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 Sept. 30, 2020, Oct. 28, 2020, and Dec 2, 2020, at 2 PM EST. To register for the webinar, contact Crystal Marketing Department, Amanda Li, AmandaL@crystalwindows.com Or call 800-471-9988 x 3250
Crystal Windows Breathe New Life into Warehouse-to-Office Building Conversion
Crystal Windows supplied new architecturally-rated energy efficient aluminum windows for the recently renovated and repurposed Sunset Yards commercial office building in Brooklyn, NY. -Almost 1,000 New Windows for 90+ Year Old Brooklyn Property- QUEENS, NY, June 30, 2020 – Crystal Window & Door Systems has played a key role in the recent restoration and conversion of a major Brooklyn, NY property. Located at 341 39th Street, Sunset Yards is a newly renovated 200,000-ft2 10-story structure that converted a 1920s vintage warehouse (and attached 7-story building) into modern open office spaces with trendy, appealing industrial style finishes. Those finishes include almost 1,000 new thermally efficient Crystal replacement windows fabricated to replicate the look of the original historic industrial windows. The large windows not only breathe new life into the vintage structure, but they enhance the building’s outstanding views of Lower Manhattan, New York Harbor, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, and the surrounding resurgent Brooklyn neighborhood. The building’s 185 expansive openings utilized 940 new Crystal aluminum windows, mostly Series 8610 Picture and Series 8620 Project-Out Awning windows, plus several Series 5000 Double-Hung windows. The vast majority of the Crystal Series 8610 and 8620 windows using continuous master frame options and mullions were assembled in large combinations of 6 or 4 windows. Some of the largest window assemblies spanned openings over 17 feet wide and almost 7 feet tall. The Crystal Series 8610 Picture and the Series 8620 Project-Out windows are both heavy-duty construction, 3-¼” jamb depth, AAMA AW-rated high-performance products. The Series 8620 Project-Out awning style window uses 4-bar stainless steel friction hinges and a double-weatherstripping sash perimeter for easy operation and tight weather-resistant sealing. The Crystal 5000 Double-Hung aluminum window is also 3-¼” frame depth and features equal sash sightlines, anti-drift clip lock, and an AAMA CW-PG50 rating. The 1” insulated glass units (IGUs) of all the new Crystal windows were specified with 3∕16” Vitro Solarban 60 low-E coated and clear glass panes and were Argon gas-filled for enhanced energy efficiency. Visually adding to the building’s distinctive look and echoing its early 20th Century industrial warehouse past, special 3M interior and exterior tape-on muntins were used to simulate the look of true divided lites. New Crystal aluminum windows at the renovated Sunset Yards in Brooklyn, NY, provide spectacular views of New York harbor. The use of receptors, sub sill, and clip/trim systems facilitated the installation of the new windows. All windows and exposed installation accessories were finished in a durable environmentally sustainable AAMA 2604 powder coat bronze paint. The property owner and developer of Sunset Yards is Madison Realty Capital of New York, NY. Perkins Eastman of New York, NY was the project architect, and Mega Construction of Queens, NY served as general contractor. Several New York area fenestration companies provided the window installation services. The Sunset Yards building was originally constructed in 1926 directly adjacent to freight rail lines and near the Brooklyn docks and waterfront warehouse complexes, which were booming with activity at the time. For most of its life the building has been home to various warehouse and light industrial companies. Besides new windows, the recent renovation and conversion to modern post-industrial office spaces includes flexible open floor plans with reception and meeting areas, an attended and furnished lobby, and ground floor retail. A dramatic feature of the renovated property is a large mural by notable, award-winning artist Mike Perry. Completed by the Mike Perry Studio team, the colorful mural depicts New York City scenes and covers the walls and columns in this repurposed loading dock area that is now a food truck café space open to tenants and the public from street level. The Sunset Park neighborhood is enjoying a tremendous renaissance and offers great transportation options, restaurants, parks, shopping, and beautiful residences. More affordable than Manhattan, Sunset Park is enjoying an influx of technology, art, and media businesses, among others.
