SAFTI FIRST Now Offers GPX Framing with Sunshade Connectors

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.

Boyd R. Zoccola is Chair and Chief Elected Officer of BOMA International. A BOMA member since 1994, he has served on the Executive, Finance, Investment, and Medical/Healthcare Facilities Committees. An Indiana Real Estate Principal Broker and a board member of the Real Estate Round Table, he is Executive Vice President of Hokanson Companies, Inc., of Indianapolis, and has been involved in the development of $600 million worth of real estate. On a volunteer basis, Zoccola was president of Horizon House and a board member of Girls, Inc. He holds a BA in biology from Indiana University.