Commercial Architecture February 2018 - 47

PROJECT

windows & doors
CLIENT:
JOB#:

TRIM:
LIVE:
BLEED: .n/a
COLOR:
PUB: CA
CONTACT:

com
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The visitor center is tucked underneath the nearby Gardiner Expressway. Mid-point wind clips make it possible to
achieve continuous vertical spans as high as 20 ft. and eliminate the need for horizontal stack joints.

clad structure. The channel glass becomes a part of the architectural "ramp" that ascends
from the common grounds to the upper level, creating a viewing platform to the fort.
According to McNeil, "The selection of the glass was to give a sense of sculptural quality
to the part of the building that emerges into the main plain of the site."
Bendheim's frame design removes the need for vertical metal supports, allowing walls
of uninterrupted channel glass, including glass-to-glass corners in a variety of angles. Tempered safety channels, pocket-set into the frame system, create the backlit façade. Highwind-load specifications required strategically positioned mid-point wind clips to achieve
continuous vertical spans as high as 20 ft. and eliminate the need for horizontal stack
joints. The sloped terrace of the visitor center consists of two parallel single-glazed channel-glass systems, allowing one side of the glass wall to terminate at the terrace, while
seamlessly bypassing it on the opposite side. Lighting fixtures, attached to the back of the
glass system, illuminate the facade at night, producing a soft glow.
The glass also contributes to sustainability. It is made with more than 60% recycled
material, including an estimated 40% post-consumer content. The material is manufac-

BREATHE EASIER IN MORE
WAYS THAN ONE.

tured using 100% renewable electricity and an oxygen-and-natural-gas-fired furnace that
produces significantly less carbon dioxide than conventional architectural glass.

With a Siplast roof, you worry less because you
know it will last. And here's another way we bring peace

VISITOR EXPERIENCES

At Fort York, alliances were established, battles were fought, and cultures became united.
The new visitor center serves as the fort's new front door, welcoming and orienting visitors.
The center contains artifacts that illustrate the history of the city, as well as educational

of mind - Eco-Activ® roof membranes with Noxite®
depolluting granules. They turn harmful nitrogen oxide

and research facilities. Through the linear flow of the space and chronological organi-

molecules into harmless ones. In fact, 20,000 sq. ft.

zation of the exhibits, the building offers an immersive "time tunnel" experience that

of this innovative roof can offset the pollution of more than

portrays the dramatic events of the War of 1812. Once through the tunnel, guests find
themselves facing the fort, leaving the visitor center through two expansive, translucent

50 light passenger cars. Isn't that a breath of fresh air?

channel-glass walls. CA

Want more information? To download the information listed below,
visit commercialarchitecturemagazine.com/1802bendheim.

Circle 3 on the Reader Service Card.

SIPLAST.COM

Download design guidelines for historic districts from the
Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.
Visit the Fort York website.

SIPL-17-002 CA_Breathe_4_5x11_375_01mg.indd 1

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1/17/18473:28 PM

http://www.SIPLAST.COM http://www.commercialarchitecturemagazine.com/1802bendheim https://www.cdsreportnow.com/bgs/search?CBP0217201802

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Commercial Architecture February 2018