Crystal Solves Major Window Wall Replacement Challenge
Crystal Windows designed and supplied a custom window wall system for the residential tower of The Venue, Pittsburgh, PA, a newly renovated mixed-use building with luxury apartments atop offices and parking. -Unique Pittsburgh Building Renovated Using Crystal Windows Custom Products – QUEENS, NY, September 2, 2020 –Crystal Window & Door Systems provided a custom-designed energy efficient window wall replacement system for a recently rehabilitated iconic Pittsburgh high-rise building. Located at 625 Stanwix Street in downtown Pittsburgh, PA, The Venue is a unique 1967 vintage mixed-use 25-story structure. Rising atop The Venue’s large pedestal 10-story public parking garage and two floors of office space is the building’s setback 12-floor residential tower. Crystal was enlisted to design and manufacture a custom cost-effective replacement for the original window wall exterior façade of the residential tower. Collaborating extensively with the project’s general contractor and engineer, Crystal developed a unique façade solution around its heavy-commercial Series 5100 picture window and a custom floor slab cover. The window wall system was fabricated, assembled, glazed, and tested at Crystal’s New York facility. Delivery of the window wall sections to the jobsite was particularly challenging, as The Venue is in the busy commercial downtown area of Pittsburgh. Crystalcoordinated closely with the general contractor and local authorities to coincide night deliveries with street closures, and Crystal engineers and managers were present to oversee the process. “Creating the window wall system for The Venue was truly a team effort,” said Papo Perez, Crystal’s sales/project manager for the renovation. “I initially presented the proposed window wall to the GC and then worked with our engineering and production departments to finalize the design and fabrication process. The GC sent its engineers to our New York facility for the full-scale window wall mock-up review and testing. We also worked closely with the GC on delivery logistics for overnight hours to minimize disruption to local businesses and traffic.”Window wall sections were hoisted to the vacant 11th floor office space using an exterior construction elevator, and fenestration installation for the residential tower upper floors was swiftly completed using suspended scaffolding while the building remained occupied. The custom window wall is comprised entirely of 1,161 Crystal aluminum heavy-commercial Series 5100 Picture/Fixed Windows. The 3-¼” jamb depth window boasts a 1” glazing pocket and an outstanding AW-PG100 rating. While the windows varied in width, all were either 97-¼” or 108” tall to provide a true floor-to-ceiling window wall enclosure. Some of the window wall segments used 2-lite Series 5100 windows vertically stacked in a common master frame with vision glass on the top sash while the lower sash was outfitted with a PTAC louver panel supplied and installed on site by the general contractor. The Crystal windows utilized the Series 5100 male/female interlocking frame option, which allows the windows to be self-mulled side-by-side horizontally. Crystal also supplied three-piece 90-degree mullions for the building’s corners, as well as receptors and high-performance subsills with end dam caps to facilitate the window wall installation. The Venue apartments(shown above, during fenestration installation) overlook the rooftop pool and outdoor recreation area. Below, Crystal window wall provides stunning views of the area, including PNC Park across the Allegheny River. Completing the façade renovation was the use of a custom-designed aluminum floor slab cover specially extruded by Crystal’s affiliate company Gateway Extrusions of Union, MO. All windows, exposed installation accessories, and slab covers are finished with a modern black powder coat AAMA 2604 paint. The 1” insulated glass units (IGUs) for the window wall used Vitro ¼” tempered Solarban 60 coated dual-pane glass with Argon. While most of the glass was clear, many IGUs used Solarcool Grey or Graylite II tinted glass to mask interior wall partitions. The colored glass panels also create architecturally interesting dark-tinted vertically aligned ribbons on the otherwise clear glass façade. In the coming weeks, Crystal will supply window wall systems in the simulated silver anodized finish for the former office space on the 11th and 12th floors, which is being converted to condominiums. In 2016, SHIR Capital of Austin, TX, acquired the Stanwix Street building and invested several million dollars to modernize and renovate the entire structure. SHIR Capital’s affiliate general contractor Ava’s Construction of Pittsburgh handled the rehab project, engineering consulting services were provided by BECS of Clarksville, MD, and Reich Brothers Windows of Portersville, PA, completed the fenestration installation. Nexus Signature Communities of Austin, another affiliate of SHIR Capital, is the property manager for The Venue. The Venue was built in 1967and was originally known as Allegheny Towers. The building is located near the Fort Duquesne Bridge and the intersection of the Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela Rivers. The Venue has outstanding views of the city and PNC Park, home of major league baseball team Pittsburgh Pirates. The mixed-use property features 95 luxury rental apartments, two floors of office space (being converted to condominium apartments), and a 700-car public parking garage. Residents enjoy a new fitness center, rooftop pool and recreation area, lounge, and other gathering spaces.
