2021 AIA Continuing Education Credit Webinar “Specifying Windows and Doors Using Performance Standards”
National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems is pleased to offer another online learning opportunity for the design and construction community. Architects and specifying professionals can use performance standards for characteristics such as energy efficiency, strength, sound attenuation, and light transmission to specify windows and doors for any project. This webinar will provide attendees with an understanding of standards and codes and how to apply them. Objectives of the webinar: Understand the evolution of window and door standards and code references Learn how to use the standard to specify product type, performance level, and key performance attributes Analyze special requirements for different window and door types Learn to use the short form specification A certificate of continuing education credit will be issued to attendees completing the webinar. The next Crystal Windows webinars are scheduled for May 26, 2021, and June 30, 2021, at 1:45 PM EST. To register for the webinar, contact Crystal Marketing Department, Amanda Li, AmandaL@crystalwindows.com Or call 800-471-9988 x 3250
Crystal AC85 Acoustic Window Receives Industry Recognition
-Sound Attenuating Window Named 2020 US Glass Readers’ Choice- QUEENS, NY, January 8, 2021 –National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems and its impressive product line continue to receive fenestration industry recognition. Leading national trade publication US Glass Magazine named the Crystal Acoustic Window AC85 Aluminum Window the winner in the façade/glazing systems category of its annual “Readers’ Choice Awards,” featured in the December 2020 issue. This is the second year in a row and the third time in the past five years that a new Crystal product was picked as a favorite. “The Crystal Series AC85 Acoustic Window delivers industry-leading acoustic sound transmission reductions,” said Sabrina Leung, Crystal’s R&D/Architectural Sales Manager.“Independent lab testing of the AC85 window for a recent project in New York certified an outstanding Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) sound reduction rating of 42 using double-pane insulated glass. This means properties in high noise areas near highways, rail lines, airports, r heavy traffic can use these windows to provide very comfortable interior environments.” The aluminum frame Crystal AC85 Acoustic Window is available in either casement or fixed window styles. The heavy-duty aluminum 7-⅞” depth thermally-broken master frame window features a dual-sash configuration for both styles. For the casement, the interior sash opens in and the exterior sash opens out. The AC85 dual sashes each have a 1-¼” glazing pocket which accepts double or triple pane insulated glass units. With appropriate glass, Low-E coatings, and argon filling options, notable U-values of 0.28 are achieved. The US Glass Readers’ Choice Awards are determined by the publication’s national and international subscribers voting online during November for the most impressive new products featured in the publication during the year. Crystal was a previous Readers’ Choice Award winner in 2019 with its Magnus Commercial Vinyl Series 4500 uPVC window line and in 2016 with its aluminum Series 8500/8600 projected window line. US Glass is the most widely read architectural glass industry magazine, offered monthly in both print and online editions. The associated US Glass online information platform provides a daily email service to subscribers and offers the latest industry news, product information, commentary, and observations of leading industry experts.
Crystal California Receives Inner City 100 Award for 2020
Window and door manufacturer Crystal California(aka Crystal Pacific Windows & Doors) was named to the prestigious national Inner City 100 List of Fastest-Growing Urban Companies in the country, as featured in Fortune Magazine. Employee operates insulated glass assembly equipment. – Manufacturer Part of Fortune Magazine’s List of Fastest-Growing Urban Firms – RIVERSIDE, CA, December 9, 2020 – Crystal California (aka Crystal Pacific), the West Coast affiliate of national window and door manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems, was honored on December 8, 2020, as one of the fastest-growing urban companies in the country. Ranked by the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC), a national non-profit research and advisory organization founded by Harvard Business School professor Michael Porter, the Inner City 100 (IC 100) list recognizes urban companies that are thriving despite economic challenges in often neglected inner city areas. This year’s IC 100 list includes many companies in industries such as digital platform and software services, specialty food and consumer products, and other services. Therefore, Crystal California’s ranking on the list is quite remarkable since true capital-intensive, fixed-asset, brick-and-mortar manufacturers like Crystal California typically grow at a slower pace. “This is quite an accolade for Crystal California, to have our growth and impact on the region recognized,” said General Manager Sergio Garcia. “We are honored to be included with the top 100 firms across the entire country which contribute to our nation’s great cities by providing jobs and economic vitality.”Crystal California ranked 75th on the 2020 list, with a 4-year growth rate of 68.96%. Crystal California’s parent company, Crystal Window & Door Systems in New York City, was an Inner City 100 winner over 20 years ago, with recognitions four years