Great Glazing: Berrien Springs' Virtual Learning Academy

Photos by Joseph Hilliard, courtesy of Tubelite Inc.

The basics: The Berrien Springs School District's Virtual Learning Academy features a striking, edgy design meant to echo the modern, advanced educational opportunities offered at the facility.

"We wanted the building's form to portray the modern style of learning that occurs within its walls," said Tony Leininger, president of CARMI Design Group, the project architect, in a release. The resulting design of the $1.8 million, 6,700-square-foot facility for middle- and high-school students features three distinct spaces, sharp angles and generous uses of glass framed in recycled aluminum.

The players: Architect, CARMI Design Group Inc.; general contractor, Shelton Construction; glazing contractor, Midwest Glass & Mirror; glass fabricator, PPG Industries; storefront systems, Tubelite Inc.; storefront systems finisher, Linetec.

The storefront systems: Tubelite's 14000 and T14650 Series Storefronts. Designed for low-rise applications, Tubelite's 14000 Series Storefront is a durable, flush-glazed system that offers strength and thermal performance. Framing members have 2-inch by 4.5-inch profiles. The T14650 Series frame offers the same design, assembly and accessories as the 14000 Series' 2-inch face, but features a depth of 6.5 inches. The additional 2-inch depth on the interior side of the frame provides greater structural properties and allowsfor taller first-floor openings, according to a Tubelite release. Linetec painted the aluminum in Hartford Green fluoropolymer finish, corresponding with the school's "Home of the Shamrocks" motto.