Architectural Products - September/October 2023

Make an eco-chic impression

Tectum® DesignArt™ – Lines panels are crafted from biobased fibers for a fashionably textured, sculptural, sound-absorbing solution. They’re ideal in spaces where visual impact, sustainability, and noise control are priorities. The one-inch thick panels are part of the Sustain® portfolio and meet the most stringent sustainability standards today. Tectum panels also have UL® Certified acoustics that align with industry-wide best practices. Learn more about stylish sustainability at armstrongceilings.com/designart

3,800 CUSTOM COLORS AND COUNTING

HANOVER®

PREST® PAVERS

Custom aggregate blending has become Hanover’s trademark, as well as the ability to adapt to the special paver needs of each individual project. With a library of over 3,800 granite-like colors, several custom color collections, and a variety of finishes to choose from, the combinations are endless. Challenge us - let’s create a unique color for your next project.

TERRAZO COLLECTION

CHESAPEAKE COLLECTION GRANITE COLLECTION

Penn State University University Park, PA

Designtakes you.

Roppe flooring, stair treads, wall base and accessories offer durability and peak performance, plus they are environmentally friendly.

Our resilient products are especially well suited to biophilic design, with such features as underfoot comfort, sound-absorbing acoustics and sustainable formulations.

And our updated palette offers a plethora of natural colors and textures, many of which were nature-inspired, and provide design versatility.

See how Roppe is Ready to support you, every step of the way.

GREAT LOOKING. GREAT OPTIONS. GREAT VALUE.

BRADLEY LAVATORY SYSTEMS offer a variety of touch free and worry-free options for handwashing in public spaces. Design your ideal solution with multiple materials, basin shapes and faucet choices. Trust Bradley for your next project, the leader in commercial handwashing. Visit bradleycorp.com for more information. Commercial Washrooms. Brought to Life.

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Crisp Smooth Color

HIGHLINE S1 + FLUSH WALL PANELS

Explore the PAC-CLAD Color Palette

“The metal panels gave us a crisp, smooth surface and edge that offset and contrasted with the randomness of the stone. They also provided an opportunity for additional color in the façade.”

-Dwayne Mollard, AIA, principal, Collaborate Architects

LSC - East Aldine Center, Houston, TX

Contractor: PRC Roofing & Sheet Metal

Architects: IBI Group, Collaborate Architects

Form // Îlot Balmoral, Montréal

The blend of clear, fritted, and red glass crafts a presence and persona that people are talking about.

by Jana Madsen

Function // Bakar Bioenginuity Hub, University of California Berkeley

Electrifying this historic structure turned modern, life-science incubator pushed the boundaries of available technology and imagination.

by Barbara Horwitz-Bennett

TRENDS IN HEALTHCARE

Caring for Cancer Patients with Thoughtful Design

Three experts share their insights on how the design of cancer care centers is shifting.

by Heather Ronaldson

„ Monitoring the air in SOM’s NYC Office. by Barbara Horwitz-Bennett

„ Updated EPDs demonstrate lower embodied carbon in glass. by Barbara Horwitz-Bennett

„ An effervescent, dynamic metal facade.

„ Solving for the urban heat island effect

„ Decorative column covers dazzle in Las Vegas. by Barbara Horwitz-Bennett

60 Decarbonization 101: Exploring the opportunities to achieve operational decarbonization and reduce embodied carbon with design.

1.0 AIA LU/HSW/pending approval

Last Detail 64

Julie Janiski, Integrated Design Principal + Sustainability Practice Leader, Buro Happold. Get the view from the forefront of sustainability and electrification.

The Power of Expert Insights and Imagination

Decarbonization, electrification, trends in cancer care design, and even opportunities for satisfying new egress requirements with enhanced fire protection are covered.

This issue of Architectural Products is brimming with expert insights on a range of topics from decarbonization, electrification, trends in cancer care design, and even opportunities for satisfying new egress requirements with enhanced fire protection measures. Where or when something hasn’t been done before, imagination takes the wheel to problem solve. This issue also highlights a few projects where design teams were challenged in unconventional ways and had to get creative.

In “Caring for Cancer Patients with Thoughtful Design,” three experts—Jodi Feldheim, Associate Principal Health Planning at HDR, Catherine Zeliotis, Principal and member of Stantec’s medical planning forum, and Sapna Bhat, Senior Project Manager and

Oncology Subject Matter Expert at Perkins&Will— share their insights on how the design of cancer care centers is shifting to support the ever-changing world of cancer care, while curating a comfort and wellness-centric patient experience. Begin your journey on page 22.

MBH Architects and PAE Engineers recently teamed up to electrify a historic Brutalist structure turned modern, life-science incubator. The Bakar BioEnginuity Hub was the first building on the University of California’s Berkeley campus to go all-electric as part of UC’s “Leading on Climate” program. The building achieved a low EUI, zeroHVAC-water-use, and LEED Gold certification, but it wasn’t easy. Learn how they addressed some surprising challenges on page 48.

We also have a new AIA-accredited CEU for architects looking to dive into the topic

of decarbonization. Decarbonizing the built environment might be the hottest topic on the planet. Buildings account for nearly 40% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions—a major player in the current climate crisis. Nearly one-third of that is from burning fossil fuels on site. Architects are uniquely situated to make a real and material difference with design.

From helping to achieve an operational building decarbonization to reducing the embodied carbon that exists in the products and materials on a project, design teams can embrace decarbonization in many ways. This course explores the current path to decarbonization and the products, solutions, and strategies currently available to support architects’ efforts to kick carbon use to the curb. Decarbonization 101 starts on page 60.

In this issue, whether it’s a story based in expert insight or imagination, it will be interesting. Happy reading.

—Jeanie Fitzgerald Pitts, Editor in Chief

EDITORIAL, DESIGN + PRODUCTION

Jeanette Fitzgerald Pitts Editor in Chief jfitzgerald@endeavorb2b.com

Robert Nieminen Chief Content Director rnieminen@endeavorb2b.com

Contributing Editors

Vilma Barr Barbara Horwitz-Bennett

Jana Madsen Jeff Pitts

Heather Ronaldson Katy Tomasulo

Lauren Lenkowski Art Director llenkowski@endeavorb2b.com

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“Ultimately, Bakar BioEnginuity Hub proves that imaginative uses can work in uncompromising structures as a design-forward encouragement for other universities in retrofitting important, older buildings for modern laboratory uses.”

—Ken Lidicker, Director, Senior Associate, MBH Architects

Bakar BioEnginuity Hub, University of California, Berkeley. 48 

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events resources

EHANDBOOK

The Beauty & Benefits of Biophilic Design in the Built Environments

Biophilic design is a hot trend in design, but what is it and how can building professionals incorporate these strategies for the benefits of occupants? This eHandbook offers best practices for applying biophilic design in the built environment.

Inside this digital resource, you will find in-depth information on the impact that biophilia has on employee health and wellness; how we can create more sustainable products that mimic nature; lessons that design professionals have learned by applying biophilic design strategies, and more. We have also included two recent case studies of beautiful spaces that were designed to invite nature in and products that were inspired by nature or respect the earth in their thoughtful use of materials.

 arch-products.com/ebookshelf

EDUCATION CREDITS

“Lessons in Renovation and Adaptive Reuse” (1.0 AIA-approved HSW/LU) explores methods that architectural and design teams have recently used to modernize the existing stock of buildings to offer the acoustic performance, access to daylight, and energy performance expected of new peoplecentric structures, packaged in places first built in the past.

 arch-products.com/ceu

PODCAST

Our sister publication has a new “In Case You Missed It” (ICYMI) podcast episode, “Decarbonization Strategies to Reach Your Goals.”Decarbonization is the logical next step for operating buildings sustainably. Find a few industry-proven tips to help you start the journey.

 buildings.com/podcast

Las Vegas Convention Center metalcon.com

ASLA

The American Society of Landscape Architects

Oct. 27-30 Minneapolis aslaconference.com

HCD Healthcare Design Expo & Conference Conference: Nov. 4-7

Expo: Nov. 5-7

Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans hcdexpo.com

AHR Expo

Jan. 22-24 McCormick Place, Chicago ahrexpo.com

World of Concrete

Education: Jan. 22-25

Exhibits: Jan. 23-25

Las Vegas Convention Center worldofconcrete.com

Surfaces Conference: January 23-26

Expo Hall: January 24-26

Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas intlsurfaceevent.com

International Builder’s Show (IBS)

Feb. 27-29, 2024

Las Vegas Convention Center buildersshow.com

Cevisama

International trade event for ceramic, bathroom equipment, and natural stone

Feb. 26 - March 1

Feria Valencia Convention Center, Valencia, Spain cevisama.feriavalencia.com

LEDUcation

Virtual Sessions: March 14-15

March 19-20

New York Hilton Midtown, New York City leducation.org

Greta™ Wall Panel

Kahn™ Wall Panels

Shayle™ Wall Panels

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The right facade illuminates a spirit of curiosity and exploration. At YKK AP, we offer more than just innovative facade solutions. We build valuable partnerships with architects and contractors, helping them transform spaces from vision to reality and ordinary moments into something truly memorable. We Build a Better Society Through Architectural Products.

Price Gilbert Memorial Library

Best Practices in Electrifying Buildings

Summary of Rocky Mountain Institute’s report: The Economics of Electrifying Buildings: Medium-Size Commercial Retrofits

RMI’s latest report, The Economics of Electrifying Buildings: Medium-Size Commercial Retrofits, published in 2022, explains, “One of the key changes necessary to address climate change is for all buildings to decarbonize their operations (i.e., stop burning fossil fuels on site).” According to RMI, direct fossil combustion—primarily from onsite fossil gas use for space and water heating—in commercial buildings alone accounts for 5% of total energy-related CO2 emissions in the country.

Examples of fossil fuel-using equipment commonly found in a commercial building include a gas boiler or furnace, which provides the space heating, a gas

The writers concluded that, “Midsized office building electrification retrofits can be cost-effective when paired with the right complementary measures in each city we studied.”

boiler that provides the domestic hot water, and gas is often used for cooking. Luckily, the are efficient electric-driven alternatives that exist for each of these building needs.

All-electric variable refrigerant flow (VRF) technology is touted as the fastest-growing segment of the commercial HVAC industry. Heat pumps that extract heat from the air and use it for space heating and domestic hot water actually provide heat to a building more efficiently and produce no onsite emissions.

Electrification retrofits that remove the use of fossil gas from daily building operations are a key step in ultimately decarbonizing buildings. When equipment in the building only uses electricity, the building is no longer bringing gas or other fossil fuels into the structure to burn onsite and create emissions.

In the interest of scaling viable decarbonization solutions for the commercial sector, this report from RMI analyzes electrification conditions for a type of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system that is ubiquitous in commercial buildings: the rooftop unit (RTU). Authors Anish Tilak and Mohammad Hassan Fathollahzadeh write, “Currently, heating in conventional RTUs is provided

by combusting methane gas, commonly referred to by the fossil fuel industry as natural gas. Commercial electrification using 1:1 swap-outs of natural gasfired RTUs for heat-pump RTUs is poised to electrify a vast pool of existing buildings that already have these systems, with limited upfront cost and technical complexity.”

RMI analyzed different retrofit scenarios that could be used to electrify existing fossil-gas-fired commercial space heating and domestic hot water systems in four cities across the U.S.—Washington, D.C., Chicago, Seattle, and Las Vegas—selected based on their varying climate conditions and the differences in their gas and electric utility rates.

Some of their findings include:

In cities with cold winters, such as Washington, D.C., and Chicago, combining heat-pump RTU retrofits with ventilation efficiency equipment, such as energy recovery ventilation (ERV), and peak heating demand management controls can

CHICAGO Combine heatpump RTU retrofits with ERV and peak heating demand management controls.

WASHINGTON, DC Combine heat-pump RTU retrofits with ERV and peak heating demand management controls.

provide significant annual energy savings. These measures will lower monthly utility costs and enhance power grid resiliency, especially at times when the grid is strained.