in a row (1999-2002). The company is now one of the leading national window manufacturers in the US, with several subsidiaries and affiliates around the nation. To develop the Inner City 100 list, ICIC researchers examine companies located in urban areas and their personnel practices, training, community involvement, types and locations of customers and suppliers, and growth in sales and employees over the past five years to reveal how each company is contributing to the local economy. The top 100 fastest-growing qualifying companies are featured on the ICIC website and published in Fortune Magazine. Crystal California was founded in 2012 by Thomas Chen, owner of Crystal Window & Door Systems, to bring quality fenestration products to West Coast markets. Seeing the great potential of the Southern California area, Chen acquired an existing industrial property in Riverside, CA, which was experiencing a significant economic downturn at the time. Since starting operations, Crystal California has grown steadily, adding product lines, investing in production equipment, and hiring nearly 100 local workers. The company continues to expand its markets and territory from southern California to the entire state as well as neighboring states. Crystal California also ships select products across the country for major projects.
Crystal’s Social Media Presence Expands, Enhances Connections
Crystal Windows’ expanded social media presence enables it to keep connected in many ways with customers, suppliers, and other professionals in the design-build community. -OutreachInformsContractors, Architects, Property Owners, Suppliers- QUEENS, NY, December 4, 2020 –For several years, national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems has developed its social media presence to supplement traditional marketing and communication methods such as print and radio advertising, email, and direct mail. This year, with pandemic shutdowns and reductions of in-person meetings, Crystal has found that its efforts with social media platforms have paid off greatly to keep trade customers, design and construction professionals, and suppliers up to date with the latest company developments at this critical time. “Our steady growth in social media usage and building our following on each social media platform laid the groundwork for the virtual world of 2020,” said Steve Chen, President of Crystal. “We have been able to stay conveniently connected with our broad national network, and even add new followers as a result of our trade customers sharing Crystal news with their clients.” While Crystal has had a website for over 20 years, the company started its online social presence with Facebook 10 years ago and has since added Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and a dedicated YouTube channel. The company posts a wide range of news, events, and information on each site. The latest large and notable projects across the country are featured regularly, with eye-catching photos and a brief description of the products supplied. New product introductions, product features, available accessories, and special sales promotions are also common subjects for Crystal social media. Beyond products and projects, Crystal uses its social media sites to highlight customers and employees, tout company achievements,and announce job opportunities. “Crystal customers and employees enjoy being included in our postings, it’s great for morale,” said Isabella Leung, HR Manager for Crystal. “Also, our positive postings reflect the achievement-oriented work environment we offer, so our job postings often get immediate results.” Working with several different social media platforms allows Crystal to match follower preferences and target news best suited for each platform. “LinkedIn tends to be mainly business-focused, whereas Twitter is trendier and more people-focused, and YouTube which focuses on in-depth information or instruction usually requires more viewer time,” said Chen. “Trade customers, suppliers, architects, and other construction professionals all tend to have their own preferences, so we try to cover all the bases with our social media. Using multiple platforms allows our sales and marketing reps to connect directly with various audiences in their manner of choice.” Crystal social media presence supplements more traditional digital, print, and audio methods of promoting and advertising the company. In addition to frequent social media postings, Crystal: hosts a robust, frequently updated, comprehensive, user-friendly website distributes a quarterly digital newsletter to customers, suppliers, and affiliates shares news releases on the company which are also frequently carried by fenestration, real estate, business, trade, and general audience publications sends out email notifications to customers about product enhancements, operational changes, sales, pricing, and services advertises in print, online, and radio outlets utilizes online hiring platforms to recruit new employees delivers continuing education webinars and instructional seminars on many fenestration topics. To keep up with the latest Crystal happenings, use these social media links: Crystal NY Headquarters Crystal California (West Coast Affiliate) Facebook: @CWNDS @CrystalWindowCA Twitter: @DoorCrystal @CrystalWindowCA Instagram: @CrystalWindowandDoor @CrystalWindowCA LinkedIn: @crystal-window-&-door-systems @crystal-pacific-window-&-door-system-inc YouTube: @Crystal Window & Door Systems NYC n/a For more information, you may also contact your Crystal sales representative or Crystal’s Marketing Department at marketing@crystalwindows.com/ 800-472-9988 x3250.
