Bendheims Channel Glass Is Central to Design That Connects At Indiana Universitys Neurosciences Research Building

(PRWEB) January 27, 2015

Bendheim Wall Systems channel glass is central to the interior design of the new Neurosciences Research Building of Indiana Universitys School of Medicine, Indianapolis. Bendheims channel glass was selected for its distinctive structural and aesthetic qualities: from the ability to span great heights to its characteristic linearity. The channel glass walls create a translucent stacked tower at the core of the wrap-around main staircase, connecting multiple floors and adjacent collaboration spaces.

Designed by architects at BSA LifeStructures, the 140,700 sq.-ft. facility brings together research and clinical care focused on neurological disorders. The design purposefully connects clinicians, scientists, and patients in one location to break down the traditional barriers between research and clinical care, and facilitate the translation of scientific discoveries into practical applications.

Bendheim Wall Systems Inc. provided 4,000 sq. ft. of tempered channel glass for the signature tower at the heart of the building. Architects selected Piccolo, a fine, corduroy-like texture, whose miniature facets add a sense of movement and energy to the space. The unique application of a translucent white coating to the back of the textured glass channels boosts the towers light-diffusing, slightly obscuring effect. While a typical colored channel glass application employs ceramic frits baked into the back of the glass for weather-resistance, the interior installation allowed Bendheim to achieve the desired aesthetic with a custom, VOC-free, isocyanate-free color coating. The white back-coating enhances the brilliance of the tower of stacked channel glass, filling the space with a soft glow and drawing attention and traffic to the staircase.

Bendheim Wall Systems Lamberts channel glass can create virtually seamless glass walls that are limitless in length and up to 23 tall, with little or no need for intermediate framing members. It is available in six surface textures offering varying levels of obscuration. Each texture can be produced in ultra-clear (low-iron) glass or up to 60% recycled glass. Ceramic frit colors, sand-blast options, and a variety of decorative effects can also be achieved and effortlessly amplified through creative lighting solutions.

"The Bendheim channel glass system with integrated LED back-lighting provides an iconic beacon of light that helps unite the building into its surrounding context, said Scott Gilliam, Project Architect at BSA LifeStructures. The channel glass system is a visual connector between floors and allows for uninterrupted vertical surfaces to span the 16-0 floor-to-floor heights without the need for mid-span supports. By wrapping the main vertical staircase, the Bendheim channel glass system reflects transparency and awareness, as well as the forward-thinking nature of this research building.

Architectural Glass & Metal Company, Inc. installed the single-glazed channel glass in Bendheims proprietary I-41 frame system. The frame permitted dry-joint assembly, eliminating the need for silicone sealants in order to speed up installation, while creating a superior aesthetic with impeccable joint connections.

The Neurosciences Research Building has achieved a LEED Gold certification. The channel glass 60% recycled content, including up to 40% post-consumer content, contributes to the sustainability of the project.

For more information about Bendheim Wall Systems Inc., please visit http://www.bendheimwall.com.

About Bendheim Wall Systems Inc.: Bendheim Wall Systems, Inc. is North America's leading channel glass wall systems supplier. The companys award-winning projects include Steven Holls Bloch Building/Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Shaw Center for the Arts by Schwartz/Silver, and the Boston ICA by Diller Scofidio + Renfro. Bendheims partnership with Glasfabrik Lamberts, the largest privately held cast glass factory in Europe, spans eight decades.

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Bendheims Channel Glass Is Central to Design That Connects At Indiana Universitys Neurosciences Research Building