Adrian Lowenstein, P.E., MBA’s Post

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Managing Director @ Skyline Windows + Schüco | All Things Facades Podcast

Ease of glass replacement - every system has a somewhat unique design, but the core principles remain the same - have you considered access & maintenance? In the detail below, the inner glass assembly can be replaced from the interior - the glazing bead (green) can be replaced from the interior. The outer unit must be accessed from the exterior - the entire assembly can be easily removed via a clip system. With that, it’s important to consider building and maintenance unit access. Every project and building has different constraints - worth addressing early on.

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Is it possible that the detail shown is to allow for large interstory live deflections, and cover the external large resultant frame with the over lapping, structurally bonded spandrel glazing? I’d imagine this detail is born from a value engineered decision to use window section rather than curtain walling (either stick or unitised). In any case the architect/principle designer will be working from the clients brief. They should be making this decision with all considerations and ramifications awith full coordination of the client - I.e whoever has paid for this has most likely deemed occasional replacement costs to be less than the initial outlay according to their budget and building portfolio plan. It’s more common that a reasonable glazing replacement strategy is foresaken for architectural intent for large/heavy glazing that bends the sensibilities of CDM, rather than detailing of retaining bead orientations. How many times do we get asked to lift glass up stairwells as the largest floor to ceiling glass will not fit in the elevators? Good thought provoking post though.

Ryan Kohl

Director - Enclosure Design & Consulting

6mo

The number of times I see architects want to cover up the primary sealant joint, let alone the entire snap cover...

Patricio Astudillo Muro Cortina

Ventanas Aluminio-RPT-PVC, Aluminio Compuesto Panel - Laminam - HPL

6mo

Mal detalle, por qué se empeñan en generar tantas transiciones, los DVH no están opacidicados en la zona visión, DVH corto en el alto, en caso de sismo o bajada de la viga el DVH saldra.

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Andres Eduardo Hurtado

Project Manager | Civil Engineer | Technical Advisor | Facade Consultant |

6mo

Having designs that allow glass replacement from the inside is a cost-saving for the building's end customers, but achieving designs that meet additional thermal, airtightness, and structural strength requirements at a competitive price is a major challenge for designers, as the cost of glass replacement from the outside is very high today, especially when the building is already in use. great post Adrian Lowenstein, P.E., MBA

Ahmed Taha

Aluminum Solutions Project Manager -Façade Engineering & Aluminum Glazing - VALAR EMBA Candidate

6mo

We had a problem in such system … the glass got broken and the inner finish is blockwork .. you can’t access the panel from innside .. it took so long to solve the problem 🤦🏻

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Richard Jocson

Facade Designer / Steel Detailer / Civil Engineer

6mo

Why not making stepped glass the spandrel glass

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Ed Coosaia, Jr.

Technical Design Director

6mo

Why not align the glass?

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Eduardo Arce

V.A / 2D and 3D Draftsman

6mo

your design and work ar amazing...

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