New York City Noise No Match for Crystal’s New Acoustic Window
Crystal Windows supplied its new aluminum architectural AC85 Acoustic Window for sound control at Westchester Mews, a new multi-family residence adjacent to an elevated train line in the heart of the Bronx borough of New York City. -Bronx Building Project Adjacent to Elevated Subway Selects Crystal – QUEENS, NY, November 16, 2020 –A recently completed New York City multi-family mixed-use project located in the borough of the Bronx selected Crystal’s new AC85 Sound Reduction Window to control the location’s unwanted urban noise problem. Located at 2044 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY, the 11-story Westchester Mews – Building A sits on a major commercial thoroughfare and only a few dozen feet from a busyMTA elevated subway rail line. The AC85 aluminum window product line features a dual sash configuration with a deep master frame capable of delivering very significant acoustic sound transmission reductions, an impressive feature for demanding high-noise locations near highways, airports, railways, or busy urban streets. The Crystal AC85 window’s sound control capability allows profitable development of properties which formerly were hampered by their noisy locations. Similarly, existing buildings renovated with the Crystal AC85 window offer improved comfortable sound environments for occupants, greatly improving the value of the property. “The selection of the Crystal AC85 window for the Westchester Mews project was a great choice,” said Jimmy Zhou, Crystal’s Account Executive. “Located so close to an elevated subway line and a busy street, the residents of the new building are benefiting greatly from the noise reduction properties of the Crystal AC85 casement and fixed windows.” The Westchester Mews project consists of two buildings. The A-Building, situated on Westchester Avenue, utilized a total of 459 windows. The front façade, which faces the busy street and elevated train tracks, was specified with 243 AC85 dual window systems with casement and fixed panels. A majority of the Crystal window systems were assembled in large, mulled arrangements combining several AC85 units and an HVAC aluminum louver. The Crystal AC85 Acoustic Casement and Fixed Window 7-⅞” master frames are thermally broken using an insulated strut system. The heavy-duty dual sash windows deliver thermal performance of either U=0.29 or U=0.28, depending on which of the two glass packages specified for the project were used. The AC85 window combinations were specially configured for the project. Crystal crafted mock-ups early in the project for independent acoustic lab testing, field installation, and approvals from the developer, architect, and installer. Independent lab testing certified an outstanding Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) sound reduction rating of 42 for the Crystal window mock-up. OITC ratings more appropriately emphasize the lower frequencies typical of urban environments. The rating indicates the decibel sound reduction from an outdoor source to the indoor environment. For the rear courtyard-facing façade of the Westchester Mews A-Building, a sound attenuation window was not necessary. To provide continuity for the overall building façade, this part of the project took advantage of the design characteristics and appearance of the Crystal 8500 Casement and 8510 Fixed Aluminum Windows which are similar to the AC85 Acoustic Window. Crystal supplied 216 of these standard windows, utilizing a continuous master frame option and mullion systems to combine window arrangements with PTAC louvers. Both front and rear façade windows were finished in a durable AAMA 2604 powder coat simulated anodized silver paint, resulting in a consistent aesthetically pleasing overall appearance for the building. The 203 PTAC louvers facilitating the use of individual room HVAC units for Westchester Mews A-Building were the AEL-42 model from Reliable of Geneva, AL and were sourced and factory installed in the window frames by Crystal. The dual-sash AC85 windows were configured to accommodate an extra deep PTAC sleeve and Crystal outfitted them with an insulated “blank off” panel on the interior window sash frame. All the Crystal windows for Westchester Mews feature 1-¼” insulated glass units (IGUs) with Vitro SB60 glass and Argon filling for energy efficiency. Where needed for code compliance or other reasons, some IGUs were specified with tempered or laminated glass. All the glass outswing casement sashes are operated by decorative European-style satin chrome handles and feature New York City approved limit opening devices. Accessories to facilitate quick, efficient, quality installation of the window systems included aluminum subsills, receptors, sill covers, mullions, and anchor clips and trim covers from Crystal. Crystal also supplied windows for a second separate new building of the Westchester Mews project, located at 2047 Newbold Avenue. The B-Building has its front façade situated on a quiet residential street. With the rear façade facing the courtyard between the two Westchester Mews buildings,the B-Building has no need for ultra-high-end sound attenuating windows. Crystal provided 1,217 Magnus 4500 Commercial Vinyl Window uPVC Inswing Turn Only and Fixed Panelsas well as 305 Reliable AEL-42 PTAC louvers combined within large