Shedding (Extremely Clear) Light on the Birds of the Wetlands Habitat | Vitro Architectural Glass

Shedding (Extremely Clear) Light on the Birds of the Wetlands Habitat
Photo source
Vitro Architectural Glass

Date: 1 September 2022

The Wetlands exhibit at Pittsburgh’s National Aviary is home to diverse species, from familiar favorites to lesser-known birds.

Since 1952 the National Aviary, in Allegheny Commons Park on Pittsburgh’s North Side, has been home to formidable flocks of our fine feathered friends. Visitors can commune with about 500 birds of more than 150 species — from the African Penguin to the Bald Eagle.

In 1969, the Aviary built the Wetlands, an expansive habitat surrounded by walls of paneled glass. The habitat has a warm, tropical feeling, with lush plants and a pond that spans the length of the room. It is home to diverse species, from familiar favorites like American Flamingos and Brown Pelicans, to lesser-known birds like Boat-billed Herons and Sunbitterns.

It is also home to a number of species that are vulnerable to extinction, and its naturalistic features support the natural courting and nesting behaviors of species like the Endangered Scaly-sided Merganser.

Over time, the glass enclosing the Wetlands exhibit became weathered and Aviary staff determined the room needed an update both aesthetically and mechanically. So, in June, together with Vitro Architectural Glass (formerly PPG Glass), the Aviary began renovations to its largest and second oldest habitat.

The habitat is undergoing a transformation, which is expected to be completed by year’s end, that includes new bird-friendly glass, energy efficient air circulation and water filtration systems, many new plants, a new walkway, and the addition of a beautiful sculptural coastal tree that provides perching for birds and interactive elements for visitors.

The habitat redesign includes the replacement of more than 20,000-square-feet of glass. The original glass will be replaced with Starphire Ultra-Clear® glass by Vitro Architectural Glass. Introduced in 1990 and manufactured in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Starphire Ultra-Clear® glass is the clearest, most transparent commercial float glass available with visible light transmittance (VLT) of 91 percent in a standard ¼-inch (6 millimeter) thick lite.

A portion of the donated Starphire® glass will be AviProtek® glass created in conjunction with Walker Glass. The AviProtek® glass will feature two bird-friendly patterns—one fully etched to create a frosted look and the other etched with a naturalistic grassy pattern—to prevent window strikes by birds.

Ricardo Maiz, president, Vitro Architectural Glass, said sponsorship of the National Aviary project highlights Vitro Glass’s commitment to their core values of community involvement and environmental protection.

“Vitro is proud of its longstanding relationship with the National Aviary, having, in the recent past, donated glass to the renovation of the Tropical Rainforest habitat and The Garden Room,” said Maiz. “The Aviary is one of Pittsburgh’s jewels and Vitro is honored to contribute the glass that will allow the Wetlands habitat to shine for years to come.”

Maiz added that the revamped Wetlands will not only enhance the National Aviary’s status as a world-class attraction, but also further its mission to inspire respect for nature through an appreciation of birds.

“It’s fitting that the transformation of the historic Wetlands, one of the National Aviary’s oldest and best loved habitats, comes as we celebrate a major milestone: our 70th anniversary,” says Cheryl Tracy, Executive Director of the National Aviary. “Our continuing partnership with Vitro will help us continue to meet the needs of the birds that call the Wetlands home while providing a comfortable and beautiful environment in which visitors can immerse themselves in the experience of watching these birds express their natural behaviors.”

To learn more about Starphire Ultra-Clear® glass, visit www.vitroglazings.com or call (855) VTRO-GLS (887-6457). For more information on AviProtek® glass, visit walkerglass.com.

Learn more & request samples of our bird-friendly glass offerings.

Vitro Architectural Glass

600450 Shedding (Extremely Clear) Light on the Birds of the Wetlands Habitat | Vitro Architectural Glass glassonweb.com

Others also read

Vitro Architectural Glass is pleased to announce that Mark Seeton, Vice President of Sales, has been appointed to the National Glass Association (NGA) Board of Directors.
British Glass has shared an update on the industry’s route to net zero, publishing the latest progress since the 2021 strategy release.
Vitro Architectural Glass, renowned as the largest glass manufacturer in North America, is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Pryor as Commercial Account Manager of the Texas region.
IGE Glass Technologies, Inc. announces the formal signing of a long-term exclusive distribution contract with PRC Laser Europe for the North American market.
HPDs verified for uncoated float, vacuum coated and UltraMirror® glass
Vitro Architectural Glass is pleased to announce that its energy-efficient, low-embodied carbon glass is featured in eight award-winning projects recognized by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Add new comment

From industry

Via Del Lavoro Snc
64023 Mosciano Sant’Angelo TE
Italy

İçmeler Mah. D-100 Karayolu Cad. No:44A,
34947 Tuzla,/İstanbul
Turkey

Via dell'Industria 5
30010 Campagna Lupia VE
Italy

NEWS RELATED PRODUCTS

Rider Glass Company Limited
Diamon-Fusion International, Inc.
Vitro Architectural Glass
Qingdao REXI Industries Co., Ltd
Guardian Glass North America