Photos: SAFTI FIRST
Project: Ridgewood High School
Location: Norridge, Ill.
Architect: DLA Architects
Glazier: Lake Shore Glass
Products: SuperLite II-XL 60 and SuperLite II-XL 60 Satin Etch in GPX Framing
Ridgewood High School in Norridge, Ill., is a school that boasts fantastic facilities within a modest footprint. A short 10-minute drive from Chicago O’Hare airport, Ridgewood High is a good example of how urban schools must utilize space economically to create the largest possible and most effective learning, performance and sporting environments.
For a recent renovation of a stairwell and its connecting exit corridors, Ridgewood looked to DLA Architects for help with their daylighting and fire protection needs.
In order to meet the code requirements and maximize the daylight penetrating into the building, the architects decided to use fire rated glass in the one-hour exit corridor. Because the glazing exceeds 25% of the wall area, fire resistive glass and framing assemblies rated equal to the wall had to be used.
The design team specified SuperLite II-XL 60 in GPX Framing to create transparent wall systems that feature superior optical clarity from the glass and clean, storefront-like appearance from the framing, while providing safe egress to occupants and visual access for fire fighters in the event of a fire. As Ridgewood lies under the approach path into O’Hare airport, the high STC ratings provided by SuperLite II-XL 60 proved to be an added benefit.
Ridgewood High School had other design requirements that SAFTI FIRST was able to meet. Part of the renovation included a private office for security personnel, and Ridgewood wanted increased privacy for this location while maintaining the natural daylighting aspects and maximum fire protection featured throughout the school.
To meet these requirements, SAFTI FIRST supplied SuperLite II-XL 60 with a Satin Etch. SuperLite II-XL can be easily customized to include various decorative make-ups as well as added protection against forced entry, bullets, blast and hurricane, and UV. As seen in the accompanying project photo, the security office at Ridgewood also features a segmented application of the GPX Framing.
Typical of school renovations, this phase of Ridgewood’s renovation had to be completed while students were on vacation. SAFTI FIRST “was very assistive in the design, schedule and shipping to keep this tight summer project on schedule,” says Greg Crider of Lake Shore Glass, the company hired to install the fire rated system.
The finish used on the GPX Framing cohesively ties together other black accents in the flooring, skirting, and other areas that create a thematic look throughout the interiors of various buildings at Ridgewood High School. The final result is a renovation that improves the safety and security of all building occupants, providing enhanced privacy where required while also maximizing overall daylight.
Related Stories
| May 21, 2013
RSMeans cost comparisons: pools, racquetball courts, bowling alleys, hockey/soccer facilities
Construction market analysts from RSMeans offer construction costs per square foot for four building types across 25 metro markets.
| May 21, 2013
7 tile trends for 2013: Touch-sensitive glazes, metallic tones among top styles
Tile of Spain consultant and ceramic tile expert Ryan Fasan presented his "What's Trending in Tile" roundup at the Coverings 2013 show in Atlanta earlier this month. Here's an overview of Fasan's emerging tile trends for 2013.
| May 20, 2013
4 emerging trends in parking structure design
Survey of parking professionals reveals how technology is transforming the parking industry.
| May 20, 2013
Jones Lang LaSalle: All U.S. real estate sectors to post gains in 2013—even retail
With healthier job growth numbers and construction volumes at near-historic lows, real estate experts at Jones Lang LaSalle see a rosy year for U.S. commercial construction.
| May 17, 2013
First look: HKS' multipurpose stadium for Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority (MSFA), the Minnesota Vikings and HKS Sports & Entertainment Group have unveiled the design of the State’s new multi? purpose stadium in Minneapolis, a major milestone in getting the $975 million stadium built on time and on budget.
| May 17, 2013
40 Under 40 winners: Meet the architects
Of the up-and-coming AEC professionals to be named 40 Under 40 winners by the editors of Building Design+Construction, 18 make their living in the architecture profession.
| May 17, 2013
5 things AEC pros need to know about low-e glass
Low-emissivity glasses are critical to making today’s buildings brighter, more energy-efficient, and more sustainable. Here are five tips to help AEC professionals understand the differences among low-e glasses and their impact on building performance.
| May 17, 2013
University labs double as K-12 learning environments
Increasingly, college and university research buildings are doing double duty as homes for K-12 STEM programs. Here’s how to create facilities that captivate budding scientists while keeping faculty happy.
| May 17, 2013
LEED v4 has provision to reduce water use in cooling towers
The next version of the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED rating system will expand water-savings targets to appliances, cooling towers, commercial kitchen equipment, and other areas.
