Announcing: New Thermaframe 9 PH Projects That Will Warm Your Heart!
September 2, 2024
GlasCurtain is thrilled to announce that our next-generation Thermaframe 9 PH system – the world’s best thermally-performing curtain wall, and 1st in the world certified to PHI Cold Climate criteria (0.6 W/m2K – R9) – is currently being installed on 3(!) innovative projects now under construction across North America. Let’s take a closer look!
Boston Medical Center (BMC) Yawkey Center Lobby
The BMC Yawkey Center Lobby project marks a very exciting milestone for GlasCurtain: our 1st project under construction in the United States! This facility expansion will bring new light and openness to an existing concrete building, giving it a new lease on life while also meeting the stringent new Massachusetts Stretch Code. Effectively shadowing Passive House for Cool-Temperate climate zones, the new Mass Stretch Code represented a significant design constraint on this project, especially given the high window-to-wall ratios specified by the client. GlasCurtain’s next-generation systems allowed design architects Tsoi Kobus Design (TKD) and building envelope consultants RDH to meet the client’s budgetary, aesthetic, and envelope performance requirements.
Scheduled for completion in 2025, this project extends GlasCurtain’s considerable experience in cold-climate architecture – and its growing experience in the healthcare sector – to this new project and the unique demands of high interior relative humidity (RH) environments in the Boston area.
Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Visitor Centre
Located in Nipigon, Ontario, this Passive House Plus building will soon serve as the primary base for administrative and operational functions for the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, and also include a Visitor Experience Centre and dedicated spaces for Resource Conservation Research.
Designed by NORR, the centre highlights a commitment to sustainable building practices, and upon completion will set a new benchmark for low-carbon construction and optimized energy impact. Offer engaging visitor experiences showcasing the region’s natural and cultural heritage, this centre is sure to enrich the community and foster a deeper connection to the natural world. Completion is expected in 2025.
York Region Snow Management Facility
The York Region Snow Management Facility Offices is a state-of-the-art project designed to meet Passive House (PHI) Cold Climate criteria, the first of its kind in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Set to serve local residents and businesses from 2025, this innovative facility will meet current and future needs by sustainably enhancing urban infrastructure and community capacity.
Designed by Arcadis (IBI Group), this building will leverage our Thermaframe 9 PH system to ensure sustainability and durability for generations to come.
Why Architects Specify Thermaframe 9 PH
The construction industry is currently undergoing an exciting transformation, with sustainability and energy efficiency taking center stage like never before. Advanced building envelope systems are helping drive this evolution in emphasis, setting new benchmarks for performance and environmental responsibility.
Thermaframe 9 PH is the highest thermally-performing system in GlasCurtain’s lineup, delivering an impressive overall R-value of 9 (0.67 W/m²·K | 0.12 Btu/ft²·F per NFRC, 0.60 W/m²·K | 0.11 Btu/ft²·F per EN 673). This exceptional thermal performance significantly reduces energy consumption and enhances indoor comfort, especially in cold climates.
What sets Thermaframe 9 PH apart in the industry is its combination of top-tier thermal efficiency and superior sustainability in a low-carbon design. While all GlasCurtain systems use fibreglass framing, Thermaframe 9 PH goes further with an advanced design that significantly reduces its carbon footprint compared to aluminum alternatives. This makes it an excellent choice for architects focused on reducing environmental impact. Additionally, its durability and resistance to thermal expansion lead to lower maintenance costs and a longer lifespan for buildings.
Thermaframe 9 PH is also aligned with broader sustainability goals, including Net-Zero, Zero-Carbon, Passive House, and LEED certifications. With our innovative fibreglass-framed systems, architects and builders can confidently meet the highest environmental standards, boosting energy efficiency, reducing carbon footprints, and supporting sustainable building practices.
- Exceptional Thermal Performance: The highest-performing system in GlasCurtain’s lineup, up to R9 overall (frame and glass), significantly reducing energy consumption and enhancing comfort in colder climates.
- Sustainable Design: Utilizing our next-generation fibreglass framing to significantly reduce carbon emissions, making it a top choice for sustainable building initiatives.
- Durability and Longevity: Resistant to thermal expansion, ensuring lower maintenance costs and a longer lifespan, while supporting sustainability targets and certifications.
Looking Ahead!
Thermaframe 9 PH stands out as a prime example of how advanced technology and thoughtful design can come together to meet a wide variety of design goals. By choosing this next-generation curtain wall system, architects and consultants can deliver projects that meet the world’s most stringent performance criteria, driving operational savings and durability, while also promoting long-term environmental sustainability.
These three new GlasCurtain projects from across North America exemplify the growing trend towards better building practices. As the construction industry continues to evolve, we remain committed to fibreglass-framed innovation, providing the systems needed to build a more sustainable future together.
Stay tuned for more updates as these innovative projects continue, and join us as we lead the way with next-generation building envelope solutions. The future is fibreglass. The future is GlasCurtain!