Magnus 4500 master frames for this building’s 332 openings. Westchester Mews, LLC, of the Bronx, NY, was the project developer and Procida Construction Corporation acted as general contractor. Architectural design was by Magnusson Architects and Planners of New York, NY, and Marvel Contracting Service of Queens, NY, was the fenestration installer. Financing for the project was coordinated in part through the New York City Housing Development Corporation. The two buildings of Westchester Mews offer 289 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments for defined income categories. Residents enjoy on-site common rooms, laundry facilities, bike storage, outdoor terraces and green spaces, and proximity to public transportation and commercial shopping districts. A new medical office for family and internal medicine is located on the ground floor of 2044 Westchester Avenue, convenient for residents of the building and community.
National Fenestration Magazine Salutes Crystal Window’s Stand-Out Pandemic Response
Named a 2020 Best Companies to Work For by US Glass Magazine, Crystal Windows was recognized for its pandemic response effort. Crystal sales and production factory in New York implemented numerous safety protocols for employees and customers alike, as well as many other procedures. -2020“Best Companies to Work For” Award Recognizes Top Industry Firms- QUEENS, NY, November 10, 2020 –National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems was one of a select few fenestration and façade companies to be featured by leading national trade publication US Glass as one of the media platform’s 2020 Best Companies to Work For. Normally focused on compensation, benefits, and other cultural aspects a company offers its employees, US Glass decided this year to concentrate its 2020 Best Companies to Work For survey on what companies have done for employees and customers during the prolonged pandemic. Five leading companies including Crystal Windows were selected as winners and featured in the October 2020 issue of US Glass Magazine. “It is rewarding that the tireless hard work, dedication, and creativity of my management team in serving our employees has been recognized on a national level by this prestigious industry publication,” said Crystal President Steve Chen. “It is so hard to describe what New York City went through at the peak of this pandemic, and Crystal executives worked fearlessly to keep employees safe, engaged, and informed so they could be as productive as possible for our trade customers and the construction industry.” US Glasseditors reviewed not only how companies managed their operations, but also how they communicated with employees, maintained a sense of community despite remote working, what policies were instituted to promote safety, health, and well-being of employees, and how companies connected with the community. Crystal’s New York facility was deemed essential to supply critical construction projects and continued limited production for these projects using minimal staff during the height of the mandated shutdown in New York City, which was hit the hardest by the pandemic of any city in the nation. A crisis management team of Crystal’s top executives met daily to address changing circumstances, communicate with those working remotely, plan for reopening when permitted, and coordinate with Crystal’s other production plants around the country. “We used all forms of communication to reach our employees regularly to keep them updated on operating status, when they could expect to return to the plant, and what safety measures we were implementing,” said Chen. “All employees that could work remotely did so, using our comprehensive computer platform to handle quotations, orders, and other projects. We also reached out to customers frequently to let them know when to expect production and deliveries, and coordinate with their own changing conditions.” During the peak of the shutdown in New York, Crystal offered a wage bonus, a meal allowance, and mileage reimbursement for employees to use their own vehicles to avoid commuting by public transportation, considered a high-risk factor for spreading the coronavirus. Crystal revamped production and administrative areas with extensive cleaning and disinfecting, enhanced and separated workstations, installed partitions where necessary for physical distancing, and repainted walls and floors of several areas of the factory. Employees returning in person to the facility were provided with face masks and other protective equipment as appropriate and temperature checks were performed daily. In later months, Crystal’s HR department coordinated with New York-Presbyterian Hospital of Queens to provide employees during work hours a series of virtual workshops, led by doctors and other medical professionals, on various physical and mental health topics related to the pandemic. “The Crystal team really went the extra mile for our construction trade customers while keeping our employees’ well-being top priority during the peak of the pandemic,” said Chen. “Thankfully, we avoided layoffs, and as time progressed, we were able to ramp up production to normal levels and resume our regular operating hours. Our sales across the country are doing well, we are introducing new products, and the company is emerging from the crisis stronger than before.”
