Project: Oakland Airport Connector - Doolittle BART Station in Oakland, Calif.
Architect: ED2 International
Glazing Contractor: Bagatelos Glass
Products: SuperLite II-XL 60 IGU in GPX Framing with Sunshade Connection
Why it’s unique: Sunshade connections are not typical with fire rated assemblies
For the Doolittle Maintenance Facility, SAFTI FIRST provided 60 minute, fire resistive wall openings in the exterior using SuperLite II-XL 60 insulated with low-e glazing in GPX Framing with a clear anodized finish. SAFTI FIRST engineered a connection that allows the structural elements of the GPX Framing System to support an integral sunshade system, instead of being hung in front of it.
The framing covers were notched around the brackets to create a seamless connection. The connection was also kept in front of the waterline to avoid a potential breach, keeping the system air and water tight. Other manufacturers would have to go through and behind the glazing pocket to get to the structure, creating a challenge during the fabrication and installation phases.
The potential for water penetration increases significantly once you punch a hole in your framing and glazing pocket. By using the SuperLite II-XL 60 IGU in GPX Framing, the architect was able to achieve the aesthetic and code requirements of the application while keeping the whole system air and water tight.
The Doolittle Bart Station is one of the first installations of the GPX System with sunshade connections, which also include SLCC New Instruction and Administrative Building in Salt Lake City, UT. While it is a fairly new offering, it is quickly gaining attention and interest in the building community. Sunshades are commonly used in building to control the amount of direct sunlight through exterior windows.
When the location of the exterior windows also need to meet fire rated requirements due to property lines, etc., it is good for designers to know that they have an option that combines both.
Related Stories
| Feb 17, 2012
MacInnis joins Gilbane board of directors
MacInnis is the chairman and recently retired CEO of Connecticut-based EMCOR Group, Inc.
| Feb 16, 2012
Gain greater agility and profitability with ArchiCAD BIM software
White paper was written with the sole purpose of providing accurate, reliable information about critical issues related to BIM and what ArchiCAD with advanced technology such as the GRAPHISOFT BIM Server provide as an answer to address these issues.
| Feb 16, 2012
TLC Engineering for Architecture opens Chattanooga office
TLC Engineering for Architecture provides mechanical, electrical, structural, plumbing, fire protection, communication, technology, LEED, commissioning and energy auditing services.
| Feb 16, 2012
Summit Design + Build begins build-out for Emmi Solutions in Chicago
The new headquarters will total 20,455 sq. ft. and feature a loft-style space with exposed masonry and mechanical systems, 15 foot clear ceilings, two large rooftop skylights and private offices with full glass partition walls.
| Feb 16, 2012
Highland named president of McCarthy Building Companies’ California region
Highland moved into this new role in January 2012 following a six-month transition period with Carter Chappell, the company’s former president, California region.
| Feb 16, 2012
Big-box retailers not just for DIYers
Nearly half of all contractor purchases made from stores like Home Depot and Lowe's.
| Feb 16, 2012
4.8-megawatt solar power system completed at Jersey Gardens Mall
Solar array among the largest rooftop systems in North America.
| Feb 15, 2012
Fourth-generation Ryan to lead Ryan Companies AE team
Ryan leads a team of eight architects, four civil engineers, two landscape architects and two virtual building specialists in their efforts to realize their customer’s vision and needs through Ryan’s integrated project delivery system.
| Feb 15, 2012
NAHB sees gradual improvement in multifamily sales for boomers
However, since the conditions of the current overall housing market are limiting their ability to sell their existing homes, this market is not recovering as quickly as might have been expected.
| Feb 15, 2012
Skanska secures $87M contract for subway project
The construction value of the project is $261.9 M. Skanska will include its full share, $87 M, in the bookings for Skanska USA Civil for the first quarter 2012.
