design for higher education is headed – with a greater emphasis on creating a more engaging, experiential and memorable on-campus, multi-faceted student experience.”

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Kean University, Green Lane Academic Building, 1000 Morris Ave., Union, New Jersey 07083
* Owner: Kean University; Union, New Jersey; www.kean.edu
* Architect: Gruskin Group™ (Gruskin Architecture & Design, P.C.); Springfield, New Jersey; www.gruskingroup.com
* General contractor: Dobco, Inc.; Wayne, New Jersey; www.dobcogroup.com
* Glazing systems – installer: Union County Plate Glass Company, Inc.; Elizabeth, New Jersey; www.ucpglass.com
* Glazing systems – curtainwall, storefront, entrance, handrail and sun shade systems manufacturer: Graham Architectural Products – Curtain Wall Solutions; Merrill, Wisconsin; www.grahamwindows.com/?casestudy=kean-university-a-glass-icon
* Glazing systems – glass fabricator: J.E. Berkowitz, LP; Pedricktown, New Jersey; www.jeberkowitz.com
* Glazing systems – glass and coatings system manufacturer: PPG Industries; Pittsburgh; www.ppg.com
* Skylight systems – manufacturer and installer: Super Sky Products Enterprises, LLC; Mequon, Wisconsin; www.supersky.com
* Finishing – applicator: Linetec; Wausau, Wisconsin; www.linetec.com
* Photographer: photos courtesy of Graham Architectural Products
* Video of the building’s opening: http://youtu.be/-tuFtG2z8uY
* Photos courtesy of  Graham Architectural Products – Curtain Wall Solutions

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