Crystal Windows Chairman Thomas Chen Honored for Leadership and Community Impact
Thomas Chen, founder, and chairman of national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems, was recently honored by Schneps Media as a 2020 King of New York QUEENS, NY, October 27, 2020 –The founder and Chairman of national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems, Thomas Chen, was honored recently by Schneps Media as one of its2020 Kings of New York. The award recognizes top businessmen, civic leaders, and non-profit arena giants for their outstanding contributions in industry, politics, arts, culture, and religious work, as well as their impact on their communities. “For 30 years, I have worked hard to expand Crystal Windows and make it a positive influence in New York and the nation,” said Chen. “Being named a King of New York by one of the largest media companies in the region is a delightful, unexpected surprise, and I am honored.” Normally Schneps Media presents the Kings of New YorkAwards at a live gala celebration with hundreds in attendance. This year, due to the ongoing pandemic concerns, Kings of New YorkAwards were presented at extremely limited in-person gatherings with interviews of the honorees discussing their work and accomplishments. The Kings of New YorkAward presentations and taped interviews will be featured at a virtual webcast networking event on November 19th, along with keynote speakers and entertainment for online attendees. Chen founded Crystal Windows in 1990 in a small commercial space, and now the company is listed as one of the Top 30 Window and Door Manufacturers in North America by leading industry publications. Crystal has five major production factories around the country and 750 employees. The company manufactures 500,000 commercial and residential windows and doors annually. Crystal products are installed in many notable buildings throughout the New York metro area and in over 40 states nationwide. Thomas Chen and the Crystal Windows success story have been featured on numerous business TV shows and in many leading business and industry publications including Wall Street Week, Crain’s New York Business, Fortune Magazine, Inc. Magazine, and The New York Times. In addition to his business prowess, Chen is also recognized in New York for his charitable work and his devotion to educational and art initiatives. He has contributed tirelessly to many Queens and New York area non-profits and art institutions and has been honored by the Queens Museum, the Queensborough Community College Art Gallery, and the Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts. The Kings of New York Award is bestowed by Schneps Media, a major communications corporation providing one million readers with nearly 70 daily and weekly community newspapers and magazines throughout the New York, Long Island, NY, and Philadelphia, PA, metro areas.
Crystal Windows Shine for Local Fire House Major Renovation
Crystal Window & Door Systems provided new high performance fixed, sliding, and casement windows for the Roslyn Highlands (NY) Fire Department renovation of its station. The new aluminum windows modernized the façade appearance, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced interior daylighting for this active facility. -Manufacturer SuppliesHigh-End Products for New York Area Fire Station- QUEENS, NY, October 13, 2020 –The Roslyn Highlands Fire Department (RHFD) station at 270 Warner Avenue in Roslyn Heights, NY, is sporting an updated façade of new windows from national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems. Crystal supplied 96 new energy-efficient aluminum windows replacing the fire house’s original wood windows to modernize the facility, reduce energy expenses, and enhance interior daylighting. Crystal project manager Rob Dorsky, a formerRHFD volunteer firefighter, worked closely with members of the fire company’s Building Committee to select the new windows, and customizing features, finishes, glass, and installation accessories for the expansive openings. “It was a pleasure to work with the Roslyn Highlands Fire Department to design a new look for the station, one that would greatly improve lighting, ventilation, and energy performance,” said Dorksy. “I was proud to select the best Crystal products and very pleased that leading fenestration firm Bluesky Windows provided the expert installation services.” A critical part of the planning phase was to develop an installation schedule that would not interfere with the active fire house’s operations. Crystal coordinated production and delivery of finished units with the fenestration installation company and RHFD members to minimize disruption, especially in critical operation areas of the buildings. Most of the windows Crystal supplied for the project were its aluminum Series 5100 Fixed Windows in single, two- and three-lite combinations. This popular heavy commercial picture window features 3-¼” frame depth with continuous head and sill, facilitating multiple lights and simplifying installation. The window has an outstanding AAMA rating of AW-PG100. The Series 5100 Fixed windows were combined in many openings with 14” tall Crystal two- and three-lite Series 5600 Sliding