Geisinger Center for Health Research: Redefining Sustainability Through Community

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12 August, 2008

In the building and construction industry, sustainability is often characterized by the products and methods used when constructing buildings. However, the meaning of sustainability extends far beyond building products and into the community. The Geisinger Center for Health Research (GCHR) is a building that encompasses the broader definition of sustainability and is truly remarkable - not only because of its unique curving walls and “green” design components, but also because of the greater work that is done within; work done for the people.

Based in Danville, the GCHR is committed to addressing national health issues and improving the effectiveness of healthcare in central and northeastern Pennsylvania through research and technology. The 63,000 square foot building serves as a hub for teams of researchers, clinician investigators and staff who work to identify, test, and validate new models of care delivery and quickly translate research findings into immediate medical solutions. Geisinger needed a large, state-of-the-art facility that would not only serve to house staff members, the Health Sciences Libraries, lecture, meeting and conference rooms, but whose unique and innovative design would reflect the cutting-edge work being conducted inside.

Since opening its doors, the Geisinger Center for Health Research has achieved LEED Silver certification. Jim Whitaker, architectural sales representative for Kawneer, said, “The Geisinger Center for Health Research is a project where sustainability truly extends beyond the creation of the building. Not only because of the beautiful facility and unique design elements, but also because of the positive impact the facility had on the Geisinger campus and the surrounding community. We were able to create something that can help Geisinger in its efforts to conduct medical research and improve upon healthcare for people worldwide. It’s a different kind of sustainability that is really rewarding.”

Design Highlights

• The curved shape of the building is unique and the deep mullion covers that follow the lines of the building work to give it an interesting aesthetic, making the project one-of-a- ind. In addition, the use and manipulation of natural daylight in the building design was a key component in helping generate LEED certification points by reducing the dependency on electrical lighting and providing window views for more than 90 percent of the office space. The glazed elements throughout the building created an exterior “skin” to maximize energy savings and interior light.

Challenges

• The convex and concave walls and sloping roof were complex design elements, which required a great deal of expertise to achieve. The multiple compound angles throughout the project required the CAD drawings to be exact due to the intricacy of the design. To accomplish the customized look in the design, Kawneer’s 1600 Wall System®1 and 1600 Wall System®2 were used throughout the building and combined to provide a greater visual impact. The downward curving lines of the curtain wall were achieved through convex and concave compound miter joints and cuts in radius and in plane. The concealed fastener joinery helped to create unbroken lines, achieving a clean, streamlined exterior appearance.
• In addition to the close proximity of Kawneer’s Bloomsburg plant, recycled LEED billet was requested and materials had to be manufactured regionally in order to help achieve the Materials and Resources LEED credits.
• Kawneer’s Trifab® VG (VersaGlaze®) 450 framing system and 350 Tuffline® Entrances were also utilized in the $21 million project. Trifab® VG 450 framing, which features an array of fabrication, design and performance choices, was used on the interior of the building. Kawneer’s durable 350 Tuffline® Entrances, a popular choice for heavy-traffic areas, were incorporated throughout the facility.

Featured Products

• Kawneer’s 1600 Wall System®1 and 1600 Wall System®2 curtain wall, Trifab® VG (VersaGlaze®) 450 framing on the interior, 350 Tuffline® Entrances and custom covers on 1600 Wall System®2.

Learn more about Kawneer’s focus on sustainability at Kawneergreen.com.

 

• PDF News Release = Geisinger Center for Health Research