Case Study
SickKids Research & Learning Tower
Toronto, Ontario
HEALTHCARE/MEDICAL
stunning building with complex rolling contour of the façade
The SickKids Research & Learning Tower in Toronto, Canada, is an impressive 21-story building designed by Diamond and Schmitt Architects. It has, as the central architectural feature, an undulating façade with curved glass panels. This stunning detail is composed of vision and spandrel insulated glass units with both convex and concave curved tempered glass that utilizes soft coat Low-E NE50 from Guardian. The glass had to meet strict thermal and solar requirements.
In addition, the rolling contour of the façade required many different radii, convex and concave, with very tight curve tolerances, and stringent optical qualities. The schedule for the job was also very important, as the façade was installed using a unitized system from Sota Glazing Inc. and, therefore, the glass had to follow a very precise installation sequence.
design and construction
The design and construction team analyzed different glass options and mock-up samples to determine the final makeup. They also visited the manufacturing facility to inspect all quality procedures and to decide on different aspects which were key to the success of the job. One of the many challenges faced in fabricating the glass was the number of unique radii and the concave/convex aspect of the curved units, which Cristacurva solved successfully for the project.
Project details
Architects
Diamond Schmitt Architects
Construction Manager
EllisDon Corporation
IG Manufacturer
Cristacurva Glass
Types of Glazings and Quantities
Super Spacer® TriSeal™ for bent insulating glass portion of the building
