WSU’s Schweitzer Engineer Hall Showcases Solarban® 72 Acuity® Glass

Creating a new gateway to the campus and merging with the existing architecture, ZGF Architects curated an aesthetic blend of high-performance curtain wall, spandrels, metal panels and red brick for the new Schweitzer Engineer Hall at Washington State University (WSU) in Pullman, Washington.

“The use of low-iron glass ensures exceptional optical clarity,” related Fiona Booth, associate principal, ZGF Architects, New York. “The dark grey metal panels and spandrel glass quietly recede and visually connect to the interior exposed structural steel. Glimpses of the cross-laminated timber composite deck can be seen through the large curtain wall expanses and glazed punched openings.”

Looking for the right glass to blend with the brick and optimize visibility, the architects considered a variety of products.

“We thoroughly evaluated the current landscape of glass options and landed on Solarban^® 72 Acuity^® glass because it hit the sweet spot of improved optical clarity and cost,” she reported.

The team also liked how the Solarban^® 72 Acuity^® glass offered clear views both outwards and inwards, eliminating the green tint often associated with clear glass, thereby lending a beautiful aesthetic. In addition to providing Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) of 67%, the glass helps keep the interior cool and comfortable by delivering a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.28.

The glazing was specified for both the curtain wall and punched windows. The 4-sided structurally glazed curtain wall wraps two of the three-story, 65,000 square-foot building’s entry points and aligns with the building’s collaboration and circulation zones. The punched windows alternate with the spandrels that front the building’s learning and workspaces. Framed by the brick, the façade lends an industrial aesthetic.

“Optical clarity was important to show off the energy of students inside the building with large window expanses aligned to the most active areas on the interior – the celebrated entry lobbies,” stated Booth.

Housing the University’s engineering program, the building is comprised of advanced lab space, multipurpose classrooms, maker spaces, studios, event venues, display zones and club areas.

Though not required by the local codes, WSU was evaluating bird safe glass on new buildings at the time Schweitzer Engineer Hall was being designed. With the facility’s lot located on a prominent open corner, the team anticipated the building would fall within the birds’ flight path, particularly during migration seasons. Consequently, the decision was made to apply bird safe glass for all the project’s glazing. The building became the test case for developing a potential bird-safe glass standard on campus.

After referencing American Bird Conservancy guidelines, ZGF specified BirdSmart^® Bird Safe Glass by Vitro featuring laser etching on the first surface in a 2-in.by 2-in. pattern.

Another unique aspect of the project was the fact that it sits on a hill. Through a progressive design-build process, the team determined that in lieu of expensive excavation, the project’s largest classroom could be tiered to follow the hill’s natural slope. Mirroring the slope in the interior is the “Hill Climb” central staircase connecting the floors. In addition, a mechanical room was positioned at a higher elevation to align with the terrain.

The structure itself is a 144-foot by 144-foot square with a clear 20-foot structural bay. As required, the window/wall percentages and thermal performance had to meet the energy code. To help dial in those sizes, the designers utilized Rhino and Revit with Enscape for building massing and design evaluation.

“We also paid close attention to the windowsill height of spandrel glass, creating a raised sill condition to support occupant comfort when sitting near the curtain wall,” added Booth.

As a whole, the design blends with the campus and celebrates engineering on display with an exposed structure and systems and tectonic detailing.

“We wanted to be a good neighbor by fitting into the existing campus context, but also by creating a new and exciting gateway for both the college of engineering and the entire university,” concluded Booth.

For more information about Solarban^® 72 Acuity^® glass and BirdSmart^® glass, and to view Vitro Architectural Glass’ full portfolio of glass solutions, visit vitroglazings.com or call 1-855-VTRO-GLS (887-6457).

Project Credits:

• Architects: ZGF Architects, The Miller Hull Partnership, LLP
• Glass Fabricator: Vitrum Industries Ltd.
• Glazing Contractor: Sargent Construction
• General Contractor: Lease Crutcher Lewis
• Photography: Chris Dailey