Project Name: Plaquemines Parish Detention Center in Davant, La.
Architect: L.R. Kimball
General Contractor: The Lemoine Company
Glazier: Glass, Inc.
Products used: SuperSecure II-XLS with Level III Ballistic/Grade 2 Attack in SAFTIfire Ballistic Framing
Plaquemines Parish Detention Center was one of the major structures devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Due to extensive damage, inmates were transferred to neighboring facilities and Congress allocated funds through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the design and construction of a new jail. After years of delays, construction of the new 207,000-square-foot facility that could house up to 871 inmates and employ 125 correctional officers broke ground in 2011, and is on track to be finished this year.
During the design phase, the designers at L. R. Kimball in Ebensburg, PA reached out to SAFTI FIRST for fire and security rated glazing options. They wanted the glazing system to provide clear, wire-free lines of sight for supervisors to observe the inmates while still providing secure separation, physical containment and protection against forced entry and ballistic attack. Since the glazing system was located in various egress paths and control rooms, it would have to be fire rated as well. Lastly, the architects also wanted a tested and listed system from a single-source manufacturer.
Taking all of the fire and security requirements into account, SAFTI FIRST supplied SuperSecure II-XLS with Level III Ballistic/Grade 2 Attack in SAFTIfire Ballistic Framing for the corridors and SuperSecure II-XLS with Level III Ballistic/Grade 2 Attack and one-way reflective glass in SAFTIfire Ballistic Framing for the control rooms. Since these systems were located on the ground level, SAFTI FIRST supplied the SAFTIfire Ballistic Framing already welded to simplify the installation process and reduce labor hours.
SuperSecure II-XLS with Level III Ballistic/Grade 2 Attack and one-way reflective glass in SAFTIfire Ballistic Framing for the control rooms.
When this project went out to bid, alternative fire rated glass suppliers proposed a design where the ballistic glass would come from a different manufacturer and then glazed alongside the fire rated glass in the field. This was rejected by the architect because they wanted a tested and listed system from one manufacturer.
“During the design phase, it was obvious that the designers wanted a wireless, bullet/attack resistant and fire rated glass system. The SuperSecure II-XLS product met all of their performance and aesthetic requirements,” says Tim Nass, VP of National Sales at SAFTI FIRST. “The appeal was a product that had been tested and listed specifically for these types of applications. The designers took comfort in knowing they didn’t have a system ‘cobbled’ together with different components, but rather a system designed to do the job as required.”
Glazing two separate pieces of glass in the field also increases the material cost, as well as installation and maintenance costs as condensation may occur between the two separate pieces of glass. In addition, the alternative framing system proposed by other suppliers had exposed stops and screws, which could potentially be tampered with. The SAFTIfire Ballistic Framing system incorporates aluminum caps that cover all the screws, eliminating the potential of tampering with the frames.
At the end of the day, SAFTI FIRST was able to meet the aesthetic and performance requirements of this project by collaborating with the architect in the design phase and delivering a solution that enhances the design of this modern, secure and specialized facility while ensuring the safety of the guards, staff and inmates.
Click on the following links for more information on SuperSecure II-XLS and SAFTIfire Ballistic Framing.
Related Stories
BIM and Information Technology | Aug 6, 2015
After refueling its capital tank, WeWork acquires BIM consultant Case
The merger is expected to help standardize how WeWork designs and builds out office space.
Giants 400 | Aug 6, 2015
BIM GIANTS: Robotic reality capture, gaming systems, virtual reality—AEC Giants continue tech frenzy
Given their size, AEC Giants possess the resources and scale to research and test the bevy of software and hardware solutions on the market. Some have created internal innovation labs and fabrication shops to tinker with emerging technologies and create custom software tools. Others have formed R&D teams to test tech tools on the job site.
Giants 400 | Aug 6, 2015
GIANTS 300 REPORT: Top 115 Healthcare Architecture Firms
HDR, Stantec, and Perkins+Will top Building Design+Construction's 2015 ranking of the largest healthcare architecture and architecture/engineering firms in the U.S.
Giants 400 | Aug 6, 2015
HEALTHCARE AEC GIANTS: Hospital and medical office construction facing a slow but steady recovery
Construction of hospitals and medical offices is expected to shake off its lethargy in 2015 and recover modestly over the next several years, according to BD+C's 2015 Giants 300 report.
Codes and Standards | Aug 6, 2015
ConsensusDocs releases new CM agency contract standard agreement
For use when owner acts as the construction manager, hires a construction manager, or uses multiple prime contractors
Giants 400 | Aug 5, 2015
GIANTS 300 REPORT: Top 135 Office Sector Architecture Firms
Gensler, HOK, and Perkins+Will top BD+C's ranking of the nation's largest office sector architecture and architecture/engineering firms.
Giants 400 | Aug 5, 2015
OFFICE SECTOR GIANTS: Today’s workplace design must appeal to Millennials’ ‘activity-based’ lifestyle
Office market AEC Giants discuss the latest trends workplace design, and the state of the office construction sector.
Giants 400 | Aug 5, 2015
GIANTS 300 REPORT: Top 37 Engineering/Architecture Firms
Jacobs, AECOM, and Thornton Tomasetti head Building Design+Construction's 2015 ranking of the largest engineering/architecture firms in the United States.
Giants 400 | Aug 5, 2015
ENGINEERING GIANTS: Profits, revenue on the rise at U.S. engineering firms as economy sputters back to life
The vast majority of engineering firms are decidedly bullish on revenue growth for 2015, and profitability is nearing a six-year high, according to BD+C's 2015 Giants 300 report.
Giants 400 | Aug 4, 2015
GIANTS 300 REPORT: Top 64 Architecture/Engineering Firms
Stantec, HOK, and Callison RTKL top Building Design+Construction's 2015 ranking of the largest architecture/engineering firms in the United States.