Crystal Pacific Window & Door Systems, the West Coast production affiliate of national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems, recently supplied over 400 energy efficient vinyl windows for a new affordable housing community in San Diego, Calif. Levant Senior Cottages, located at 6950 Levant Street in the Linda Vista neighborhood of San Diego, provides much needed homes for seniors in the area.
The new Crystal Vista Series 4000 vinyl windows offer contemporary styling, are easily operated, and provide substantial daylighting and climate comfort for residents.
“The affordable housing market is critically important and very active now, and Crystal’s quality energy efficient windows and doors are perfect for these projects,” said Steve Chen, President, Crystal Windows. “We are proud to supply affordable housing developments such as Levant Senior Cottages all across the country.”
Senior Living Community Benefits From Crystal Vista 4000 Windows
Crystal Pacific worked closely with the project architect and general contractor throughout the process, accommodating many design changes and weather delays in the construction schedule. Once installed, the windows were water tested and all configurations passed completely.
The Crystal Vista 4000 is designed for superior energy performance, strength, and easy operation. The product line features a 3-¼” multi-chambered frame, ¾” glazing pocket, and narrow sightlines. For this project, Crystal supplied 164 Vista 4000 2-lite (plus a pair of 3-lite) sliding windows and 247 Vista 4000 picture windows. The sliding windows have interlocking sashes, weatherstripping, and cam-action locks for tight seals and large rollers for smooth operation. To add architectural interest and substantial interior daylight, Crystal also provided 286 Vista 4000 trapezoid shape fixed windows matching the roofline pitch. All window frames and sashes were extruded white vinyl.
The Levant Senior Cottages Vista 4000 windows were all glazed with dual-pane tempered ¾” insulated glass units using Cardinal LoĒ3-366 coating, warm-edge spacing systems, and argon gas filling. These glass units provide extraordinary energy performance in the Southern California climate and sun.
Providing design services for the project was RNT Architects of San Diego, Calif., and Allgire Construction of Carlsbad, Calif., was the project general contractor. Window installation was handled by JMI of Oceanside, Calif., a major commercial fenestration contractor in the region.
Levant Senior Cottages, which officially opened in May 2024, is situated on 4.5 acres of land owned by San Diego County, and it was developed with a public-private partnership as part of a larger initiative to repurpose excess county land. The new community offers an intriguing affordable response to the urgent need for senior housing. Levant Senior Cottages includes 127 studio and one-bedroom units in 18 single-story five-unit buildings and two elevator-serviced two-story buildings.
The complex includes a large community center, laundry facilities, courtyard gardens, and a small dog park. Medical and social services for eligible residents, provided by St. Paul’s Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), will also be available on site.
Related Stories
| Mar 20, 2014
Common EIFS failures, and how to prevent them
Poor workmanship, impact damage, building movement, and incompatible or unsound substrate are among the major culprits of EIFS problems.
| Mar 12, 2014
14 new ideas for doors and door hardware
From a high-tech classroom lockdown system to an impact-resistant wide-stile door line, BD+C editors present a collection of door and door hardware innovations.
| Jan 28, 2014
16 awe-inspiring interior designs from around the world [slideshow]
The International Interior Design Association released the winners of its 4th Annual Global Excellence Awards. Here's a recap of the winning projects.
| Jan 13, 2014
Custom exterior fabricator A. Zahner unveils free façade design software for architects
The web-based tool uses the company's factory floor like "a massive rapid prototype machine,” allowing designers to manipulate designs on the fly based on cost and other factors, according to CEO/President Bill Zahner.
| Jan 11, 2014
Getting to net-zero energy with brick masonry construction [AIA course]
When targeting net-zero energy performance, AEC professionals are advised to tackle energy demand first. This AIA course covers brick masonry's role in reducing energy consumption in buildings.
Smart Buildings | Jan 7, 2014
9 mega redevelopments poised to transform the urban landscape
Slowed by the recession—and often by protracted negotiations—some big redevelopment plans are now moving ahead. Here’s a sampling of nine major mixed-use projects throughout the country.
| Dec 13, 2013
Safe and sound: 10 solutions for fire and life safety
From a dual fire-CO detector to an aspiration-sensing fire alarm, BD+C editors present a roundup of new fire and life safety products and technologies.
| Dec 10, 2013
16 great solutions for architects, engineers, and contractors
From a crowd-funded smart shovel to a why-didn’t-someone-do-this-sooner scheme for managing traffic in public restrooms, these ideas are noteworthy for creative problem-solving. Here are some of the most intriguing innovations the BD+C community has brought to our attention this year.
| Nov 27, 2013
Wonder walls: 13 choices for the building envelope
BD+C editors present a roundup of the latest technologies and applications in exterior wall systems, from a tapered metal wall installation in Oklahoma to a textured precast concrete solution in North Carolina.
| Nov 26, 2013
Construction costs rise for 22nd straight month in November
Construction costs in North America rose for the 22nd consecutive month in November as labor costs continued to increase, amid growing industry concern over the tight availability of skilled workers.