In Seattle, with mild year-round temperatures and modest solar potential, simple 1:1 swap-outs of gasfired RTUs with fully electric heat-pump RTUs make the most cost-effective scenario.

In Las Vegas, the mild winter climate and low gas use, combined with high solar output, means that electrification should be grouped with rooftop PV for a broader decarbonization package to be costeffective.

The team concluded that, “Mid-sized office building electrification retrofits can be cost-effective when paired with the right complementary measures in each city we studied.”

To read the full report, visit rm i.org

LAS VEGAS Combine electrification with rooftop PV.

SEATTLE Simple 1:1 swap-outs of gas-fired RTUs with fully electric heat-pump RTUs.

Staying Informed: Codes, Standards, and Legislation for Changing Stations

In architecture, design is more than just aesthetics. It is about creating buildings and facilities that cater to the needs of everyone. Architects orchestrate spaces that inspire, serve, and uplift, while balancing designs to the realm of inclusivity, accessibility, and compliance.

An overlooked and crucial area to monitor for code and legislative changes are for baby and adult changing stations. In recent years, each of these product categories has experienced significant activity—from new legislation and updated standards to building codes. Below are examples of some common legislation that apply to baby and adult changing stations.

THE BABIES ACT: CREATING FAMILY-FRIENDLY SPACES

In 2016, the U.S. Congress enacted the BABIES Act, which mandates baby changing accommodations in male and female restrooms in federal buildings. This legislation reflects the growing emphasis on inclusivity and family support. Several other states, cities and municipalities have also enacted legislation requiring baby changing stations in public facilities. By adhering to the BABIES Act and other local legislation, public buildings enable all parents to be able to take care of their children.

ADA COMPLIANCE: ENSURING INCLUSIVITY

Specifying baby changing stations that are compliant with the 2010 ADA Standards (ADAS) and the 2009/2017 International Code Council (ICC) A117.1 standards when properly installed is crucial to the goal of accommodating the needs of more people and ensures that public spaces can be accessed with dignity and ease.

MANDATING ADULT CHANGING STATIONS: EMBRACING CHANGE

Restroom or special needs inclusivity extends beyond baby changing stations to adult changing stations. A number of states and the Canadian province of Ontario have passed legislation that requires adult changing stations in public and government spaces, Minnesota recently also joined this list in 2023. Many other states and local governments have passed or are currently considering similar legislation.

The International Code Council (ICC) approved Code E142-21 for the 2024 International Building Code (IBC). This code change requires adult changing stations to be provided in certain types of occupancies, including large assembly and mercantile

facilities, college classroom buildings, and highway rest stops/ service plazas. Beyond providing adult changing stations in public spaces, these changing stations should be height adjustable. Dedicated restrooms with height adjustable adult changing stations provide a much easier and safer changing experience for the cared for and cared giver.

AS ARCHITECTS, YOUR ROLE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER

You are not just designing spaces. You are creating buildings that offer access to everybody, regardless of family status or disabilities. With the evolving landscape of codes and regulations, especially as it relates to accommodating the needs of families and caregivers, your role as advocates becomes even more vital. By staying informed about the latest codes, standards, and legislation, you can help ensure that your designs are inclusive and accessible for everyone.

by Koala Kare Products

Rhode Island Congressman David Cicilline led the charge in Congress with a bill mandating baby changing stations be made available in all federal buildings, which cleared the U.S. House of Representatives, 389-34.

Too often, it is a struggle for families and caregivers of adolescents and adults with special needs or disabilities to find a dignified means of diaper changing in public.

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The table height of this special needs changing station adjusts from 12-in. to 41-in. from the floor.

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New Approach to Meeting Egress Needs in Retrofit Projects

Situated deep within the National Archives Museum of Washington, D.C., is a custombuilt hall meticulously designed to house the original copy of the Declaration of Independence. Resting behind bulletproof, hermetically sealed glass, the historic document sits within a temperature-controlled space while under nonstop surveillance by armed guards. Overnight, the invaluable parchment gets deposited into a 50-ton, steel-and-concrete vault that is both fireproof and waterproof, plus, as of 1952, it is also atomic bomb proof.

“They are dead serious about protecting that document,” says Tracey Bellamy, pe, cfps, cwbsp. He uses this unique story as an example of a project that demands a performance-based design approach instead of a prescriptive-code approach. While the prescriptive code might call for one level of protection, sometimes a much higher level is more prudent.

Bellamy’s resume includes three decades of fire protection engineering. He is a board member for Telgian Holdings, and he also serves as Chief Engineering Officer for Telgian Engineering & Consulting. According to him, a prescriptive-code approach is generally a more rigid process that outlines a minimum level of protection, or an intended level, along with a method to achieve that aim. In contrast, a performance-based approach consists of identifying the code’s intent and then engineering an alternate means for meeting that intent. It is a more “goal-oriented approach” that should offer an equivalent level of protection or better.

Ultimately, a performance-based approach could offer a less expensive way to resolve an issue while still obtaining the client’s goal, according to Bellamy. Other times, like with the Declaration of Independence, the aim is an increased level of protection against loss or operational impact— regardless of cost.

There is no shortage of circumstances that call for a performance-based approach, but

PHYSICAL FIRE-RATED SEPARATIONS

A horizontal sliding fire door offering an unimpeded flow of pedestrian traffic, open plan designs and advanced access control features. AFG products are made in incremental dimensions to accommodate straight single parting doors up to 40 ft. in clear opening width and 15 ft. in height, assuming 0.1WC air pressure differential or less. The popular wide-span opening is approved for all applications, except Group H occupancies.

Won-Door Corp., FireGuard AFG sliding fire door wondoor.com

ENHANCED FIRE DETECTION

Honeywell’s new Morley MAx fire detection and alarm system is a performance-driven intelligent fire alarm control panel with a 7-in. touchscreen. The unit provides an intuitive and ergonomic user interface while running cutting-edge technologies such as multi-Boolean logic and CANBus protocol between panels. The panel can be networked and is compatible with other Honeywell Connected Life Safety Services for an all-in-one cloud platform. Morley MAx is well suited for various verticals, such as commercial, education, healthcare, residential and hospitality. With full backward compatibility, it is well suited for retrofit projects, according to the company, as it supports a range of field devices, including third-party manufacturer devices.

Detecting an emerging event sooner allows occupants more time to utilize the structure’s existing egress.

Honeywell, Morley MAx fire detection and alarm system honeywellbuildings.in

Tracey Bellamy, pe, cfps, cwbsp. Board member for Telgian Holdings, and also serves as Chief Engineering Officer for Telgian Engineering & Consulting.

Prescriptive vs. performance-based design solutions for fire protection.

ENHANCED FIRE DETECTION

Thermal imaging is quickly becoming known as a reliable technology for early fire detection. This early fire detection system is designed to detect early signs of fire by using infrared cameras that find fires at their earliest stages—before they become visible. Then, in the event of an emergency, the system sends mass emergency notifications to alert all the necessary parties.

MoviTHERM movitherm .com

ENHANCED FIRE SUPPRESSION

Dousing a fire with water is one way to end a fire but reducing the amount of oxygen in a structure can prevent a blaze from beginning in the first place. The basic idea of an oxygen-reduction system is to reduce indoor oxygen levels to roughly 16%—low enough that humans remain relatively unaffected, but generally too low for fire to thrive. FirePASS offers oxygen-reduction fireprevention systems of various sizes. The SCU3x system is for smaller applications, protecting rooms up to 300 cubic ft.

FirePASS, SCU3x oxygen reduction fire prevention system firepass.com

ENHANCED FIRE DETECTION

Air-aspirating smoke detection systems by Siemens enable customized solutions for early fire detection. By using dual wavelength technology to distinguish between smoke and deceptive phenomena, many false alarms can be avoided, while providing “very early detection” from electrolyte gas particles.

Siemens, ASD - Aspirating Smoke Detection Systems siemens.com

Modern Fire Detection and Prevention Solutions

A number of standard smoke detection systems and air-aspirating smoke detection systems are “very early warning type devices,” notes Bellamy. By detecting an emerging event sooner rather than later, enhanced detection systems allow occupants more time to utilize the structure’s existing egress.

There are several other modern fire-prevention products designed to be helpful: enhanced suppression systems, enhanced smoke removal

systems, enhanced fire resistance systems, and more. Of course, no product should be seen as a one-size-fits-all or a perfect-for-any-situation apparatus. Each is best suited for a certain specific set of circumstances and an expert should be employed to model the potential solutions.

The following products are trending in fire protection. Be sure to enlist the aid of a qualified fire protection expert before deciding which product is best for your project.

adaptive reuse projects are some of the more common. Bellamy says that changing the occupancy of a building frequently renders its egress inadequate. In such instances, following prescriptive code might require a complete redesign of all or a portion of the building, but a qualified fire protection engineer can potentially find a better way of achieving the same aim. Bolstering or enhancing other aspects of a structure’s fire protection system, for example, might alleviate the need to add additional egress and save a lot of effort.

Imagine a hypothetical 10-story office building that was originally designed and built with two appropriately sized exit stairs to accommodate the maximum occupant load associated with each floor. Now a new ownership group wants to create an event space on the upper floor, and the increased occupant load will exceed the capacity of the existing stair enclosures.

Simply adding width to the stair enclosures might seem simple on paper, but it can have a major impact on the facility.

“Trying to do so could involve ripping out both existing stair enclosures and reconstructing them entirely or adding a third stair enclosure, either of which would be extremely difficult,” notes Bellamy.

Instead, this type of situation might be better served by implementing a performance-based solution. “Consider that one of the basic tenets for egress design is to permit the building occupants to safely escape the building/ space prior to the development of untenable conditions,” he says. “The prescriptive rules for the sizing and location of the means of egress components provide a general set of rules that are intended to permit safe egress in a timely manner prior to the development of hazardous conditions; however, no specific level of required speed for the egress process nor hazard development are identified.

“Clearly, these requirements are intended to accommodate the time needed for discovery and notification of a fire event, for occupants to make the decision to leave, as well as that needed to traverse the travel distance and provide for cueing through the egress system all while considering the speed at which hazardous conditions might develop.”

Instead of adding egress options, a performance-based solution may meet new egress requirements by slowing the development of untenable conditions with early warning detection systems and modern fire-prevention solutions.

— Jeff Pitts,contributing writer

Monitoring the Air in SOM’s NYC Office

Air sensors in SOM’s New York office helped earn WELL certification points and maintain healthy IAQ post pandemic and through the Canadian Wildfires.

In pursuing WELL building certification for SOM’s New York City offices on the 27th and 28th floors of 7 World Trade Center, which the firm also designed, the architects specified Aircuity indoor air quality sensors to earn points in one of WELL’s largest categories—the Air Concept.

Little did they know, the technology would prove invaluable through the pandemic, return to the office and most recently, the Canadian wildfires bringing compromised air quality to the Northeast and Midwest earlier this year.“Previously, in the wake of COVID, carbon dioxide was the primary parameter through which air quality was studied. Now, because of the wildfires, particulates such as PM2.5 have become the primary parameter of concern,” explains Charles Harris, associate principal, SOM, New York.

In both cases, SOM was and is well equipped to measure and adjust IAQ levels accordingly in their New York City offices, lending peace of mind to its employees and serving as an example for other SOM offices and clients.

The designers selected Aircuity sensors because they were cost effective and compatible with 7 World Trade Center’s base building automation system. In addition, the sensors integrate with the high-rise building’s robust HVAC double filtration

IAQ SENSORS

To ensure a high level of indoor air quality for SOM’s New York City offices, Aircuity sensors actively monitor key IAQ metrics enabling the BAS to respond quickly to maintain healthy indoor air.

Aircuity aircuity.com

Photo Courtesy of Dave Burk © SOM

and purification system—that consists of a MERV 8 pre-filter, MERV 15 as the primary filter, and charcoal as the carbon filter—and distributes filtered air to each floor in the building.

