Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/734400
OCTOBER 2016 | 29 PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY INLAND GLASS & ALUMINUM LTD. Curtain Wall & Window Wall "Vivacé boasts superior insulation with the industry leading all foam, no-metal Super Spacer and high quality gaskets configured in a dual compression weather seal system control moisture and air infiltration," adds Ward. Vivacé pushes the limits on high-performance functionality, magnificent design, and ultimate beauty required by architects. "All Vivacé windows are tested to NAFS/CSA and Energy Star standards. Bottom line, our windows meet and exceed today's energy and structural requirements," says Ward. Jim Lebedovich from Phoenix Glass is excited that the future of the sector will continue to see a focus on energy requirements, but says that designing systems to keep up with the demand to produce progressive higher thermally performing envelopes is always challenging. However, with glass coatings, triple glazed systems and larger framing systems to accommodate increased thermal breaks and glazing area, the company is on track to meet these growing demands. "We are currently converting all our conventional curtain wall systems to incor- porate larger polyamide thermal breaks to accept both double and triple glazed assemblies," explains Lebedovich. Glastech Glazing Contractors Ltd. has become well known for its dedication to the creation and installation of thermally efficient glazing systems. Glastech spe- cializes in commercial, institutional, custom tilt-up warehouses, high-end residen- tial glazing, and updating and re-glazing of aging building window systems. "As part of the sustainability effort, Glastech is currently working with existing building owners on new systems for building upgrades of antiquated and heritage buildings. Bringing these buildings into the current performance standards with- out completely dismantling or throwing out existing facades and displacing ten- ants," says Warren Elmer, operations manager at Glastech. Using a unique edge spacer design the team was able to achieve the desired ther- mal performance. A unique clip rail system also allowed for fast and easy installa- tion into the existing frame. Alongside a focus on innovation in curtain wall, the company is also helping to bring architects' visions to life. Some of its stand-out projects include installing a custom sun shade, vertical and horizontal design, with double and triple glazed units for the UBC Student Union Building and a patented system designed for the renovation of the top 17 floors on One Wall Centre in Vancouver, B.C. The company is involved in a heritage building upgrade currently underway for the Spencer Building in downtown Vancouver. "Every project meets LEED gold or better for environmental and recycle content sustainability," explains Elmer. No matter how complex a project, B.C.-based Inland Glass & Aluminum Ltd. has been a leading innovator in the curtain wall business specializing in unitized cur- tain wall installation. Inland Glass & Aluminum Ltd.'s unitized frames and materials can be seen on a number of large-scale projects across Canada. Most recently, the company worked on the LEED Gold, Class AA Kelly Ramsey Tower in Edmonton, Alberta – a 25-storey skyscraper that features a massive light grey glass curtain wall stretching up to the 13th floor. This is unique to the city. "No spandrel has been used – only an interior shade covers the spaces between floors – ensuring near nine-foot floor-to-ceiling views of downtown Edmonton and the river valley to the south, and with a distinct focus on sustainability," says Gary Lawrence. The company was also involved in the Centre for Arts and Culture (CAC) at MacEwan University's City Centre Campus. The five-storey building, designed by world-renowned architect Bing Thom, features a curtain wall design inspired by piano keys. The CFAC curtain wall hints at the bright minds, ideas and projects per- colating just beyond it, waiting to be shared with audiences. Centre for Arts and Culture, MacEwan University, Edmonton, AB.