Curved, efficient curtain wall for California court of appeals

The basics: The new California Court of Appeals Fifth Appellate District building in Fresno features a curved curtain wall made of efficient glazing products. The curved shape of the curtain wall and the integration of an inner courtyard were distinct design components, and project managers were concerned that the shape of the walls and courtyard would lead to leaking. According to a Kawneer release, obstacles arose regarding the break metal, which impacted how the curtain wall connected to the building. Additionally, because the courtyard was within the building, traditional equipment could not be used to hang or glaze the curtain wall.

The players: Architect, AC Martin Partners Inc., Los Angeles; glazing system supplier, Kawneer Co., Norcross, Ga.; fabricator and glazier, The Glass Shop, Visalia, Calif.

The systems: 1600 Wall System 1 curtain wall with custom covers and redesigned clips on top to address challenges with break metal; Trifab VersaGlaze 451T Storefront with thermal break to help reduce energy usage and increase thermal efficiency; 350 Medium Stile Entrances.