The system samples air from different test areas and analyzes them. If air levels need to be altered, signals are sent to the building management systems to boost ventilation accordingly.

Best Practices

Offering some guidance for specifying such a system, Harris’ fellow SOM Associate Principal Ojiakor Obinani says the ideal air monitoring system should be scalable to projects of different sizes and equipped to monitor a variety of contributors to air quality including temperature, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, relative humidity, total volatile organic compounds and particulate matter of different sizes.

While there is a first cost involved for the equipment and initial setup, there is a good return on investment, and occupants’ general wellbeing cannot be understated.

Sharing another insight, Harris says IAQ observations are informing SOM’s designs. “For example, one of the greatest areas of peak carbon dioxide concentration has been in our conference rooms. [Since] we designed these rooms with sliding doors, we have found that by leaving these doors open when acoustic privacy is not required, we can lower the carbon dioxide concentrations because the conference room air will mix with the open office air,” he explains. In addition, SOM encourages groups to meet in open office and communal areas instead of enclosed rooms.

Taking these various lessons learned, SOM specified the same Aircuity system in its Washington, D.C. office and designed similar air monitoring systems for other offices based upon installation and maintenance considerations.

“Looking ahead, we anticipate a greater, industrywide understanding of different metrics that go into healthy environments. It is similar to analyzing ‘healthy foods’—there are many variables behind the phrase ‘healthy air’—and it is important to understand the different metrics in relation to one another,” Harris concludes.

Solutions for buildings. Designed for people.

For 75 years, we’ve been providing a wide range of architectural products that serve a distinct, functional purpose—like our cantilevered and suspended sunshades at Stanford Bass Biology Cafe. At the same time, we’ve never lost sight of the effect a building has on people. Putting people first has always been our foundation for building better buildings. Learn more about us and the solutions we provide, inside and out, at c-sgroup.com.

To prevent the accumulation of carbon dioxide in closed offices, employees are encouraged to gather in open meeting spaces when possible.

Aircuity sensors can display key metrics like carbon dioxide and PM2.5 particulates on a building dashboard.

EPDS REQUIRED

At the University of Texas at Austin Moody Center where Gensler specified Solarban 70 Solargray glass, Vitro EPDs were required documentation for achieving LEED Gold certification.

Vitro Architectural Glass, Solarban 70 Solargray glass vitroglazings.com

Vitro’s Updated EPDs Demonstrate Lower Embodied Carbon in Glass

As Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) become more and more mainstream, emerging as new requirements in some jurisdictions and serving as an important way to provide credentialing documentation for building sustainability certifications like LEED v4, architects are looking for EPDs when specifying materials and products.

“EPDs are no longer the exception but rather the rule,” states Michael J. Hammond, manager, technical support, Vitro Architectural Glass, Dillsburg, Penn.

Vitro Architectural Glass has updated its third-party verified EPDs for flat glass and processed glass products.

As the first North American glass manufacturer to publish third-party verified EPDs for flat glass and processed glass products in 2017, Vitro Architectural Glass is now officially the first to update its EPDs. Commenting on the significance of this, industry consultant Max Perilstein, managing partner, Sole Source Consultants, Detroit, states, “Kudos to Vitro Architectural Glass for their latest EPD effort. This is an excellent step forward in an area that WILL continue to grow and be a very important part of the commercial glass project realm.”

The most noteworthy findings emerging from the updated is EPD is Vitro coming in 6% below the 1430 kg of CO2 industry average, published by the National Glass Association (NGA) with a value of 1350 kg of CO2.

In order to lower their embodied carbon, Vitro made a number of glass manufacturing improvements. These included a more efficient use of batch material, implementing furnace efficiency, and design improvements like installing energy-efficient lighting, regulating equipment, and driving supplier improvements.

Of significant note is the company’s pioneering use of oxy-fuel technology in three of its U.S. plant locations to reduce energy consumption in glass melting furnaces by as much as 20% and cut greenhouse gas emissions in half.

These innovations can have far-reaching implications in architectural glass production because flat glass manufacturing itself makes up more than 75% of the GWP of double-pane insulating glass units. This means that other processes—such as heat treatment, the application of low-emissivity (low-e) coatings, and even the assembly of the IGU itself—contribute significantly less to GWP.

Vitro’s flat glass EPD applies to annealed and untreated glass products and the processed glass

EPD is valid for Vitro products that undergo secondary treatment, such as the addition of low-e coatings, heat-strengthening or fabrication into multi-pane IGUs.

As noted, this documentation is key for projects seeking sustainable building certifications, but is also required in the U.S. General Services Administration’s Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service (P100) and in the state of Colorado’s HB21-1303 Global Warming Potential for Public Project Materials, for example.

Vitro’s 2023 EPDs were produced using the NGA’s updated 2020 Product Category Rules (PCR), which offers more precise data, supporting a more confident calculation of embodied carbon.

Taken together, the process of driving down carbon and publishing an EPD are very involved, detailed and comprehensive processes, but invaluable in Vitro’s efforts to be transparent with their environmental performance figures, says Hammond.

Looking at the big picture, he states, “While reducing embodied carbon and GWP in glass is important, it’s important to remember that low-e glass delivers a return on carbon by dramatically reducing the operational carbon of buildings each and every year of their lifespan.”

GLASS

Photo courtesy of Jim Cunningham

Timeless aesthetics, intuitive operation and robust engineering. Automatic, Universal Roll Towel Dispenser.

CARING FOR CANCER PATIENTS WITH THOUGHTFUL DESIGN

Three experts share their insights on how the design of cancer care centers is shifting to support the ever-changing world of cancer care, while curating a comfort and wellness-centric patient experience.

By Jana Madsen, contributing writer

Rush University Medical Center Joan & Paul Rubschlager Building, page 26 

“The rapid advancement of novel therapies is shifting services from inpatient to outpatient very quickly. Outpatient services are more robust, private, and flexible than ever before to allow for new kinds of treatments to be utilized.”

-Jodi Feldheim, Associate Principal Health Planning, HDR, Chicago

Advancing Cancer Care

The new 10-story outpatient facility at Rush University Medical Center is a premier destination for cancer and neuroscience care. The Joan & Paul Rubschlager Building will provide care for an estimated 127,000 patients by 2027. Opened in February 2023, the architects prioritized an efficient and comfortable patient experience, collaborative environment, and future-proof design.

“Flexibility was at the forefront of the design. For the clinic spaces, a core module was developed with centralized multidisciplinary collaboration areas, and exam rooms that are universal enough to flex from one oncology specialty to another depending on which physician is in clinic,” says Jodi Feldheim, Associate Principal Health Planning, HDR, Chicago. Resiliency was achieved with redundant mechanical systems with ionizing filtration capability, negative pressure controls, and airlocks integrated into the facility along with reliable power and uninterruptible power supply back-up to all critical technology systems. Sustainably designed and constructed to seek LEED Gold certification, the facility meets energy and atmosphere mandates along with materials, recycling, and environmental requirements.

Healthcare providers from different fields of

ARCHITECTURAL METAL

Reynobond Composite Material consists of two sheets of coil-coated aluminum laminated on both sides of a core material. Highly durable, the material is rigid yet flexible and integrates seamlessly with curtain walls. Weighing 3.4 times less than steel and 1.6 times less than pure aluminum, it’s extremely lightweight. Its formability aids in design flexibility.

Arconic Architectural Products, Reynobond Composite Material arconic.com

study—internists, medical oncologists, researchers, psychologists, and social workers to name a few— will be able to collaborate more easily in the Joan & Paul Rubschlager Building. “Research-specific spaces are allocated on every level of the building,

“Personalized medicine underscores that there is no onesize-fits-all patient journey. The inclusion of genetic testing therapies such as CAR-T cell highlight the close connection of research and clinical care and dictate the inclusion of cGMP labs near the patient spaces.”

including an incoming/outgoing processing area to help manage the specific needs of clinical trials that occur in the facility,” says Feldheim.

Patient focus groups helped HDR optimize the patient experience. “All infusion rooms are private, with some upsized to accommodate patients in stretchers or who are less mobile,” explains Feldheim. Since many cancer patients have blood drawn before appointments, the laboratory was located on the first floor, adjacent to the lobby.

BRICK

Formed from iron-rich clays, Endicott Face Brick provide extraordinary colors, beautiful sheen, compelling textures, and varied sizes that add richness to every space. Endicott’s Manganese Ironspot Utility Smooth Face Brick was used on the exterior of the Joan & Paul Rubschlager Building.

Endicott Brick, Manganese Ironspot Face Brick endicott.com

Jodi Feldheim, Associate Principal Health Planning, HDR. Over the last 17 years, she has focused exclusively on the design of healthcare projects and is a member of the HDR oncology planning initiative.

LIMESTONE

For more than a century, exceptional limestone has been quarried, crafted and shipped to notable projects around the world from Vetter Stone quarries. Used at the Joan & Paul Rubschlager Building, Silver Shadow is an oolitic limestone quarried out of Vetter’s Alabama facility with a cool, contemporary, gray tone background and subtle wispy charcoal veining.

Vetter Stone, Silver Shadow Limestone vetterstone.com

INTERIOR GLASS

Skyline Design produces both interior and exterior glass products. The Chicago-based company partnered with photographer Bonnie Edelman for SCAPES. Installed at the Joan & Paul Rubschlager Building, each floor features Edelman’s distinctive photography printed on glass, serving as wall cladding in the elevator lobbies. The color scheme varies per floor to aid with wayfinding.

Skyline Design, SCAPES sky design.com

-Jodi Feldheim, Associate Principal Health Planning, HDR

Project: Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre

Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Size: 1,177,238 Sq. Ft.

Completed: December 2022

Architects: Stantec, Dialog

Building Hope

Newly constructed and opening in 2024, the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Center in Calgary is the largest cancer treatment and research facility in Canada, and the second largest in North America. When it opens in 2024, it will include over 100 patient exam rooms, 160 inpatient beds, 15 radiation vaults, and innovative imaging technologies. The nearly 1.2 million-sq.-ft. facility was thoughtfully designed to alleviate stress and anxiety and centralize cuttingedge cancer research, treatment, and care for patients in southern Alberta.

“Key to delivering these concepts has been the close

collaboration not only with clinicians but the patient reference groups who gave us their precious time in numerous consultations to review and test our designs,” says Catherine Zeliotis, Principal, Stantec, London. More than 900 volunteers including clinical users, physicians, patients, and family advisors provided input on the design of the cancer center.

“At the initial stages of the design process, the design team tried to distil the difference between a cancer hospital and other healthcare buildings and the patients captured this word: ‘hope.’ The building had to deliver a center for the community:

“The cancer patient and their family embark on a challenging path with many twists and turns which may last months or even ... years. The building environment can play a vital role in supporting them, giving them spaces that are easy to navigate, safe, and comfortable, but also provide moments of joy and make them forget, even momentarily, the grinding every day practical needs.”

patients, carers, and staff that gives them hope that their treatment would be successful, and their lives would be valued, protected, and enhanced,” explains Zeliotis. The architectural design features two L-shaped forms—a seven-story podium building and a six-story tower—that connect and surround an all-season exterior garden. The design provides patients, families, and staff year-round access to views of nature and daylight. “It is based on generic, standardized principles of design to allow for flexibility and adaptability and, in parallel, incorporates the hospitality feel to lower stress and anxiety levels,” notes Zeliotis.

-Catherine Zeliotis, Principal, Stantec, London

Catherine Zeliotis, Principal and a member of the medical planning forum at Stantec, works on major healthcare facilities.

CEILING PANELS

USG’s Mars Healthcare Acoustical Panels were designed to be durable and safe with common disinfectants. These fine-textured panels have a water-repellent membrane, making them ideal for healthcare environments. The panels are durable and deliver excellent noise reduction, sag resistance, and high light reflectance.