Crystal Commercial Vinyl Windows Benefit New High-Rise
Crystal Windows supplied nearly 1,000 uPVC MAGNUS Series 4500 commercial vinyl windows for the new multi-family property The Gilbert on First in East Harlem, Manhattan. -Crystal uPVC MAGNUS Windows Installed at The Gilbert in Manhattan – QUEENS, NY, August 7, 2020 –The residents of the new The Gilbert on First apartment building in East Harlem, Manhattan, are benefitting from the state-of-the-art commercial vinyl windows supplied by award-winning national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems. The 16-story building located at 1912 First Avenue between 97th and 99th Streets boasts Crystal’s uPVC MAGNUS Series 4500 windows. These commercial windows offer the strength and durability of aluminum frame windows with the superior energy efficiency of vinyl products. Commercial uPVC vinyl windows have been widely used throughout Europe for many years. Besides the windows, residents at The Gilbert on First will further benefit from integral window louvers for HVAC units supplied by Crystal, as well as the aesthetics of a unique “shadow box” custom integral window frame. The Gilbert on First is the latest in a growing list of major multi-family properties where architects, developers, and general contractors are selecting the Crystal uPVC MAGNUS commercial window line. The Gilbert on First is directly across from NYC Health & Hospitals Metropolitan campus and is the second building in a two-part development which includes Draper Hall, (originally the hospital’s nursing staff dormitory, now senior housing) which was renovated a few years ago and for which Crystal also supplied new windows. The Gilbert on First offers 152 subsidized units ranging from studios to 3-bedroom apartments and features community rooms, outdoor terraces, and an expansive garden space shared with Draper Hall. Just one block off the FDR Drive on Manhattan’s east side, the apartments overlook the East River with great views of the skyline and many bridges. In total, 925 white uPVC MAGNUS Series 4500 commercial vinyl windows were used in The Gilbert on First. The 3-¼” jamb internally-reinforced In-Swing (Turn Only) and Fixed window styles were predominantly mulled in 2- and 3-window configurations or in arrangements combining vision glass with louver panels. Joined by structurally reinforced mullions, the multiple-window configurations provide large expanses of glass, some as vast as 72” wide by 87” tall. The In-Swing windows were equipped with NY City approved limit-opening devices. The Gilbert on First project used an architect-designed, custom fabricated shadow box feature on two sides of the south façade windows (left) to add energy-saving sunshading and visual interest. Crystal’s MAGNUS Series 4500 In-Swing window(right) and Fixed window styles were used for this project. True to the MAGNUS uPVC brand, the Series 4500 In-Swing Turn window boasts an outstanding CW-PG95 structural rating as well as an excellent energy efficient 0.29 U-value. Both the In-Swing and Fixed windows were glazed with 1” insulated glass units (IGUs) using Vitro 3∕16” Solarban 60 and clear glass lights. In select instances where required by code, the double glass lights were tempered. The non-tempered IGUs were fabricated by Crystal Windows and the tempered units by Vitro. Integral HVAC louvers were sourced and factory-installed by Crystal into many of the window combination units. Crystal used 387 PTAC Louver Model AEL-42 units by Reliable of Geneva, AL, for the project. Crystal tapped into its broad network of resources for The Gilbert on First project to provide a unique architect-designed “shadow box” window feature for the building’s expansive open exposure south-facing façade. The “shadow box” aluminum components– 8” deep with a tapering thickness from 1-½” to ¾” – were custom fabricated by Crystal’s subsidiary Gateway Extrusions and attached to the windows at the Crystal factory. Using a novel approach, the architect designed the shadow box surround for installation on only two sides of the window perimeter, the head and west jambs, to create a contemporary decorative aesthetic and energy efficient sunshading effect. The Gilbert on First is owned by Gilbert Apartments, LLC, an affiliate of developer SKA Marin, both of Great Neck, NY. Dattner Architects of New York, NY, provided building design services and Procida Construction of the Bronx, NY was the general contractor. Marvel Contracting of Oakland Gardens, NY provided window installation services. The building is managed by Wavecrest Management of Richmond Hill, NY.