Windows along the bottom edge, providing easily accessible ventilation. This heavy commercial aluminum sliding window features 3-¼” frame depth, stainless steel sash rollers, reinforced frame roller track, interlocking meeting rails, and an anti-drift clip lock pull rail. The window has an AAMA rating of AW-PG40 for the 2-lite and AW-PG50 for the 3-lite. For a few select openings, Crystal supplied its high-end aluminum Series 8500 Out-Swing Casement Window configured with its Series 8510 Fixed Window. These architectural windows feature 2-⅝” frame depth and are AAMA rated AW-PG100 and AW-PG85, respectively. The Series 8500Casement has four-bar stainless steel hinges, multi-point locks, an elegant handle for effortless operation, and an opening limit device for added safety. All products for the RHFD firehouse were glazed with 1” tempered dual-pane insulating glass units with high-performance Vitro low-ESolarban 70XL coating and Argon gas filling for superior energy efficiency. The frames were finished in AAMA 2604 white powder coat paint. Crystal supplied complementary accessories including mullions, snap trim, and clips to facilitate installation. Several of the façade openings required field assembly of separate windows into multi-window configurations, which took advantage of the Series 5100 continuous head and sill frame feature and used matching H-mullions for stacking. The largest opening of 10’ by 10’ was comprised of 4 stacked 3-panel fixed windows mounted a top a 3-lite slider. For many of these large configurations, the firehouse offered its ladder equipment to assist with installation from inside the station. The project also included a new dramatic red aluminum frame glass main entrance with commercial double doors and multiple sidelights and transoms supplied by Gamco Corporation of Flushing, NY, and custom painted by Architectural Coating, Inc. of Brooklyn, NY. Crystal customer Bluesky Windows of New York, NY, provided all window and door installation services for the Roslyn Highlands Fire Department station renovation. Founded in 1905, the Roslyn Highlands Fire Department is an all-volunteer, 115-member company serving 12 towns on Long Island with two fire stations and two rescue stations. The Warner Avenue fire station includes 5 firetruck and vehicle bays, a firefighter training room with simulators, dispatch and administrative offices, meeting rooms, locker and shower rooms, a gym, a full kitchen, and a large multi-purpose hospitality space.
Crystal Windows Improves Series 1240/1280 Sliding Doors
Crystal Windows Series 1240/1280 Aluminum Sliding Patio Doors now feature an improved quad roller system. The new robust 1240/1280 quad roller system is a major improvement over the prior dual system. -New Quad Rollers Ease Operation, Accommodate Larger, Heavier Glass Panels- QUEENS, NY, Aug 14, 2020 –Crystal Window & Door Systems, the national award-winning manufacturer, is pleased to announce important standard feature improvements to its Series 1240 and 1280 aluminum sliding patio doors. Most significantly for both models, the door panel standard rollers have been upgraded from a dual to a quad system. The new heavy-duty quad rollers, available in either stainless or zinc-plated steel, now feature 1.71” diameter wheels versus the 1.25” diameter wheels on the former dual rollers. The upgraded roller system is significantly easier to operate and can easily accommodate increasingly popular larger size door panels and triple-glazed insulating glass units (IGUs). For example, a pair of the new quad rollers can readily handle sashes weighing up to 880 pounds. “Crystal continuously makes advances and product improvements to meet market needs and match trends,” said Sabrina Leung, Architectural Sales, and Engineering Manager. “The quad roller system is an important upgrade which I’m sure will make the doors even more popular.” In addition to the quad rollers, the new higher bottom rail profile on both the Series 1240 and 1280 now gives the appearance of a traditional wood sliding door. The Series 1240 sliding patio door, a mainstay of Crystal’s aluminum product line, is available in either 2- or 3-lite models. The 4-½” frame depth door is AAMA rated CW-PG40/LC-PG45 and features a strong durable stainless-steel roller track. Other upgrades to 1240 include a fiberglass insert sill for enhanced thermal performance and improvement to the sill’s weep system. The door’s 1” standard IGU utilizes double-strength ⅛” tempered glass, and low-E coating and argon filling as well as triple glass IGUs are options. The Series 1280 is a heavy-commercial aluminum frame sliding patio door with an AW-PG50 rating. The strong 4-9∕16” jamb depth door features a 1” IGU and a substantial pull meeting rail. It is available in 2- or 3-lite versions. Other Series 1240/1280 options include grids, key locking handles, and nailing or face flanges. Adding a decorative touch to larger building openings, the Series 1240/1280 doors can be ordered with compatible sidelight and transom units. Finally, as with all Crystal aluminum products, the Series 1240/1280 patio doors are available in standard AAMA 2604 white or bronze powder coat paint finish as well as a wide selection of custom colors.