USG, Mars Healthcare Acoustical Panels usg.com

HYBRID FLOORING

Kinetex from J+J Flooring is a hybrid flooring solution which provides the performance attributes of hard surface with the softness and warmth of carpet. It provides key performance and sustainability attributes. It contains no less than 45% postconsumer recycled content, with one 24-in. × 24-in. tile containing 27 recycled plastic bottles.

J+J Flooring, Kinetex jjflooring.com

VINYL FLOORING

Sphera Element homogeneous vinyl flooring is ideal for use in areas where the floor is required to blend with the environment. Designed with users’ well-being in mind, the new subtle colors in the collection can work to create a softer and more calming atmosphere, bringing a more homely feel to a (care) environment.

Forbo Flooring Systems, Sphera Element forbo.com

WALL PROTECTION

Offering heavy-duty protection, Construction Specialties’ Acrovyn Rigid Sheet is the perfect wall covering for interiors subjected to daily abuse. Acrovyn Solid Color Sheet is available as wall covering, panels, wall protection products, dimensional moldings, and Acrovyn Doors. It’s ideal for high-traffic and highimpact areas.

Construction Specialties, Acrovyn Rigid Sheet c-sgroup.com

WALL BASE

Johnsonite Traditional Wall Base is a straightforward, no-nonsense option. It’s basic, but better. With durable construction and multiple options for height and color, the Traditional Wall Base has everything you need. And nothing you don’t. Available in three standard heights: 2.5-in., 4-in., or 6-in. Choose from dozens of standard colors or create your own.

Tarkett, Johnsonite Traditional Wall Base commercial.tarkett.com

MARKERBOARD

Combine Formica Laminates with the Non-Decor Magnetic Board to get a magnetic surface. Ideal for a wide variety of applications. The new additions: Grid Points provides a precision guide for writing or drawing, Projection White features a matte finish ideal to use as projection screen, and Black Magnetic Chalkboard for jotting ideas. All Formica Laminates in gloss finish (-90) are writable surfaces.

Formica, Specialty Markerboard formica.com

Experience Driven

The Radiation Oncology Center at University of Texas (UT) Southwestern in Dallas, Texas, is therapy center with a first-of-its-kind vault design. For patients just beginning their cancer journey, Perkins&Will’s design is organized to efficiently get them to second floor clinics. “We considered the shock of receiving a cancer diagnosis and ensured that the first-time patients coming into the facility to hear their diagnosis would not be immediately exposed to all the other spaces and [people] already undergoing treatment. We placed their clinics on a different level that is easily accessed by the main lobby, but not open to potentially overwhelming scenes,” says Sapna Bhat, Senior Project Manager, Perkins&Will, Dallas, Texas. Lobby and waiting areas with abundant natural light and views of the outdoors provide a sense of calm.

“Buildings must be adaptable and flexible to keep up with technological advancements... We stay in constant contact with the clinical team to learn about their aspirations and work closely with medical equipment vendors to understand the current state of equipment needs, as well as what changes are on the horizon.”

-Sapna Bhat, Senior Project Manager, Perkins&Will, Dallas

In its former space, the UT Southwestern treatment vault was accessed by a meandering hallway. The new space provides a completely different experience. “Entering a treatment zone can fill patients with apprehension. We aimed to reduce this anxiety by providing skylights and views to the outside from welllit corridors that feel connected to nature,” she says. Perkins&Will completely reimagined inefficient traditional treatment vault design. They worked with oncology teams and equipment vendors to shrink the vault size by removing the maze. A unique concept of two doors, one for patients and one for staff and supplies, was integrated into the vault design. This creates a separation between the patient and staff/equipment circulation. An out-of-view technology corridor provides accessible and organized storage for staff.

Exam room design encourages face-to-face collaboration between patients, caregivers, and physicians. Opportunities for informal interactions among the medical team were also by design. “At UT Southwestern, we created open collaborative spaces and huddle spaces that are both fun and intentional for the care team,” explains Bhat. By blending workplace and academic healthcare design with fewer walls and more shared spaces for care teams, staff comfort, efficiency, and productivity is maximized.

Project: University of Texas Southwestern

Radiation Oncology Center

Location: Dallas

Size: 70,000 sq. ft.

Completed: February 2017

Architect: Perkins&Will

Project Photography: Charles Davis Smith, faia

CEILING SYSTEM

Style meets function with the industry’s broadest range of metal ceiling options in curves, clouds, and planes. Metalworks ceilings create a dramatic visual impact in high traffic spaces, like airports, college campus centers, hospitals, and restaurants. The ceilings also come in a range of perforations to deliver unique acoustical interior/exterior solutions.

Armstrong World Industries, METALWORKS armstrongceilings.com

Lobby and waiting areas with abundant natural light and views of the outdoors provide a sense of calm.

Sapna Bhat, Senior Project Manager and Oncology Subject Matter Expert at Perkins&Will, has over 20 years of architectural experience in all phases of healthcare design.

Radiation therapy is being moved out of the basement to enable access to daylight and views of nature.

CORNER GUARDS

Construction Specialties Acrovyn CO Series stainless steel corner guards have superior protection for those high-impact traffic areas. Perfect for areas where a metal look is desired and aluminum isn’t allowed. These corner guards are rustproof, nonporous and easy to clean. Beveled edges hug corners, which allows for less catching hazard.

Construction Specialties, Acrovyn CO Series c-sgroup.com

WALLCOVERING

Xorel Nexus wallcovering has X-Protect Wall, a proprietary backing technology that prevents stains and moisture from passing through the textile face to the wall, while allowing moisture vapor to escape from a wall cavity. Made with 80% biobased content derived from rapidly renewable plant-based resources, Xorel Nexis is a sustainable, high-performance PVC-free wall solution.

Carnegie Fabrics, Xorel Nexus Wallcovering carnegiefabrics.com

CARPET

UT Southwestern Radiation Oncology Center installed Duotone carpet from Shaw Contract, which is no longer manufactured. The Color at Work II carpet by Shaw is a suitable alternative. Its system of colors and visuals create collaborative zones within spaces. Color at Work II’s vast array of design possibilities are ideal for wayfinding and zoning. This collection is carbon neutral and optimized for low embodied carbon.

Shaw Contract, Color at Work II shawcontract.com

CERAMIC TILE

Mosa Murals is a dynamic wall tile collection comprising layers of carefully composed colors, formats, finishes, and textures, designed to coexist in harmony. At once subtle and extraordinary, the line perfectly complements a project’s architecture. With Mosa Murals Change, a thick layer of glaze splits each Change tile into two distinct territories, making for a playful overall result. It is designed by Ina Matt and Mosa.

Mosa, Mosa Murals Change mosa.com

Be Bold

Every surface and every architectural detail imbue interior spaces with character that cannot be denied.

Whether the design inspiration is romantic, contemporary, daring, down-to-earth, nature-loving, or more cerebral, architects and designers have never had more tools to use to make a statement.

Make every space an encounter between color, material, and finish.

BATHROOM ELEGANCE

Featuring a carefully curated palette of warm, neutral and bolder colors, ORIGNI by Gessi enables designers to mix and match colors, shapes, finishes and faucet styles to create a wide array of bathroom designs. Available in five colors and seven faucet styles, including a space-saving wall-mounted design, the fixtures can be paired with Gessi’s countertop washbasin made from CristalPlant, a unique composite material comprised of natural mineral that gives the effect of real stone.

Gessi ORIGNI gessi.com

RETRO COLORS

In honoring its 150th anniversary, Kohler has released its Heritage Colors Collection showcasing vintage Spring Green and Peachblow hues for a limited time. The original 1927 Spring Green hue references blue-green waters of a cool northern spring and Peachblow, released in 1934, is an original pastel. The stand-out colors can be paired with Kohler throwback-style pieces like the Artifacts Freestanding Bath, Brockway and Farmstead Kitchen Sink, and Memoirs toilet, pedestal lavatory and console table.

Heritage Colors Collection kohler.com

Translating gears and machinery into a modern, stylish faucet and tub filler collection, Franz Viegener introduces the Techno Chic collection. With faucets available in both linear and knurling styles, the round or lever handles support a natural grip and ease of use. The futuristic design marries aesthetics and functionality with its eclectic, durable fixtures.

Franz Viegener Techno Chic collection franzviegener.com

TECHNO CHIC

Kohler

The vintage Spring Green and Peachblow colors.

Acoustical Doors with a Built-In Bullet Rating

Krieger sound control doors enhance building acoustics by exceeding the ANSI S12.60-2002 standard. Plus, they come with a bullet resistance rating of UL 752 for added security in case of an active shooter.

BIOPHILIC CARPET TILE

ratings aree available up to UL Level 10.

The latest biophilic carpet tile collection from Mohawk channels mycelium and mushrooms in four stunning styles. The Biotope (shown here), Mycobiome, MycoLoop, and MycoSuede styles explore the unique beauty of the fungi kingdom’s forms, both below ground and above ground. These carpet tiles provide beautiful patterns to any commercial space, with high performance and environmental mindfulness.

STONE SURFACE

The latest surface to launch from XTONE is a unique design highlighted by a background of cream tones and small crystals that beautifully detail the nature of this Brazilian stone. These large-format, sintered stone surfaces are an ideal material for both indoor and outdoor use with endless application possibilities from flooring and countertops to decorative elements.

VIBRANT PATTERNS

EF Contract’s High-Def Color Technology creates the crisp color, vibrant patterns, and dimensional design Kinetex is known for. The neutral base colorways offer a variety of accent color options. These subtle offerings allow for effective wayfinding or branding throughout a space, making Sound & Surface ideal for corporate, education, and retail interiors. “The two patterns within this collection are complementary but achieve very different effects,” said Marie Moore, design manager for Kinetex at EF Contract. “Surface features an all-over, muted pattern, while Sound radiates energy with a larger-scale design inspired by sound waves.” Sound shown above.

XTONE Alpinus White Sintered Stone xtone-surface.com

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF MOVABLE GLASS WALLS

Fractured pattern in Classic Peacock, shown above.

ACOUSTIC TILES

Spice up any space with a dash of acoustic intrigue. This surface offers all the elegance of a simple, slight diagonal paired with superior acoustic control. The PET felt is made with at least 60% post-consumer content and the surface has an NRC rating of 0.55, a fire rating of ASTM E84 Class A, and is CDPH (CA 01350)-compliant. Dash acoustic tile is available in a wide range of colors. Shown here in Frost and Jade.

COUTURE WALLPAPER

Forge Couture is a glamorous take on the clarity of metalworking—the transformation of a durable material into a desirable and alluring artifact. This wallcovering is manufactured from 91% biobased content derived from rapidly renewable plant-based resources. In addition, this product is inherently antibacterial and has extremely low VOCs. The proprietary backing technology, X-Protect Wall, prevents stains and moisture from passing through the textile face to the wall, while allowing moisture vapor to escape from a wall cavity. They are microvented.

3-D METAL SURFACES

Engravings Collection offers a threedimensional decorative metal surfacing solution that merges digital technology with artisan craftsmanship and brings new possibilities to the limitations of traditional tile. Using a thicker gage aluminum, panels can be installed in full 4-ft. × 8-ft. and 4-ft. × 10-ft. sheets instead of individual tiles. These surfaces are suitable for walls and columns in interior and exterior applications. Some of our newest patterns are available in a series of three designs A, B, and C which are interchangeable to create a more unique look for large-scale projects.

CUBIST COLLECTION FLOORING

Cubist art is the inspiration behind the latest collection for J+J Flooring. The collection includes three patterns. Analytic serves as the neutral base. Analytic Diffuse provides a modest amount of color. Analytic Form features the most color. Used together, the patterns are effective at wayfinding and building brand/school identity using color. There are six colors offered on either a warm or neutral base. Using precision color technology, the colors combine to create an ombre pattern.

