Kawneer announced that its IR 521/521T Storefront Framing System now meets the AAMA 501.8 Human Impact Standard. The company’s 1600UT System 1 Curtain Wall also met the standard.
AAMA 501.8 qualifies products for behavioral health and healthcare facilities, where accidental or intentional collisions with glass and framing are a safety concern. The standard sets rigorous testing protocols to ensure fenestration systems can withstand significant human impact forces while keeping the framing and glazing assembly intact. Compliance can reduce liability risks and support building code adherence in high-traffic facilities.
“Typically, only windows have been designed and tested to this standard,” says Chris Giovannielli, director of product management at Kawneer. “It is exciting to be first to market with a storefront system, and with the additional testing of a curtain wall, design teams have more framing product options to meet unique healthcare project requirements.”
Behavioral health facilities pose particular design challenges because glazing in patient rooms, corridors and common areas must protect patients, staff and visitors while balancing durability, aesthetics and security. Interior applications need to minimize injury risk without sacrificing natural light and visibility, while exterior applications must also meet environmental performance requirements.
Kim Ferro, commercial vice president, says the systems’ adaptability across applications offers a single-source option for buildings with varying performance needs. “By reducing complexity and maintaining design flexibility, we are giving architects and specifiers of the interior and exterior elements of healthcare buildings the best of both worlds,” says Ferro.
The milestone comes as Kawneer marks 120 years in business.
