Great Glazing | Gund Hall, Harvard Graduate School of Design

Above: Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope’s modified TCR-225 window wall system preserves Gund Hall’s distinctive mid-century character. Photo courtesy of Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope.

Glazing contractor: A&A Window Products
Glass & metal supplier: Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope®
Architect: Bruner/Cott Architects

When Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design set out to renovate its iconic Gund Hall, the challenge was clear: achieve a stringent overall weighted U-factor of 0.30 while preserving the building’s distinctive mid-century character. The 1972 structure, with its striking glass-enclosed multi-level studio “trays” required innovative solutions to meet modern energy standards without compromising its architectural integrity.

The challenge

The renovation demanded customized approaches for each elevation. For the clerestory windows, surrounded by complex steel trusses that made interior access nearly impossible, Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope® modified its TCR-225 window wall system for a more efficient exterior installation, eliminating the need for interior scaffolding or lifts. The team adapted the system to accommodate triple-glazed units, increasing the glass pocket from 1-inch to 1-3/4-inch glazing while maintaining the building’s aesthetic profile.

The design

The east elevation’s distinctive slope glazing required modifications to the BMS-3000 single slope skylight system, replacing the standard tubular back member with an I-beam design for seamless integration with the building’s existing structure while significantly improving the thermal performance.

The most technically challenging elements were the expansive north and south elevations, where the team implemented hybrid vacuum insulating glass technology. This cutting-edge solution was integrated into Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope’s Reliance™ veneer curtain wall system through significant engineering innovation. The team reduced the system’s sightline from 2 1/2 inches to 2 inches and decreased profile depth to closely mimic the original aesthetics.

Strategic positioning of the VIG on the exterior optimized condensation resistance, achieved through extensive thermal modeling and collaborative problem-solving. The result: a modified veneer system achieving a remarkable U-factor of 0.19, contributing significantly to the project’s overall performance goals.

The result

This renovation demonstrates how strategic partnerships between glazing contractors, design-assist experts and innovative technology can transform historic structures into high-performance buildings. Gund Hall now serves as a model for updating mid-century architecture to contemporary energy standards while preserving architectural character—proving that sustainability and heritage can coexist beautifully.

Learn More

To learn more, visit obe.com or call 866/653-2278.