Kirei Dash Tile kireiusa.com

Carnegie Fabrics Forge Couture carnegiefabrics.com

J+J Flooring Cubist Collection Flooring jjflooringgroup.com

Moz Designs Engravings Collection mozdesigns.com

It’s Chemetal at its most colorful. Introducing Transparency, laser cut powder-coated designs on .0625” & .09” aluminum. 9 designs on 8 colors. 4’ x 8’ max sheet size. Extruded aluminum frame system option. Custom size, pattern and colors. All from Chemetal, a massive collection of metal designs available worldwide. See it all at chemetal.com. chemetal.com

SKYLIGHT SYSTEMS

The new KlearSky skylights are a metal framed glass skylight system designed with decades of experience and built from advanced materials. This product will introduce beautiful, vibrant daylight and offer a wide variety of glass options from low-e to laminated. Integral guttering provides exceptional moisture management. The system can be custom designed to fit a project’s needs.

TEXTILES

This new range of metalized roller blind textiles provide maximal thermal, visual and acoustic comfort to any indoor space. Superior in functional performance and durability, our metalized textiles both help to beat the heat and eliminate glare from sunlight during warmer/ sunnier months, as well as provide an insulating effect in the winter, supporting a productive and healthy indoor environment.

Kvadrat Shade Roller Blinds Textiles kvadrat.dk

SUSPENDED OR FLOOR LUMINAIRE

This suspended or floor luminaire delivers unique refractions through its diffuser, available in two textures: Plissè, which “linearly undulates much like Medieval columns;” and Crystal, a “sparkling entanglement of reflections.” The dimmable luminaires deliver 3000K light with a black or light gray structure. The suspended version comes in 192-cm and 96-cm lengths, while the floor luminaire stands 194-cm tall.

METALIZED SHADE

Kingspan Light + Air

KlearSky metal framed glass skylights kingspan.com

Slamp Modula, Elisa Giovannoni slamp.com

Architectural Linear Series Brick – Charcoal

Architect: Matière Première Architecture + Nu Drom

Photography: Ian Balmorel

Authority in Air Control

With a wide variety of styles, sizes and finishes, Ruskin® louvers, sunshades and other architectural products provide a uniquely appealing solution to fresh air intake and exhaust. But they’re also incredibly well-engineered, with corrosion-resistant materials backed by an industry-leading 5-year limited warranty on products and performance-enhancing design features you won’t find anywhere else.

From louvers and dampers to air measuring systems, sunshades and ERVs, Ruskin continues to lead the industry with innovative air and architectural solutions backed by in-depth design and engineering support.

ARCHITECTURAL LINEAR SERIES BRICK

Make an impression with our unique architectural brick

Our calcium silicate brick products feature a natural, fine-grained appearance and can be finished in unique ways. Our long format Architectural Linear Series Brick features a distinct weathered finish, including rugged edges. Incredibly stylish, our ALSB comes in a selection of designer colors with custom options available. Follow us on social for project updates like this phenomenal private residence.

ruskin.com

2310ARP_ArriscraftCanada.indd 1

Fire Resistant. Design Consistent.

Fire-Rated Aluminum Window And Door Systems

Aluflam has a complete offering of true extruded aluminum fire-rated vision doors, windows and glazed wall systems, fire-rated for up to 120 minutes. Available in all architectural finishes, our products are almost indistinguishable from non-fire-rated doors and windows. You won’t have to compromise aesthetics to satisfy safety regulations.

BIOPHILIC CEILINGS

Create calming, comfortable interiors with the Petals collection, a biophilic design solution. Luxurious lightweight metal panels are shaped in organic curves that subtly evoke the contours of plant life for soothing commercial spaces. Angle them to create sculptural points of interest or organize them into repeating patterns. Petals are highly customizable and available in an array of standard colors and wood-look finishes.

Certainteed Petals certainteed.com

Aluflam North America

562-926-9520

aluflam-usa.com

MOISTURE-PROOF STONE VENEER

Unlike other mortarless stone veneer systems used in exterior applications, which allow water to flow behind the stone and out the bottom with a drainage plane, the new Belterra Collection, contains a flashing and fastening system which creates a shingling on the wall to keep water away from the building’s substrate. Available in five colors and 50 panel profile molds, each mold is cast to the finest tolerances to create a clean fit and finish, minimizing the appearance of seam lines and enhancing the real-stone look.

Silvermine Stone Belterra Collection

silverminestone.com

IN-GROUND LIGHTING

Terra Linear is a new in-ground linear series powered by Acclaim’s XTR technology. XTR tech allows for linear runs of up to 1,400-ft. from a single driver and can automatically adapt to any voltage from 100-277 volts AC. It features a low-profile design of just under 3-in. wide, is drive over and walkover rated, and features an anti-slip coating as standard. The direct-view version provides a clean, dot-free LED marker light for pathways and driveways.

Acclaim Lighting

Terra Linear acclaimlighting.com

Îlot Balmoral, Montreal

Like a brilliant geode with its red fracture, Îlot Balmoral fits right into Montreal’s Quartier des Spectacles. The design is equal parts serious and dramatic, striking the perfect balance for a building bordered by four bustling streets in the entertainment district. Built for the Montreal Housing and Development Corp., the 300,000-sq.-ft. office building was destined to be special from the outset. “They were looking for a flagship building,” says Guillaume Martel-Trudel, Partner and Architect at Provencher_Roy, the Montreal-based architectural firm responsible for the design.

The northwestern section of the building rises 13 stories tall, one story taller than its southwestern counterpart. This additional story houses much of the building’s mechanical equipment. The full-height atrium bridges the two towers at the roof elevation. The fracture that runs between these two volumes folds outward, appearing to be peeled away from the diagonal atrium.

Creative freedom to make your mark www.kingspanbenchmark.us

MAKE YOUR M RK

Designwall Series

Kingspan’s BENCHMARK Designwall architectural insulated panels are the premiere choice for tailor-made, one-of-a-kind façade designs. Make your mark with a variety of custom finishes and sizes in an extended color range for striking aesthetics and design flexibility combined with advanced thermal performance and energy efficiency.

For the creative freedom to make your mark, explore Kingspan BENCHMARK at kingspanbenchmark.us

Designwall 2000

GREEN ROOF

Tenants can experience the outdoors by exiting the highest level of the atrium and walking out over the garden roof on Îlot Balmoral’s southwestern elevation.

Design Inspiration

Green Roof

The 185-ft.-high rooftop garden is located on the southwestern elevation of Îlot Balmoral. Monolithic Membrane 6125 (MM6125) was used to waterproof 15,430 sq. ft. over which a 5,680-sq.-ft. garden roof assembly was installed.

Hydrotech’s Garden Roof Assembly consists of proven components from the deck up, including the following: waterproofing/roofing membrane, insulation, architectural pavers, green roof components, growing media, and even the vegetation for extensive applications.

American Hydrotech MM6125 hydrotechusa.com

Curtain Wall

Lessard’s MP5000 Unitized Curtain Wall system is made with extruded aluminum of 6063-T6 minimum alloy and 6061-T6, for unexposed structural components. The unitized curtain wall series is designed with a pressure equalization chamber to prevent water infiltration, with polyamide thermal break, and to accommodate differential movement to conserve aesthetic and functional integrity. This high-end system is ideal for a clean architectural look.

Lessard, MP5000 lessard.ws

Window Wall

The 95WW Series Window Wall by Lessard allows for installation from the inside of buildings with anchors embedded in the concrete that allow for deflection of the slabs. In addition, it allows for the replacement of glass from the inside in case of breakage. This unitized architectural product is made from extruded aluminum of 6063-T6/ T54 minimum alloy with polyamide thermal break and assembled by rolling and crimping with a shear test of minimum 400 kg.

Lessard, 95WW lessard.ws

Îlot Balmoral is essentially two buildings (12- and 13-stories tall) joined together by a predominantly red glass atrium that appears to slice diagonally through the otherwise rectangular structure. Its design is a credit to the creativity of Provencher_Roy’s Founder Claude Provencher and firm’s Partner Eugenio Carelli, both of whom have since passed away.

“It’s a beautiful story about how this fracture was imagined,” explains Gerardo Perez, Partner and Urban Planner with Provencher_Roy. “In a visit to the site, Eugenio noticed people were using it as a shortcut to get to the subway station. Their footsteps left a diagonal path in the snow. That’s what brought [about] the idea to break the site into two.”

Retaining the existing east-west pedestrian flow became the inspiration for what would become a very complex design, requiring extensive consultation with structural engineers. “And yet it started with very simple sculptural

Vertical Façade System

Thanks to Schüco AOC 60 ST (steel) façade system, technically and creatively impressive skylight constructions and largescale vertical façades in the 60-mm system width are possible on steel substructures. New system components enable simple and reliable execution, including load transfer and screw guidance, even when working with large panes and triple glazing. The add-on construction on steel combines energyefficient, aesthetically sophisticated construction with streamlined fabrication and installation.

Schüco USA, AOC 60 ST schuco-usa.com

Mullion/Transom Façade

Schüco FWS 60 façade system is an impressive basic system for façades and skylights. A transparent system solution integrated in the profile for spandrel safety barriers blends seamlessly and elegantly into the external appearance. The required safety barrier loading for floor-to-ceiling opening units and low spandrel heights can be implemented with consistent profile face widths and a continuous profile. The mullion/transom façade with 60- mm face widths offers a high degree of design freedom.

Schüco USA, FWS 60 schuco-usa.com

The building’s red fracture folds back away from its center as it reaches the lowest levels. Ultra clear glass differentiates the bottom of the building, giving it a transparency that lends lightness to the mass.

models from Eugenio and Claude,” recalls Martel-Trudel. “For those of us who were in the city and saw [Îlot Balmoral] being built, you could see the complexity of the structure, the concrete cantilever, and the angled columns. It looks simple now because it’s all flat and slick but it’s a very complex and intricate building.”

The team at Provencher_Roy relied on Building Information Modeling at a time when the technology was still relatively new. “It’s one of those projects for which you needed 3D management to really understand exactly the angle of the panels, the interior, the exterior, how to fit the windows, and then the curtain wall,” says Martel-Trudel. Not a single floor is the same on this project.

Façade

The façade of Îlot Balmoral combines clear, fritted, and red glass for a dynamic visual experience. While Provencher_Roy experimented with other colors, red was a natural choice. “The entertainment district’s signature is also the red color,” explains Martel-Trudel. The solid red glass is both beautiful

Glass with several different patterns of ceramic frit were used on the traditional parts of the exterior. It both reduces heat gain and provides the opportunity to project large-scale images onto the building during festivals.

and practical. “If we used metal or steel, the red color would change with the sun and with time,” says Perez. “We preferred to use the glass curtain wall with the red color inside. The glass protects the color.”

The first floor uses a clear glazed curtain wall that almost disappears, giving the mass of the building a lightweight, almost floating appearance. The remainder of the curtain wall facades are treated with fritted glass that reduces solar heat gain and yet, still provides tenants views to the outside. White ceramic frit in designs of 50% and 70% dots, form a repeating geometric pattern on the smooth walls of curtain wall. Not only does this treatment help with energy efficiency, but it also provides a surface on which large-scale images can be projected during festival events.

“If we used metal or steel, the red color would change with the sun and with time. We preferred to use the glass curtain wall with the red color inside. The glass protects the color.”

-Gerardo Perez, Partner, Provencher_Roy

A RED ‘FRACTURE’

Atrium Lobby

Inside the building’s fracture is a full-height atrium that joins the two volumes of the building. “This kind of crack brings all the light inside the building,” says Perez. The interior color palette mimics the outdoors, with the lobby being treated in grey, white, and red finishes for continuity. The public is encouraged to traverse the lobby from rue De Bleury onto the Place des Festivals.

“There is a lot of active movement in the building,” notes Martel-Trudel. Pedestrian bridges on every level easily move tenants from one side of the building to the other, crossing the atrium. Most of the businesses there are multi-level. “The tenants love it. It’s a very charismatic project,” notes Perez.

