There was extensive research prior to the construction of the facility’s grand entrance and pool-side façade by Designer Paul Widlarz of HGA Architects, an organization based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Widlarz chose to utilize 6,710 sq. ft. of CPI Daylighting’s UniQuad system in clear and clear matte glazing to achieve the vision Virtua was looking for without glare and visibility from the outside. “The UniQuad lets in a ton of natural light, and didn’t have some of the thermal performance issues we would have had with any other material,” said Widlarz. “It fit the bill from a number of different perspectives, from getting the light in but maintaining the privacy the client wanted and also a high performing glazing system in a harsh, humid environment.”

The UniQuad system is constructed of two independent translucent insulated panels that are joined by a mechanically interlocking structure, which eliminates the need for vulnerable wet seal and adhesives. It is the only daylight system that can span as long as twelve feet between structural supports and can provide indefinite building envelope protection. The system features Removable Skin Technology that allows the exterior panel to be replaced as needed. UniQuad is scalable and can be configured with various features while maintaining its integrity, including: additional insulation, sound reduction, dynamic shading, additional structural performance, and even military forced entry resistance.

Virtua combined daylighting and viewing zones, as can be seen on the twenty-five foot long poolside façade, where Kingspan Light + Air incorporated vision glass in addition to the UniQuad panels. Together, the two zones create a level of transparency that is controlled where desired while satisfying a LEED requirement as well. “Comparing it to curtainwall and other materials, we found that with Kingspan Light + Air we were able to get a much more dynamic material at a smaller cost,” said Widlarz. “It gave us the best of both worlds and was very well received.”