The Alfred Newton Richards Bio-Medical Research Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania is a National Historic Landmark designed by famed 20th Century architect Louis Kahn. Kahn’s building Serves as a strikingly modern focal point amongst the collegiate vernacular architecture of the University’s main pedestrian thoroughfare. The glazing system that was replaced comprised of clear polished plate glass, tinted and textured cast glass clerestories, and clear insulated glazing units. The windows are organized by program area to provide large daylight openings at primary laboratories, research offices, and public circulation spaces.

Our investigation demonstrated that the existing high-quality formed stainless steel frames required minor restoration in order to accept higher performance replacement glass. The project centered on the challenge of replacing 7,000 sq.ft. of glass to provide a system that uses the best current technology to provide increased system performance while simultaneously maintaining the design integrity set half a century ago. The original polished plate glass was replaced by more robust clear laminated float glass with a neutral low-e coating providing increased thermal performance.

Similarly, the insulated glazing units were replaced with current high-performance spacer technology and a neutral low-e coating. At the clerestory locations, new laminates of clear and textured/tinted substrates reduce glare while closely matching the existing cast glass. The replacement and restoration strategy provided a measurable increase in building energy performance and a more durable system to preserve the legacy of Kahn, Richards Laboratory, and the University.

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