Îlot Balmoral’s red crack functions as a full-height atrium and lobby and joins the two towers together. It also allows natural light to penetrate deep into the heart of the building.

CONNECTIVE STAIRS

To accommodate the core tenant The National Film Board of Canada, six floors were redesigned and a white staircase in the lobby was added for access to their new headquarters.

Steel Doors

LMT Group, a leading Quebec manufacturer of steel doors and frames, manufactured and installed steel doors and frames for approximately 215 architectural openings at Îlot Balmoral. These included special tubular framed doors for enhanced strength, windowed steel doors, as well as fire-rated and sound-insulated doors and frames. The exterior steel doors and frames featured thermal break technology and discreet welded edges for a seamless finish.

LMT Group groupelmt.com

The atrium lobby employs gray ceramic floors, red and white finishes, as well as several pedestrian bridges that provide access between the two towers.

Sustainable Design

Building occupants can exit the atrium over the 12-story southwestern elevation onto a rooftop garden. This greenspace provides tenants access to nature in an urban environment and provides spectacular sightlines. “All around, we have higher buildings,” says Perez about how the rooftop garden even provides better views for individuals in neighboring tall buildings. Îlot Balmoral’s green roof is one of the highest in Montréal. Martel-Trudel admits it was a challenge due to wind uplift at this height: “Regulations in Montreal and Quebec are not as lenient as other cities in Canada and the U.S. It was quite a lot of work to make it happen.” The hard work was worth it. The rooftop green space is well maintained and heavily used, thanks to the breathtaking views.

Despite low tax rates on water in Montreal, the project prioritized water conservation, installing low-flow fixtures and a 60 cubic meter water retention system. “We were able to shrink water reduction 37%, so that’s two million liters of water that we’re not using a year,” says Martel-Trudel. Efficiency was also maximized with advanced energy management and recovery systems for mechanical and electrical equipment. “The energy efficiency is 43% better than ASHRAE 90.1,” he adds. Additionally, tenants can take advantage of electric car charging stations, bike racks, changing rooms, showers, and the fact that it is located less than a minute away from the subway station. Îlot Balmoral is a LEED-New Construction (Canada) Gold building.

ARCHITECTS

Gerardo Pérez, Partner, Provencher_Roy. He has training in architecture and urban planning and he has been working as a designer in both fields for 25 years, both in Mexico and Quebec.

Guillaume Martel-Trudel, joined Provencher_Roy in 2011 and was appointed partner in 2021. He is the firm’s expert in sustainability.

PROJECT SPECS

Project: Îlot Balmoral, Montreal, Canada

Photography: Stéphane Brügger

Schematics + Renderings: Provencher_Roy

Architect Head Shots: Frédérique Ménard-Aubin

Bakar Bioenginuity Hub, University of California Berkeley

Electrifying this historic structure turned modern, life-science incubator pushed the boundaries of available technology and imagination.

by Barbara Horwitz-Bennett, contributing writer

A classic example of modern, Brutalist architecture, the historic Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Science Center, later renamed Woo Hon Fai Hall, was designed by renowned architect Mario Ciampi in the late 1960s. The building is renowned for its unique form, which splays like a handheld fan cast in concrete. Located one block from the Loma Prieta fault line in northern California, the building was deemed unsafe and closed in 1997 until seismic upgrades could be performed.

Unsuccessful attempts were made at repurposing this highly unusual space until the decision was made to transform the space into an incubator for

life-science startups, biotech companies, University of California Berkeley students and faculty with laboratories, offices and meeting spaces. A 6,600 glass-fronted addition contrasts the stark concrete structure with its light, transparent façade.

While saving the treasured building was an accomplishment in and of itself, the university decided to take things a step further and electrify the Bakar Bioenginuity Hub. Granted, converting a large gas-powered MEP infrastructure to all electric was challenging enough, but working within the confines of such an unusual space exacerbated the challenge.

“We had to work with existing concrete triangular shafts for ductwork and other utilities, plus there isn’t a right angle wall on this project,” relates Marco Alves, p.e., leed ap, associate principal, pae Engineers, San Francisco.

“The plan of this building is a complicated jigsaw puzzle. Along with the angles of the building, we had to be creative and clever with our programing and layout,” adds Ken Lidicker, director, senior associate, MBH Architects, Almeda, Calif.

As the first campus building to go all electric as part of UC’s “Leading on Climate” program, the facility

ROOFLINE’S HISTORIC INTEGRITY

The thin concrete roof could not take additional loads and was part of the building’s historical character, so the team looked to locate the all-electric equipment elsewhere in the interior.

achieved a low EUI, zero-HVAC-water-use and LEED Gold certification, but it wasn’t easy.

Ultimately a combination of choosing the right products, structurally reinforcing the building and closely coordinating with the building team to locate and install the new infrastructure while preserving the historic structure was key to the award-winning project’s success.

Accolades include a California Preservation Foundation 2022 Preservation Design Award for Rehabilitation.

Preserving and Electrifying an Historic Structure

While a number of carefully selected systems enabled the building to achieve electrification, the Multistack ARA Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) is at the center of the transformation. Generating both hot water to heat the building and chilled water for air conditioning, the technology is similar to a traditional AC unit that moves heat from outside air to the water where it is pumped and circulated inside the building to provide space cooling, according to Alves.

“This piece of equipment however, also heats water to provide space heating. In addition, it provides simultaneous heating and cooling and ‘heat recovery’ by recovering waste heat from the building and reusing it,” he says.

Another important solution was PAE’s fully manifolded system design which solved the space

The building achieved a low EUI, zero-HVAC-water-use, and LEED Gold certification, but it was not easy.

restraint challenge, simplified maintenance and met N+1 requirements for the project lab areas.

“Typically, there would be multiple air-handling systems for this size of project,” notes Lidicker. Instead, a single system is comprised of a Huntair air handling unit (AHU) from Nortek, which brings ventilation air into the building and heats/cools the air as needed, and a Greenheck Vektor lab exhaust fan that exhausts air from both the labs and other areas of the building.

Since the AHU and fan are modular, it was easy for the engineers to add in an extra motor and fan to

ELECTRIFICATION SOLUTION

Operating in dedicated heat recovery, cooling or heating modes, the ARA Air Source Heat Pump from Multistack comes in 20-ton and 60-ton sizes. The system integrates with auxiliary air-cooled condenser and handles unneeded heat without a well field or heat sink. The highly effective COP (coefficient of performance) helps ensure low operating expense, quick payback and a small carbon footprint.

Multistack, ARA Air Source Hat Pump multistack.com

KEEP IT CLEAN

The Vektor-MD laboratory exhaust fan from Greenheck is outfitted with an inline mixed flow fan, available in a belt or direct drive configuration, with a bifurcated housing, keeping drive components out of the contaminated airstream. Together the windband and nozzle combination pull in ambient air to assist in the dilution of the contaminated exhaust.

Greenheck, Vektor-MD laboratory exhaust fan greenheck.com

The MEP infrastructure was overhauled, replacing existing gas-and-stream heating systems with all-electric systems.

Aerial photo courtesy of Cris Gebhardt

Bruce Damonte

provide redundancy. Ultimately, the manifold strategy of incorporating all supply and exhaust into one supply and exhaust ductwork network was essential to meeting code requirements.

The team also added a fifth module to the working four-module ASHP system to achieve redundancy in cost and space-efficient manner.

The architects, MEP engineers, structural engineers and historical preservation consultants worked closely together to protect the building’s structural integrity while integrating structural reinforcement, mechanical systems and ductwork.

Due to structural constraints, the team had to be creative about locating the equipment. To avoid the need for additional structural strengthening, a couple of strategies were employed.

Instead of locating the ASHP system on the roof, it was installed by the loading dock, the large AHU and generator were placed in the basement and the lab exhaust fan is on a partial roof. However, being

MODULAR AND INTEGRATED

Huntair custom air handlers from Nortek Air Solutions leverage FANWALL technology–a fully integrated system of fans, motors, coils, controls and accessories. Features include ultra-high efficiency PM motors, near zero system effect backdraft dampers, system optimization controls, variable frequency drives and active noise control. Specialized materials reduce design time, lower installation labor and material costs, accelerate timeline construction and provide customizable configurations.

that the original structure was built around the original mechanical systems, there was no way to transport the large equipment through the building. Consequently, Nortek had to manufacture the AHU in small pieces so that they could slide them down the elevator shaft and assemble everything in the basement. In addition, ductwork is tucked inside the building’s structural columns

The laboratories within the building are predicted to deliver an Energy Usage Intensity (EUI) of just 79 kBtu/sq.ft./year, which is 33% lower than the ASHRAE 90.1 baseline. Performance is 20% better than the California Energy Code and is anticipated to reduce carbon emissions by 50% after the year 2030.

The project is not operationally carbon neutral at the moment as the electricity it receives from the grid still has a carbon footprint associated with it. That said, the University is targeting carbon neutrality by 2030 and the state of California is aiming to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2045.

Serving as a wonderful lesson in electrification and historic preservation, the project has garnered lots of attention. “Ultimately, Bakar BioEnginuity Hub proves that imaginative uses can work in uncompromising structures as a design-forward encouragement for other universities in retrofitting important, older buildings for modern laboratory uses,” says Lidicker.

HVAC

Daikin’s multi-split air conditioner combines the benefits of variable refrigerant volume, variable refrigerant temperature and variable air volume to deliver energyefficient cooling. With individualized zone control, occupant comfort is enhanced. Dozens of indoor units can be connected to a single system.

Daikin, Multi-Split Air Conditioner daikin.com

IN CONTROL

The team uncovered and replaced the skylights in the tiered gallery levels and replaced a damaged skylight in the double height space of the main museum.

Nortek Air Solutions nortekair.com

POWER PLAY

Available in a wide range of sizes from 6 to 5,720 ekW, diesel generator sets from Caterpillar offer high efficiency, low fuel consumption and global emissions compliance. Specifiers can select from a broad range of accessories and bolt-on system expansion attachments. Seismic certification is also available for select models.

Caterpillar, Diesel Generator cat.com

HVAC controls from Automated Logic Controls feature OptiFlex technology with dual IP ports and support for 10/100/1000

Ethernet speeds, enabling fast communication and data transfer. Fully programmable controllers can be used for VAV zoning, fan coils, heat pumps, rooftop units, AHUs, chillers, boilers, cooling towers, exhaust fans and central plants.

Automated Logic Controls, HVAC controls automatedlogic.com

SKYLIGHTS

Meeting seismic codes, reducing electrical lighting consumption and introducing daylight into the concrete-heavy interiors are custom skylights from OldCastle BuildingEnvelope. Skylight units can also be prefabricated in a variety of pitches, lengths and widths, with varying framing depths.

OldCastle Building Envelope obe.com

LINEAR LIGHTING

Seem luminaires neatly line the edges of the concrete beams. Continuous LED runs come in a variety of mounting styles: recessed, suspended, surface mount and wall mount. Different shielding, color temperature and distribution options help designers blend high performance with visual comfort.

Focal Point, Seem luminaires focalpointlights.com

CIRCULAR LIGHTING

Delivering homogeneous illumination, these Ondaria round lights from Zumtobel are 45 in. in diameter. The LED offer an extra long service life of 50,000 hours.

Zumtobel, Ondaria zumtobel.us

CEILING CLOUDS

Ceiling Clouds S.T.O.P. from Acoustical Surfaces are well suited for sound reduction in large, open spaces. Available in custom shapes and sizes, the decorative fabric clouds are easy to install.

Acoustical Surfaces, Ceiling Clouds S.T.O.P. acousticalsurfaces.com

Bruce Damonte

The laboratories are predicted to deliver an Energy Usage Intensity (EUI) of just 79 kBtu/sq.ft./year, which is 33% lower than the ASHRAE 90.1 baseline.

Original

Ochsner Medical Center

Ochsner Health renovated a 9,000 square foot space that is part of The Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center and added a radiation oncology suite for patients to undergo brain surgery.

