66 Galen Street in Watertown, Massachusetts, USA, is a testament to modern architectural ingenuity and collaborative excellence. Designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects, featuring glass manufactured by Guardian Glass, fabricated by Press Glass and installed by Sunrise Erectors, the Class A lab and research life science building spans 224,000 square feet. 231 complex, custom 13/16”, low-iron, and SGP laminated glass fins spanning over 13 feet tall are a spectacular feature added to this job, and they presented a new fabrication challenge for Press Glass.
Fabrication of these 231 long, narrow glass fins was a stimulating task. These fins, crucial for the building’s aesthetic and functional design, required precise tempering expertise to avoid issues such as bowing or curving post-heat treatment. Brooke Earles, Senior Estimator/Project Manager at Press Glass, noted, “Everyone was especially mindful of the fins because quality is top priority, and ensuring there is no bow in 231 very skinny units would be a task.”
To ensure the quality of the unique fins, Press Glass implemented additional quality checking procedures at the end of the tempering furnace. Moreover, a full-sized visual mock-up was provided to Sunrise Erectors for review before finalising the order.
Another challenge arose late in design when the glass coating selected was discontinued. This could cause potential issues in the future should there be a need for replacement glass. Making a new selection was a “pivotal point” in the project’s journey according to Leah Perez Hemling, project manager at Guardian Glass.
The installation process was smooth, with Matthew O’Brien, Project Manager at Sunrise Erectors, highlighting, “The job was a huge success, we ordered just over 1,400 units and needed very few replacement units. The need was not due to fabrication but incidences in transport or on the job site.”
This project not only reflects the capabilities and expertise of Press Glass but also highlights the importance of strong partnerships and effective communication among industry partners like architect Elkus Manfredi, glass manufacturer Guardian Glass and contract glazier Sunrise Erectors in achieving outstanding results together in the glass fabrication industry.