Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1035602
OCTOBER 2018 | 21 PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY PHOENIX GLASS Curtain Wall & Window Wall Noram Glass has also seen an increase in market demand for glass that pushes the limits in creating increasingly unique facades and features in architecture, particularly oversized glass exceeding current North American standards, an increase in complex frit patterns including digital printing, and curved glass. "More and more oversized installations and curved glass installations have resulted in some exciting and challeng- ing projects for Noram to undertake," says Jess Redlarski. To meet this demand, Noram has devel- oped an oversized power-operated window/ vent system that allows a maximum opening size of 1.8 by 3.3 metres. The system has fully concealed hardware compatible with building automation for cooling and venting purposes. "Noram's new and improved window wall system is targeted for high- rise/residential projects," explains Redlarski. Noram understandably prides itself on its contributions to delivering state- of-the-art glass, whether it is oversized, ceramic frit printed, or curved glass to projects across Ontario – adding a new perspective to the architecture of neighbouring cities and the way in which glass is featured. Some of the notable projects that Noram has recently worked on include the 65-storey Massey Tower in Toronto that features a complex frit pattern, the Springdale library in Brampton with its digitally printed frit, oversized, and curved glass, and the Vaughan Civic Centre Resource Library with its complex frit pattern. As with most industries, the curtain wall and window wall industry faces its own challenges and these include, as mentioned previously, a shortage of skilled tradespeople and uncertain shifts in the market as a result of the U.S. trade tariffs, however Redlarski stresses that one challenge the glass industry will face long-term lies in the innovations of technology in which glass can drive future architectural projects towards a net zero energy future. "Every year, industry leaders and innovators will need to continue to find ways to progress towards higher energy efficiency," says Redlarski. 1245 Harwood, Vancouver, B.C. Harwood, Vancouver BC