The renovation included the installation of a Gamma Knife, which uses radiation and computer-guided planning to treat brain tumors, vascular malformations and other abnormalities in the brain. A Gamma Knife weighs up to 21 tons. The radiation source for the instrument, Cobalt-60, has a half life of 5.27 years, and the hospital will need to replace 10 percent of it every year to maintain its productivity.

“We needed a customized hatch solution for the size of the opening. BILCO really fit the bill and was able to accommodate the varying sizes that we looked at. The size of the hatch grew in design as we completed the design phase.”

– Ryan Kersten, Project Manager for Woodward Design+Build

Project Snapshot

•A unique piece of medical equipment, a Gamma Knife, was installed at the Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. The device is used to help fight brain cancer and there are only approximately 300 in use around the world.

•The device was installed through a customized 12-foot x 9-foot roof hatch manufactured by BILCO.

BILCO Roof Hatches

•BILCO roof hatches are often installed in applications in which hospitals and other businesses need to access equipment from the roof for maintenance or removal.

•The hatches are weather-tight, which was of particular importance in this application. They are engineered with compression spring operators to provide smooth, easy one-hand operation regardless of size, and automatic hold open arms lock the covers in the open position.

Go Big!

Oversized Equipment Installation Made Easy

Type-D Roof Hatches provide a convenient way to install or remove large pieces of equipment from a building. The hatches are engineered with compression spring operators for effortless one-hand operation regardless of size and an automatic hold-open arm locks the covers in the open position to ensure safe egress. Constructed with corrosion-resistant materials, the Type-D Roof Hatch ensures years of dependable service and is available in various sizes and curb configurations to satisfy any requirement or installation.

Crafting an Effervescent, Dynamic Metal Facade

A highly customized, rotating brise soleil metal louvered facade achieves high-performance targets and a spectacular aesthetic at Thirty75 Tech in Santa Clara, Calif.

For the design of a signature, high-end office building,Thirty75 Tech, in Santa Clara, Calif., MDY Properties wanted floor-to-ceiling glass. However, in order to meet strict Title 24 energy requirements, a highly effective shading system was essential.

To achieve this, Verse Design conceived of a highly innovative louvered aluminum system wrapping the south-, west-, and southwest-facing façades of Thirty75 Tech—a 2023 International Architecture & Design Award Gold winner. Not only do the precisely modeled, vertical louvers keep heat from penetrating the Viracon glass, significantly curtailing cooling costs, but the façade changes as the angle of the sun shifts throughout the day.

“With louvers, in addition to being a form of brise soleil that help reduce heat gain, there is an amazing visual quality that makes it very dynamic. They capture daylight differently as the sun moves and the shape, shadow transparency and translucency changes,” said Verse Design Principal Paul Tang in a recent Arcat podcast.

The architects’ vision for the project was a 3-dimensional interpretation of the “digital rain” concept from Matrix films.

To reach the required performance parameters and desired effect, the team used the parametric modeling program Grasshopper to test different louver shapes and sizes. The architects paired more than 14 different iterations with Title 24 calculations and the goal of maximizing the façade glazing while achieving a 70% shading target.

The louver length, width and rotation were tested and tuned in relation to both the shading target and in evaluating the façade’s environmental impact on the office space, a landscaped entry plaza and the street.

Ultimately, an airfoil elliptical shape emerged as the best solution. In addition, the modeling helped the architects determine that the highest level of shading could be achieved by offsetting the louvers by 5 degrees and then rotating them every 15 degrees, in six different angles up to 90 degrees. The louvers are designed in depths of 3, 6, and 9 in.

Thirty75 Tech Santa Clara, Calif. Design Team: Verse Design

PRODUCTS: Viracon viracon.com

Architectural Glass & Aluminum agaglass.net

Architectural Grilles & Sunshades agsshade.com

Exterior Panels & Cladding

CALIFORNIA SHADING

The building orientation was defined with almost half the building envelope facing south and west solar exposures.

Photos courtesy of Tim Griffith Photography

MODELING

Verse Design performed extensive modeling to arrive at the desired louver sizes and angles to achieve the 70% curtainwall shading target and the desired aesthetic.

Grasshopper grasshopper3d.com

The architects’ vision for the project was a 3-dimensional interpretation of the “digital rain” concept from Matrix films.

A custom champagne color was selected to maximize the dynamic, effervescent quality of the changing light which project hues of gold and silver, depending upon the time of day.

The design team also had to narrow down the highly customized louvers to 24 panels to make the façade constructable. “Even that was a hard sell,” noted Tang.

Through the process of fabrication and installation, Verse Design worked very closely with the curtain wall and louver system manufacturers Architectural Glass & Aluminum and Architectural Grilles & Sunshades, fabricator, and contractor as quite a number of modifications had to be made along the way to make the brise soleil system installable.

A key aspect of accomplishing this was building and referencing mock-ups, which the architects made sure to write into their specification.

In addition to delivering an eye-catching façade design worthy of Class A office building, Verse Design also managed to add 33,000 leasable sq. ft. to the original 200,000 sq. ft. program on the twoacre site. This yielded $200,000 more in monthly rent than initially projected.

Originally designed to house multiple tenants, Amazon decided to lease the entire building with its parking structure, EV charging, café, gym, basketball courts, and putting green.

Solving for the Urban Heat Island Effect

A first-of-its-kind initiative attempts to bring some much needed cool to a community in southern California.

In the Pacoima neighborhood, just north of downtown Los Angeles, the community does not benefit from the ocean’s cooling effect. Consequently, it’s always a little hotter here. This makes Pacoima the perfect location for a first-ofits-kind initiative aimed at developing insights into addressing urban heat with new cooling strategies.

GAF—in partnership with Climate Resolve, the Global Cool Cities Alliance, Pacoima Beautiful, and municipal government leaders—tested out the effects of cool coating on approximately 700,000 sq. ft. of asphalt within a 10 square-block area and measured the difference in surface and ambient heat over time.

“There’s been a lot of work to really understand and mitigate urban heat, but no one has taken a complete community approach to doing it. This

project, and the research associated with it, is going to help us understand if we can truly reduce the ambient heat that’s in this community,” says Jeff Terry, vice president, CSR & sustainability, GAF.

Last summer, GAF and a group of volunteers painted select roads, parking lots, playgrounds, basketball courts and a school yard with StreetBond’s DuraShield with Invisible Shade technology. The two-component, waterborne, epoxy-modified, acrylic coating reflects infrared wavelengths and provides the pavement with the opportunity to cool down overnight.

In addition to a cooling effect, the benefits of which appear to build over time, the playgrounds and sports courts have been transformed from black, heatgenerating surfaces to cooler surfaces in a myriad of

REFLECTIVE COATING

Over a 10 square-block area in Pacoima, Calif., surfaces were painted in StreetBond’s DuraShield solar reflective coating as part of GAF’s Cool Community Project.

Pacoima

Pacoima, Calif.

Design Team: Name

PRODUCT SPECS:

StreetBond’s DuraShield with Invisible Shade technology streetbond.com

GAF gaf.com PROJECT

Photos courtesy of GAF

Coatings

Mitigating Urban Heat, A Community Approach

Encouraging others to collectively reduce urban heat build-up in their communities, GAF and Streetbond have created a Project Playbook, Coming Together to Solve for Urban Heat, based upon their successful pilot project in Pacoima.

The 10-step playbook plan is as follows:

Formulate plan. Identify the optimal area to be covered with a cool pavement coating and create a shareable map indicating the proposed surface.

Create partnerships. Identify stakeholders, including department of transportation, department of public works, politicians, community organizations and a coating applicator.

COATINGS

StreetBond’s DuraShield is an epoxy-modified acrylic coating which reflects infrared wavelengths, providing the pavement with the opportunity to cool down over night.

TESTING

To fully measure the effects of the coating surfaces, monthly measurements are taken for temperature, barometric pressure, dew point, air speed and direction, long- and shortwave radiation, albedo and more.

colors including yellow, white, light blue and peach. Every month, Altostratus—an environmental research and services firm that developed the State of California’s Urban Heat Island Index—is responsible for collecting measurements for temperature, barometric pressure, dew point, air speed and direction, long- and short-wave radiation, albedo and more. A five-square-block control area nearby is measured for comparison.

Initial results indicated a drop in pavement surface temperatures of 8-14 degrees. As reported by Sustainable Brands, preliminary data analysis showed a 25% to 50% reduction of the urban heat island effect during peak temperatures and 13% to 21% improvements across all day and night hours. Average ambient air temperature was 1.5°F cooling

during sunny days and on very hot days, surface temperatures were between 3.5°F with 10°F cooler. Pacoima residents are reporting a decrease in their air conditioning use, increased tire and shoe longevity and feeling more comfortable about letting their kids play outside on hot days.

“What we wanted to do was learn and demonstrate what’s possible. Hopefully, this will be a model that can demonstrate what’s possible for other municipalities across the country,” Terry told Sustainable Brands.

This summer a number of residential homes in the community received new roofs with GAF solar reflective coatings. The company is currently working on a comprehensive phase one, peer-reviewed report of their Cool Community Project.

Identify goals and objectives. The community is an essential partner in the process. It’s important to solicit their ideas and include them in discussions.

Secure funding. Identify costs and funding sources.

Compose a timeline and organize logistics. Determine and obtain necessary permits, order materials and develop a timeline for coating implementation.

Share the timeline. Review with the community at least twice before coating application begins so residents understand when areas will be inaccessible.

Gather data. Record pre-coating surface attributes at the project site.

Install the coatings. As community participation is paramount, it is ideal to engage community members in the installation process.

Follow up readings. Plan multiple dates to record post-coating surface attributes to measure the impact of the coating in various seasons and times of day.

Celebrate! Hold a community event to celebrate completion of the project.

With the right combination of passion, people and technology, GAF Cool Community Project seeks to prove that significant reduction of the urban heat effect is, in fact, possible.

A Renovated Jewel on the Vegas Strip

Decorative column covers dazzle at the Sahara Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.

Just in time for Sahara Las Vegas Hotel & Casino’s 70th anniversary, the Las Vegas strip’s oldest hotel put the finishing touches on a large-scale renovation. Delivering the pizazz and excitement the owner was looking to create, Innovativo Design and Doug Walton Architects custom designed 23 Móz Designs round and square decorative column covers for the casino and lobby, and 18 columns for the porte-cochere.

For such a high-traffic hospitality setting, durable, long-lasting materials were essential, but so was aesthetics. Móz Design’s columns are made from metal, enabling the product to withstand the wear and tear of high occupancies and disinfectants in resort settings.

“Metal column solutions are elevated alternatives to traditional columns, creating dynamic visuals that echo the surrounding environment’s architecture and stand out as prominent design features.” Says Linda Gutierrez, director of sales and marketing, Móz Designs, Oakland, Calif.

The experience begins as guests pull up to the enclosed entrance where 24-ft.-tall round columns feature a new wood-like Skinz finish with backlit, color-changing LED diagonal reveals. “The columns capture the warm, organic feel of wood, complementing the luxurious champagne materiality throughout the resort while

highlighting the consistent theme of blending old and new,” explains Gutierrez.

The wood finish was a great way to incorporate the material’s natural calming tones without the installation and maintenance hassle of real wood, particularly in the Las Vegas’ desert environment.

Completing the porte-cochere, four Engravings square columns are finished in light champagne with video displays and four Engravings Current 34-ft. round columns in light champagne flank a water feature. The water-like Current pattern pairs well with this architectural feature.

For durability and foundational stability, an extra clear coat was added to the columns to protect against water damage from the fountain and sun discoloring from the hot desert weather.

Moving to the interior, the casino and hotel lobby are decorated with round and square columns in Current and Engravings patterns with a reflective champagne finish. The lobby also incorporates square columns with in a Classic Khaki with a coarse grain finish. “Light bounces off the columns’ surface as guests pass by, capturing the sparkle and allure of the city while creating luxe cohesion throughout the resort,” relates Gutierrez.