Crystal Windows Cuts the Ribbon on Restored Panorama of the City of New York Glass Walkway
Queens Museum glass walkway dedication ribbon-cutting ceremony shown are (L to R) Queens Museum Trustee Seth Kupferberg, NY City Councilman Barry Grodenchik, Queens Museum President & Executive Director Sally Tallant, Crystal Windows Chairman and Founder Thomas Chen, Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in NYDeputy Director Hans Chang. –Manufacturer Donated Materials for Queens Museum’s Historic Exhibit- QUEENS, NY, February 26, 2020 – Crystal Window & Door Systems, the award-winning national manufacturer, is proud to have donated glass materials and coordinated the renovation of the historic Panorama of the City of New York glass walkway at the Queens Museum in Flushing Meadow Park. The Museum’s glass walkway, renamed “Crystal Walkway”, was officially opened by the institution’s Board of Trustees and other officials with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 25, 2020. The Panorama is an architectural scale model of New York City, originally created for the 1964 World’s Fair. At almost 10,000 square feet, it is the largest architectural scale model in the world and is surrounded by an elevated visitor viewing walkway. Four sections of the perimeter walkway use glass floor panels to permit viewing of the model below. Thomas Chen, founder and Chairman of Crystal Windows, has been a member of the Queens Museum’s Board of Trustees for the past 10 years. When the replacement of the existing obscured, scratched, and discolored glass walkway panels became a priority, Chen stepped up to donate resources for the project, saving the Museum tens of thousands of dollars in capital expense. “It was a pleasure to be able to assist in preserving this treasured replica of New York City,” said Chen. “Crystal is always glad to lend a hand for our neighbors in this great city.” At the ribbon-cutting reception attended by nearly 70 guests, Queens Museum President & Executive Director Sally Tallant thanked Chen and Crystal Windows for the donation. “Over the years as a Trustee, Thomas has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Museum,” said Tallant. “However, today’s gift is priceless.” “Because of Crystal’s generous donation, visitors to the Queens Museum will be able to fully enjoy the experience of the Panorama once again,” added Debra Wimpfheimer, Chief Operating Officer for the Museum. Signage placed along the glass railing of the walkway states “Crystal Walkway −glass flooring generously donated by Crystal Window & Door Systems.”As a thank, you, Queens Museum Trustee Seth Kupferberg, of Flushing business Kepco, Inc., presented Thomas Chen with the ceremonial title to the Crystal Window & Door Systems’ Queens factory land parcel on the Panorama. The refurbishment used 248 laminated and tempered glass pieces totaling almost 1,500 square feet supplied by Tempco Glass Fabrication of Flushing, NY and Cardinal Glass Industries of Jessup, PA Guests at the Queens Museum dedication enjoy a clear view of the Panorama of the City of New York (at left). Crystal’s donation is recognized by signage along the glass walkway (center). Crystal Chairman and Founder Thomas Chen (at right), atop the new Crystal Walkway. The Panorama of the City of New York was commissioned by Robert Moses and was built by renowned model maker Raymond Lester & Associates for the 1964 World’s Fair, at a cost of $673,000, comparable to $5 million today. It took 100 model makers three years to create 895,000 to-scale structures in the Panorama representing the actual buildings, bridges, airports, and parks in all five Boroughs of New York City. The model structures, many hand-painted, are crafted from wood, plastic, Formica, foam, paper, and even etched brass for the bridges. The lighting system for the entire Panorama was recently updated with LED lights operating in a continuous cycle to replicate day and night, with many model buildings decorated with phosphorescent paint to glow under the night cycle black light. The Queens Museum building was built for the 1939 World’s Fair to showcase New York City. Designed by architect Aymar Embury, II, who also designed the Central Park Zoo and Triborough (now RFK) Bridge, the building once housed the newly formed United Nations General Assembly after World War II until the current United Nations building was completed in Manhattan. The Queens Museum, adjacent to the Unisphere, serves as the gateway to Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Today the Queens Museum has many permanent exhibits of local and regional art, history, science, and technology displayed, along with rotating exhibits by artists from around the world. Also, the Queens Museum sponsors programs for the community including school field trip tours, after-school art classes, and adult professional development workshops. At the center of the main exhibit floor is a modern, multi-use space where events, performances, and programs are held.
