Ancient philosophers theorized four elements comprised the universe: earth, air, water and fire. The latter two of these figure prominently in the design of the Niles North High School Aquatics Center in Skokie, Il., a suburb of Chicago.
On behalf of its client, the Niles Township High School District 219, Legat Architects (Chicago) designed an “expansion and renovation of the aquatics center to improve competitive and educational swimming programs, promote community participation and enhance safety.”
Designed to meet LEED for Schools Gold environmental criteria, a key aspect of the project was a 24,600-sf addition to the school’s existing pool complex. The addition’s defining visual features include a dramatically curving roof with clerestory over the new pool, and a glazed curtain wall rising up to match the roof’s curve. The light-filled space creates the ambiance of an outdoor pool for student athletes and spectators.
While the water element is clear in the swimming pools, the fire element factors in with the use of fire-rated glazing systems from Technical Glass Products (TGP).
“We needed to provide a two-hour fire-rated separation between the existing building and the new addition, but we wanted the facility to read as a single aquatics center,” explained Michael Maloney, LEED AP BD+C, design director for Legat Architects. “A visual connection between pools was crucial for the concept, as well as for safety and security. The Fireframes® Curtainwall Series frames and Pilkington Pyrostop® glass from TGP allowed us to meet the fire requirements, while maintaining the visual connection between the existing and new parts of the building.”
TGP’s Fireframes® Curtainwall Series frames
Fireframes Curtainwall Series frames are available with fire-ratings up to 120 minutes, and feature narrow profiles to reduce sightlines. The UL classified and labeled steel frames enable large, multi-story expanses of glass in interior and exterior applications. Also available with up to 120 minute fire ratings, Pilkington Pyrostop glazing is impact safety rated and blocks the transfer of radiant heat.
For more information on the Fireframes Curtainwall System and Pilkington Pyrostop, along with TGP’s other fire-rated glass and framing, visit www.fireglass.com.
Technical Glass Products
800.426.0279
800.451.9857 – fax
sales@fireglass.com
www.fireglass.com
Related Stories
| Jan 28, 2014
White Paper: How metal buildings deliver long-term value to schools
A new white paper from Star Building Systems outlines the benefits of metal buildings for public and private school building projects.
| Jan 28, 2014
16 awe-inspiring interior designs from around the world [slideshow]
The International Interior Design Association released the winners of its 4th Annual Global Excellence Awards. Here's a recap of the winning projects.
| Jan 15, 2014
Report: 32 U.S. buildings have been verified as net-zero energy performers
The New Buildings Institute's 2014 Getting to Zero Status report includes an interactive map detailing the net-zero energy buildings that have been verified by NBI.
| Jan 13, 2014
Custom exterior fabricator A. Zahner unveils free façade design software for architects
The web-based tool uses the company's factory floor like "a massive rapid prototype machine,” allowing designers to manipulate designs on the fly based on cost and other factors, according to CEO/President Bill Zahner.
| Jan 13, 2014
AEC professionals weigh in on school security
An exclusive survey reveals that Building Teams are doing their part to make the nation’s schools safer in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook tragedy.
| Jan 11, 2014
Getting to net-zero energy with brick masonry construction [AIA course]
When targeting net-zero energy performance, AEC professionals are advised to tackle energy demand first. This AIA course covers brick masonry's role in reducing energy consumption in buildings.
| Jan 10, 2014
What the states should do to prevent more school shootings
To tell the truth, I didn’t want to write about the terrible events of December 14, 2012, when 20 children and six adults were gunned down at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. I figured other media would provide ample coverage, and anything we did would look cheap or inappropriate. But two things turned me around.
| Jan 10, 2014
Special Report: K-12 school security in the wake of Sandy Hook
BD+C's exclusive five-part report on K-12 school security offers proven design advice, technology recommendations, and thoughtful commentary on how Building Teams can help school districts prevent, or at least mitigate, a Sandy Hook on their turf.
| Jan 9, 2014
How security in schools applies to other building types
Many of the principles and concepts described in our Special Report on K-12 security also apply to other building types and markets.
| Jan 9, 2014
16 recommendations on security technology to take to your K-12 clients
From facial recognition cameras to IP-based door hardware, here are key technology-related considerations you should discuss with your school district clients.