Designed by Snohetta, Temple University’s Charles Library is defined by its varied textures achieved across the opaque building elevations. Six inch wide, vertically-oriented split-face Mesabi black granite cladding with sawn reveals cut at varied widths create the unique facade texture. Anchoring a new social and academic hub on campus, the design was inspired by the academies of Greek antiquity.

The main enclosure system consists of granite rainscreen cladding supported on thermally-broken aluminum sub-framing designed to accommodate the desired vertical running bond stone coursing, yet minimize thermal bridging due to attachments to structure. Stick built glazing was inset within deep, exterior granite perimeter reveals. Two monumental glazing systems at the arched main entrances of the building are achieved with steel reinforced aluminum mullions of up to 40 foot length. At one entry, aluminum cladding panels were fabricated and installed into double-curved shapes supported on aluminum framing with variable attachments to accommodate the varying curved geometry.

Heintges provided building envelope consulting services during all phases of design and construction.