Crystal WindowsOffer Great Views for Cedarbrook Residents
-ManufacturerSupplies Fenestration at New Property in Rochester MI- CHICAGO, IL, February 14, 2020 –Crystal Window & Door Systems’ Chicago production facility is providing beautiful views for the newly constructed senior residence Cedarbrook of Rochester with 1,341 new Crystal commercial aluminum windows and terrace doors. The new independent, assisted, and memory care facility is located in Rochester, MI, just north of Detroit. “Crystal’s products are well suited for the large and growing senior housing market across the country,” said Scott Anderson, Crystal sales executive and project manager for Cedarbrook. “Our windows and doors offer ease of operation, quality hardware, ADA compliance options, and high thermal energy efficiency, all combined into thoughtful design for the comfort of senior residents.” Crystal teamed up with DeYonker Window & Door of Rochester, MI, to supply the project on the tight construction schedule. “Crystal has worked on many past projects with DeYonker’s project manager Jesse Adler, who knows our broad product line and production capabilities,” said Anderson. “To speed shipments and reduce transportation costs for this project, we manufactured most of the products at Crystal’s Chicago facility. Papo Perez, Crystal’s Ohio Branch Manager, also assisted with the project. So, you can see Crystal’s vast national network of facilities and staff is definitely advantageous for owners, architects, and GCs.” The Cedarbrook of Rochester project used an assortment of the Crystal 3-¼” jamb, ⅞” insulated glass pocket aluminum 2000 Series operating and fixed windows. Most of the 2000 Series windows were installed in the building openings in large combined assemblies using mullions and continuous head and sill master frames. The most prevalent was the Series 2100Aluminum Fixed Picture Window, of which 752 were ordered. The AAMA rated CW-PG65/PG-50 Crystal 2100 Fixed Picture Windows were specified in single, 2-lite, and 3-light equal and unequal configurations in both horizontal and vertical orientations. With spans up to 108” in height or width, these windows, especially when combined with other windows, provided aesthetic appeal to the façade and great views for the residents. The project also called for 233 of Crystal’s tilt-in sash Series 2000A Aluminum Double-Hung Window in both single and twin configurations, some as large as 108” wide by 80” tall. Adding visual interest, all of the 2000A Double-Hung Windows were specified in an unequal sash “cottage-style” configuration. To aid in operation, larger heavier sashes were equipped with Ultra-Lift balances, which is especially important for a senior residence.
Crystal Windows Offers New KD Vinyl Sliding Patio Door
-Knock-Down (KD) Door Perfect for Space Constrained Jobsites, Stocking Dealers- QUEENS, NY, January 20, 2020 – Responding to the needs of space constrained job sites and stocking dealer/distributors, Crystal Window & Door Systems is delighted to announce its new Series CVP-1100 Knock-Down (KD) Vinyl Sliding Patio Door. With its welded-corner factory glazed sash panels and mechanically fastened master frame ready for job-site assembly, the Crystal Series 1100 offers fenestration and construction professionals easy handling, transport, storage, stocking, and installation, all at a great value. The KD Series 1100 comes in standard 5-ft. and 6-ft. sizes and, with standard glazing, is stocked by Crystal for immediate availability. “Crystal developed this product in response to our trade customers’ requests. They were seeking an affordable vinyl patio door in a KD configuration suitable for jobsites challenged by small elevators, cramped staircases, narrow halls, and tight doorways,” said Blaise Benevenga, Crystal’s New Jersey/New England Sales Manager. “We are very pleased the Crystal KD Series 1100 Patio Door meets all those requirements and more at a very competitive price.” The extruded white vinyl Crystal KD Series 1100 comes with complete assembly hardware and instructions. The patio door disassembled master frame, factory glazed sash panels, and insect screen are all packaged separately for space-saving storage and easy handling. The KD product can be readily moved and loaded for transport by one person rather than the team effort required for a standard patio door. The Crystal KD Series 1100 is applicable to a variety of building applications including private homes, townhouses, garden apartments, and multi-family buildings. It is also the perfect solution for stocking window, door, and building product dealer/distributors with cramped and limited space warehouses. The Crystal KD Series 1100 patio door, available in either 5’ or 6’ widths by 6’-8” tall (nominal) sizes, features a 4-⅝” frame depth. While the knock-down master frame is mechanically fastened, the operating and fixed sash panels have fusion-welded mitered joints and are factory glazed. The door’s high glass-to-frame ratio utilizes 1” insulated glass units (IGUs) with ⅛” double-strength tempered glass. A latch locking pull handle, adjustable tandem rollers, and stainless steel sill track cover ensure security and ease of operation. The fully reversible sash panels feature a full interlocking meeting rail and double weather-stripping. Numerous options can be used to tailor the Crystal KD Series 1100 Patio Door to be a perfect fit for virtually every project. Optional matching sidelight, transom, and circle top units, as well as between-the-glass grids or applied grids add style, functionality, and beauty to the project. Low-E glass and argon gas filling enhance energy efficiency and a nailing fin option aids installation. Other options include a key locking handle upgrade and custom color availability on large quantity orders.