CUSTOM COLUMNS

High-traffic pedestrian pathways in the hotel feature five custom square column covers in Móz Classic Khaki with a Coarse grain measuring 30 in. in diameter and 16-ft. tall.

Engravings

Sahara Las Vegas

Hotel & Casino

Design Team: Innovativo

Design; Doug Walton

Architects

PRODUCT SPECS:

Móz Classic Khaki, Coarse grain Engravings Square

Móz Designs mozdesigns.com

SQUARE COLUMNS

Square columns with video displays in Current style and a light champagne finish.

Photos courtesy of Abstract Photography, Inc.

DECARBONIZATION 101

Exploring the opportunities to achieve operational decarbonization and reduce embodied carbon with design

By: Jeanie Fitzgerald Pitts

COURSE DESCRIPTION

An introduction into the concept of building decarbonization and ways architects are already making a difference with design.

1.0 AIA LU/HSW CREDITS (PENDING APPROVAL)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After reading this article, you should be able to:

1 Explain the difference between operational decarbonization and embodied carbon.

2 Summarize the design path to achieving operational decarbonization and the most effective architectural strategies for designing energy efficient buildings.

3 Discuss how some leading architectural firms are innovating and participating in this shift toward decarbonization.

4 Identify several product categories where architects now have low embodied carbon options.

TO RECEIVE AIA CREDIT:

• Go to: www.arch-products.com/ceu Login to finish reading and enroll to take the quiz.

Decarbonizing the built environment might be the hottest topic on the planet. Buildings account for nearly 40% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions—a major player in the current climate crisis. Nearly one-third of that is from burning fossil fuels on site. Architects are uniquely situated to make a real and material difference with design.

From helping to achieve an operational building decarbonization to reducing the embodied carbon that exists in the products and materials on a project, design teams can embrace decarbonization in many ways. This course explores the path to decarbonization and the products, solutions, and strategies currently available to support architects’ efforts to kick carbon use to the curb.

THE PATH TO OPERATIONAL BUILDING DECARBONIZATION

The path to operational building decarbonization is marked by a few distinct steps. First, architects must ensure that buildings are designed to operate efficiently and minimize any energy waste that may be occurring. With the building sited and built for maximum energy efficiency, the next step is to ensure that all the equipment inside the building is using electricity and not burning fossil fuels onsite. This type of building is referred to as all electric. Next, the way the electricity used by the building is produced must be addressed. Currently coal and natural gas are used to generate the majority of the electricity powering the grids, but carbon-free sources like hydro, wind, and solar power are gaining momentum. Over 170 cities and eight U.S. states—California, Nevada, Washington, New Mexico, Virginia, New York, Maine,

Architects can make a real and material difference in decarbonizing the built environment by electrifying new and retrofit projects.

and Hawaii—have committed to having a 100% carbon-free electric grid by 2050 or sooner. Buildings can also be designed to generate the electricity they need onsite from carbon-free and renewable sources.

EFFICIENT BUILDINGS

Architects can improve the operational efficiency of the buildings they design by creating building envelopes with exceptional thermal performance, specifying efficient lighting, applying effective daylighting and shading strategies, and considering thermal mass and building orientation.

ELECTRIFICATION

ELECTRIFICATION IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

Electrification removes the use of fossil gas from daily building operations. When equipment in the building only uses electricity, the building is no longer bringing

gas or other fossil fuels into the structure to burn onsite and create emissions. Designing new projects and retrofitting existing buildings to use all-electric equipment is critical to ultimately decarbonizing the building stock in the U.S.

RMI’s latest report, The Economics of Electrifying Buildings: Medium-Size Commercial Retrofits, published in 2022, explains, “One of the key changes necessary to address climate change is for all buildings to decarbonize their operations (i.e., stop burning fossil fuels on site). According to RMI, direct fossil combustion—primarily from onsite fossil gas use for space and water heating—in commercial buildings alone accounts for 5 percent of total energy-related CO 2 emissions in the country.

Examples of fossil fuel-using equipment commonly found in a commercial building include a gas boiler or furnace, which provides the space heating, a gas boiler that provides the domestic hot water, and gas is often used for cooking. Luckily, there are efficient electric-driven alternatives that exist for each of these building needs.

All-electric variable refrigerant flow (VRF) technology is touted as the fastest-growing segment of the commercial HVAC industry. Heat pumps that extract heat from the air and use it for space heating and domestic hot water actually provide heat to a building more efficiently and produce no onsite emissions.

In the interest of scaling viable decarbonization solutions for the commercial sector, this report from RMI analyzes electrification conditions for a type of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system that is ubiquitous in commercial buildings: the rooftop unit (RTU). Authors Anish Tilak and Mohammad Hassan Fathollahzadeh write, “Currently, heating in conventional RTUs is provided by combusting methane gas, commonly referred to by the fossil fuel industry as natural gas. Commercial electrification using 1:1 swap-outs of natural gas-fired RTUs for heat-pump RTUs is poised to electrify a vast pool of existing buildings that already have these systems, with limited upfront cost and technical complexity.”

RMI analyzed different retrofit scenarios that could be used to electrify existing fossil-gas-fired commercial space heating and domestic hot water systems in four cities across the U.S.—Washington, D.C., Chicago, Seattle, and Las Vegas—selected based on their varying climate conditions and the differences in their gas and electric utility rates.

Some of their findings include:

• I n cities with cold winters, such as Washington, D.C., and Chicago, combining heat-pump RTU retrofits with ventilation efficiency equipment, such as energy recovery ventilation (ERV), and peak heating demand management controls can provide significant annual energy savings. These measures will lower monthly utility costs and enhance power grid resiliency, especially at times when the grid is strained.

• I n Seattle, with mild year-round temperatures and modest solar potential, simple 1:1 swap-outs of gasfired RTUs with fully electric heat-pump RTUs make the most cost-effective scenario.

• I n Las Vegas, the mild winter climate and low gas use, combined with high solar output, means that

electrification should be grouped with rooftop PV for a broader decarbonization package to be cost-effective.

The team concluded that, “Mid-sized office building electrification retrofits can be cost-effective when paired with the right complementary measures in each city we studied.”

As more design teams attempt to electrify new and retrofit buildings, best practices and compelling stories will emerge about lessons learned. One project that had several unique challenges was the recent electrification of the Bakar Bioenginuity Lab.

CASE STUDY

ELECTRIFICATION OF BAKAR BIOENGINUITY LAB

When the historic Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Science Center, designed by Mario Ciampi, at the University of California Berkeley, was deemed seismically unsafe and closed in 1997, the University struggled to repurpose this highly unusual space. Recently, with help from the design team at MBH Architects, the building has been transformed into the Bakar Bioenginuity Hub— an incubator for life-science startups, biotech companies, University of California Berkeley students and faculty with laboratories, offices, and meeting spaces.

While saving the treasured building was an incredible accomplishment, the University decided to take things a step further and electrify the Bakar Bioenginuity Hub. Architectural Products’ writer Barbara Horwitz-Bennett, reached out to members of the design team to get the story on how the large, gas-powered MEP infrastructure was successfully converted to all electric.

“We had to work with existing concrete triangular shafts for ductwork and other utilities, plus there isn’t a right angle wall on this project,” relates Marco Alves, P.E., LEED AP, associate principal, PAE Engineers, San Francisco.

“The plan of this building is a complicated jigsaw puzzle. Along with the angles of the building, we had to be creative and clever with our programing and layout,” adds Ken Lidicker, director, senior associate, MBH Architects, Almeda, Calif.

The Bakar BioEnginuity Hub was the first building

“Ultimately, Bakar BioEnginuity Hub proves that imaginative uses can work in uncompromising structures as a design-forward encouragement for other universities in retrofitting important, older buildings for modern laboratory uses,” says

on campus to go all-electric as part of UC’s “Leading on Climate” program. The building achieved a low EUI, zero-HVAC-water-use, and LEED Gold certification, but it wasn’t easy.

Ultimately a combination of choosing the right products, structurally reinforcing the building, and closely coordinating with the building team to locate and install the new infrastructure while preserving the historic structure was key to the award-winning project’s success.

While a number of carefully selected systems enabled the building to achieve electrification, the Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) is at the center of the transformation. Generating both hot water to heat the building and chilled water for air conditioning, the technology is similar to a traditional AC unit that moves heat from outside air to the water where it is pumped and circulated inside the building to provide space cooling, according to Alves.

“This piece of equipment however, also heats water to provide space heating. In addition, it provides simultaneous heating and cooling and ‘heat recovery’ by recovering waste heat from the building and reusing it,” he says.

Another important solution was PAE’s fully manifolded system design which solved the space restraint challenge, simplified maintenance, and met N+1 requirements for the project’s lab areas.

“Typically, there would be multiple air-handling systems for this size of project,” notes Lidicker.

Ken Lidicker, director, senior associate, MBH Architects.

©

Courtesy of Bruce Damonte Photography

Electrification, Climate Action, Sustainable Design, and More

As a real go-getter and “devout know-it-all” with strong interest in sustainable design, Julie Janiski, cphc, lfa, leed ap bd+c, has quickly moved up the ranks at Buro Happold. Now as a firm principal, she directs an integrated team of designers, consultants and experts on projects involving zero-carbon, electrification, sustainability master planning and policy consulting.

outcomes of this work, from individual buildings and its visitors to new policies and whole market shifts, and I am addicted to working with incredible people on the projects that represent the positive impact we can have on our world,” says Janiski.

To best support Buro Happold’s wide range of clients, Janiski enjoys helping to curate customized teams of experts in climate action planning, ESG, building performance, climate resilience, social value, circular economy, and advanced analysis for each project. The firm then employs an integrated design approach, combining both design thinking and system thinking where specific solutions are evaluated based on resilience and efficiency, while at the same time applying a holistic, bigger picture lens to the final design recommendations.

technology and cost, focusing on key strategies including high-performance envelopes, heat recovery, system resiliency and heat pumps.

“It is our hope that this variety of building types and locations, as well as the ‘checklist’ at the end of the study, could become a useful reference within our industry for other engineers and building owners,” says Janiski.

On a macro scale, the firm’s group of designers and subject management experts help large cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Boston develop climate action plans and greenhouse gas reduction strategies that drive policy and development.

Janiski’s team also works with corporations and institutions on sustainability and decarbonization planning—from C-Suite strategy to implementation roadmaps, actual implementation/construction, operations optimization, and tracking and reporting. And at the building scale, they lead and assist building teams with evaluating sustainable options.

“I’ve had the great pleasure of seeing the positive

Electric Feasibility

One noteworthy area where Buro Happold has really dug in is electrification, conducting an in-depth feasibility study for all-electric buildings across climate zones and sectors. “The strategy of connecting efficient, all-electric buildings to an electric grid fed by 100% renewables supports big goals needed to decarbonize the built environment, and it was obvious that we needed to dig into the question of how,” she says.

As part of the study, the firm created a feasibility checklist based on GHG emissions, grid resiliency,

As more jurisdictions limit the use of fossil fuels, she believes it has become business-critical to evaluate all-electric solutions to support a building’s lifecycle.

Continuing to build its electrification knowledge, the team is compiling additional questions to research on existing buildings, district infrastructure and more building types and locations.

Putting some of these recommendations into action, Buro Happold designed One Boston Wharf Road, a 630,000 sq. ft. office tower for Amazon, currently under construction.

Julie Janiski, cphc, lfa, leed ap bd+c, an integrated design principal + sustainability practice leader, Buro Happold.

“There’s always something new to learn, which I love because I want to know everything.”

—Julie Janiski, Buro Happold

Image courtesy: Henning Larsen

Julie Janiski leads Buro Happold’s integrated sustainability team projects large and small from master planning large metros to individual buildings.

—Barbara Horwitz-Bennett, contributing writer

OFFICE TOWER

One Boston Wharf Road will be a zero operational carbon building and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 90% below code requirements.

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