Reconstituted stone, brick and an expansive glazed curtain wall present a striking and welcoming exterior for the new 120,000 sq. ft. FirstHealth Cancer Center in Pinehurst, N.C., USA.
The architect CPL selected Vitro Architectural Glass’ Vistacool® Azuria® glasses and Vistacool® Pacifica® glasses, each with a third-surface Solarban® 60 low-e coating to lend a beautiful aqua-blue and rich-blue aesthetic to the glass façade to deliver controlled daylight and reduced energy use.
The glazed and spandrel curtain wall comprises the majority of the façade with strategically placed reconstituted stone creating accents, visual depth and interest. To the right of the main entrance, red brick clads the curtain wall.
The architect describes the shifting form as mirroring the continuous progress of cancer care, capturing perpetual motion and advancement with a rich blue façade that is bright, welcoming and subtly reflective.
Vistacool® Azuria® glass combined with Solarban® 60 glass shields 74 percent of the of the solar heat gain while allowing 42 percent visible light. Vistacool® Pacifica® glass paired with Solarban® 60 glass shields 78 percent of the of the solar heat gain while allowing 26 percent visible light.
Facing the Northwest, indirect sunlight enters the space most of the day while direct daylight comes in during the late afternoon and early evening. In addition to the glass tint, automatic window shades control glare when required.
A ground-level healing garden and rooftop garden offer beautiful outdoor environments. Interior glass walls in the infusion bays support privacy while enabling access to natural light and views of the garden. A fourth-floor wellness hub houses floor-to-ceiling glass rooms with fitness equipment and spaces for art therapy, music, yoga and meditation.
Project credits
- Architect: CPL
- Glazier: Jacobs Glass Company, Inc
- Fabricator: Press Glass
- General Contractor: Brasfield & Gorrie
- Photographer: Jim Cunningham