Crystal Magnus Series 4500 Receives Industry Recognition
-Commercial uPVC Vinyl Window Named 2019 US Glass Readers’ Choice- QUEENS, NY, January 6, 2020 –National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems and its product line continue to receive fenestration industry recognition. In its December 2019 issue, leading national trade publication US Glass Magazine named the Crystal Magnus Series 4500 uPVC Commercial Vinyl Window the winner in the window and door category of its annual “Readers’ Choice Awards.” The European inspired design Magnus Series 4500 uPVC windows and doors combine outstanding architectural structural performance ratings, superior sound attenuation, and great thermal performance, all in one product. The window line is available in tilt-and-turn, in-swing casement, hopper, fixed, and swing door styles. It is a relatively new addition to the Crystal product line, and it is increasingly popular with new construction projects striving for environmental sustainability. “The Crystal Magnus Series 4500 window uses a specially formulated vinyl extrusion material and compression seal technology to create a remarkable window,” said Sabrina Leung, Crystal’s R&D/Architectural Sales Manager.“It has the structural strength to span large openings and be used in mid-rise buildings like a top aluminum frame window, yet simultaneously provides the extraordinary thermal performance of a vinyl window, as well as superior sound abatement.”With options, the Magnus Series 4500 tilt-and-turn window can achieve AW-PG70 structural ratings, STC sound attenuation levels of 41db, and thermal U-values as low as 0.20. Crystal’s Magnus Series 4500 Commercial VinylLine received the US Glass 2019 Readers’ Choice Award. The use of uPVC windows is common in European multi-family, office, institutional, and government buildings as well as upscale homes. In the US, uPVC window products such as the Crystal Magnus Series 4500 are making big inroads as they revolutionize the industry. The US Glass Readers’ Choice Awards are determined by subscriber online votes across the nation and internationally during November of the most impressive new products featured in the publication during the year. Crystal was a previous Readers’ Choice Award winner in the window and door category in 2016 with its aluminum 8500/8600 projected window line. US Glass is the most widely read architectural glass industry magazine and is the official publication of the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA). The magazine is offered monthly in both print and online editions. The associated US Glass online information platform also provides a daily email service to subscribers and offers the latest industry news, product information, commentary and observations of leading industry experts.
Crystal Expands Engineering Assistance Services for Window Projects
-New Analytical Capabilities Benefit Architects and Fenestration Professionals- QUEENS, NY, December 12, 2019 –National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems has expanded its offerings of project engineering assistance services for architects and fenestration trade customers. The Crystal R&D/Engineering Department has recently qualified to use the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC)Component Modeling Approach(CMA) Program and its online directory. This powerful tool will give Crystal the ability during the project’s design and specification phase to estimate and optimize selections of window types, configurations, glazing options, and frame and spacer components to maximize overall window energy performance and energy efficiency ratings. While Crystal currently uses thermal performance modeling for glazing options, the CMA Program adds in spacers, window frames, and other components to the assessment. “Our capabilities with the NFRC’s CMA Program will greatly enhance our ability to help design and construction professionals make the best decisions for their fenestration products,” said Sabrina Leung, Architectural Sales and R&D/Engineering Manager. “With so many glazing, spacer, coating, and configuration choices available, Crystal’sengineering team will be able to use the CMA Program software tools to ensure the customer’s desired fenestration selections and configurations achieve energy code or advanced specification targets. We can recommend various alternatives guiding design, construction, and fenestration professionals on how best to achieve desired energy performance within their project budgets.” Crystal has several new products in the final stages of testing which will be added to the CMA directory when approved. The CMA Program is the latest addition to Crystal’s engineering and R&D services, which include fast-track custom window modification and accessory design, in-house product testing, sample mock-ups, and installation support. For example, Crystal supplies many landmark and historic projects that often require special accessories and product customization to meet design criteria and to replicate the original style of the building. Crystal’sR&D/Engineering Department, along with the company’s commercial sales team and its five production plants across the country, works closely with project architects, GCs, owners, and fenestration installation firms to provide tailored designs, installation