The U of M Bell Museum of Natural History features complex glass and glazing systems as four-sided structural glazed, dual cantilever box curtainwall and monumental span curtainwall systems with a total glass area of approximately 16,000 square feet. The expansive curtainwall systems surrounding the facility offer natural daylighting and were glazed with bird-friendly low-e insulated glass to help birds avoid unexpected collisions.

Scope of Work: 

• Four-sided structural glazed, dual-cantilever box aluminum curtainwall systems
• Monumental span curtainwall aluminum curtainwall systems
• Aluminum thermal entrance doors
• Exterior glass railings
• Vestibule and glass entrance
• Interior diorama glass displays
• Skylight
• Virtual Design Construction (VDC), Thermal and 3D modeling

Unique Features: (4-7 on every projects)
 

• Complex “fly-by” extended jamb and parapet bypass conditions while maintaining aesthetic continuity.
• Technology also addressed curtainwall corner transitions, systems integration and alignment with conjoining sections of the building, and detailing of the green roof vestibule which was added later in the project.
• Bird-friendly low-e insulated glass will help birds avoid unexpected collisions.
• 3D modeling for curtainwall corner transition designs at the southwest main entrance.The bottom curtainwall façade glass lites transitioned to an outside corner while the third top glass lites ran-through to create a soffit above the entrance.