Crystal Provides Expansive Views for University of Michigan New Student Housing in Ann Arbor, MI
Crystal Windows supplied new high-energy performance aluminum fixed picture windows for a new off-campus residential property, Vic Village North, adjacent to University of Michigan’s Central Campus in Ann Arbor -Manufacturer Supplies High-Performance Fenestration for Off-Campus Property- QUEENS, NY, September21, 2020 –National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems has added another new university property to its impressive portfolio of higher education window projects. The newly constructed Vic Village North high-rise building in Ann Arbor, MI, offers luxury-style apartments for students just a block from University of Michigan’s Central Campus. The building features over 500 Crystal high-performance picture windows for outstanding views of the vibrant neighborhood and the university campus. “In recent years, Crystal has supplied many new and renovated properties in Michigan with our highly energy efficient windows and doors,” said Crystal Regional Manager Frank Ganninger. “We are very proud that our products are part of the redevelopment of beautiful Ann Arbor’s South University District.” Continuing the district’s revitalization, several new projects are planned in the coming years to increase student housing for the university and for area residents. Crystal supplied 536 energy efficient Series 5100 Aluminum Fixed Picture Windows for Vic Village North. This popular heavy-commercial window features a 3-¼” jamb depth and narrow sightlines. The frames were specially extruded and bronze color powder coat finished to the superior durability AAMA 2605 performance standard by Crystal subsidiary Gateway Extrusions. Most of the Series 5100 windows utilized an option which combined two tall insulated glass panels side by side within one master frame. Some of the combined windows were as large as 68” wide by 89” tall, providing occupants nearly floor-to-ceiling views and maximum natural light for indoor spaces. The Crystal Series 5100 heavy-commercial fixed window is AAMA rated AW-PG100. All windows were glazed with 1” insulating glass units (IGUs), with Vitro Solarban 60 low-E glass and Argon gas. The majority of all the interior glass panes were tinted gray, and where code required, the IGUs were also tempered. In keeping with Ann Arbor Design Guidelines and the character of the university district, Crystal provided a custom horizontal grid system consisting of a 2” exterior applied grid, a 1” between-the-glass colonial grid, and a special order 2” interior flat tape-on grid. To facilitate window installation, Crystal supplied complementary accessories, including subsills and receptors with L-anchor clips. On one façade, outside corner 90-degree mullions were used to create elegant corner windows. Crystal partnered with longtime customer and leading building product distributor DeYonkers Window & Door of Rochester, MI to meet the design and construction requirements. The project developer was Hughes Properties of Auburn Hills, MI. The architect for the project was Hobbs+Black Architects of Ann Arbor, MI and the general contractor and fenestration installer was Wolverine Building Group of Grand Rapids, MI. Located at 1107 South University Avenue, Vic Village North consists of a 12-story central tower flanked by two 9- and 10-story towers. The 132,000-ft2student-focused residential property has student apartments and common spaces on the upper floors with retail shopping and dining space on the ground floor. Vic Village North includes 57 fully furnished apartments with two- to six-bedroom configurations, study areas, a fitness center, a rooftop outdoor terrace with grills and a fire pit, bicycle storage, and electronic controlled access.