support, and to expedite concepts into production. Using 3-D printing technology, Crystal can model detailed components, window profiles, and accessories prior to final production, and prepare samples of various designs for customers’ review and approval. Through consultation with its affiliate network of independent structural façade engineering professionals, Crystal’s R&D/Engineering Department also offers solutions and recommendations for particularly challenging projects, saving time and cost on installations. Crystal engineers routinely visit challenging job sites to consult on installations, field testing, and service. In addition, Crystalfacilitates new product development and customization with its in-house test chamber and engineering analysis. “We greatly reduce design cycle time by performing structural analysis, thermal simulations, and air and water testing of new products all in-house,” said Leung. “Once satisfied, we release the new product, product modification, or accessory for third-party independent lab testing, production, and ultimately sale.” Crystal’s R&D/Engineering team members have decades of experience in the window and door industry, both with domestic and European standards, designs, and energy codes. Additionally, their knowledge of production equipment, manufacturing processes, materials, and emerging technologies has helped Crystal to rapidly expand its product offerings, fast track new product development, and work with customers to provide the best solutions for their fenestration needs. “It’s important that fenestration, design, and construction professionals know we are here to support their projects every step of the way,” said Leung. “From initial concept through product selection, delivery, and final installation, our engineers provide their expertise and assistance to ensure the most successful and most effective fenestration projects possible.”
Crystal Supplies Advanced uPVC Windows for New Airport Hotel
– Manufacturer SuppliesNew Energy EfficientWindowsfor San Diego Marriott Affiliate- RIVERSIDE, CA, November 22, 2019 –Crystal California, the West Coast production operation of national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems, recently provided commercial vinyl windows for the new TownePlace Suites by Marriott hotel located near the San Diego International Airport. Crystal supplied one of its leading products for this project, the Magnus Series 4500, the European inspired design uPVC commercial vinyl window. Crystal’s Magnus products combine the strength and durability of commercial aluminum windows with the outstanding thermal performance of vinyl windows. “Crystal was pleased to work with fenestration dealer and installer Picture Perfect Windows & Doors to design the right window system for this new hotel,” said Crystal project manager Vivian DeMarco. “Crystal also worked closely with the general contractor Roy Anderson Corporation adjusting production and delivery of the windows to accommodate the changing needs of the project schedule.” The project called for a total of 324 Crystal Magnus Series 4500 Fixed Picture Windows with a 3-¼” frame depth and AAMA PG40 rating. Most of the openings were specified with sash combinations involving vision glass with PTAC louver units below and some with grey spandrel laminated glass transoms all contained within a master frame. The majority of the Crystal Magnus windows were tall, with most either 90” or 124” in height. Optional nailing fins aided the installation of the new construction windows. Crystal California supplied its high-end commercial Magnus Series 4500 uPVC windows for the new TownePlace Suites by Marriott at San Diego International Airport, providing superior guest comfort. To provide the visual aesthetics of multiple glass lights in one opening, 1.85” wide simulated divided light tape and 1” thick applied sculpted grids were used extensively. High-quality durable dark bronze color foil laminate was used on the window frame exteriors with either extruded white vinyl or the bronze foil for interiors. The 259 PTAC louvers positioned in the window openings below the vision glass mate with space conditioning units supplying individual guest rooms. The Model AEL-42 PTAC louvers were sourced from Reliable of Geneva, AL, and factory installed in the window frames by Crystal prior to jobsite delivery. The Series 4500 windows’ 1” insulated glass units (IGUs) utilized dual panes of Cardinal 3⁄16” LoĒ3-366 exterior glass and 3⁄16” clear interior glass with Argon gas filling. The IGUs help the windows deliver great U-values of 0.28 and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) values of 0.22. TownePlace Suites by Marriott at San Diego Airport is part of the Liberty StationCommunity and is located on a decommissioned Naval Training Center. With a naval motif inspired interior design, the hotel features 222 guest rooms, breakfast dining area, outdoor patio and pool facilities, a fitness center, meeting rooms, and catering for events. Hospitality specialist architecture firm Degan&Degan of Seattle, WA, designed the hotel, and Roy Anderson Corporation, a subsidiary of Tutor Perini headquartered in Gulfport, MS, was the general contractor. Picture Perfect Windows & Doors of San Diego provided fenestration installation services for the project.
