6160 ArchitecturAl Products Dec. 2014

project deconstruction•

Saieh Hall for Economics, University of ChicagoChicago

Originally built in 1928 as the Chicago Theological Seminary, the University of Chicago’s new Saieh Hall for Economics—occupying a full city block—opened in June, showcasing a $75 million renovation. While the beauty and magnificence of the original building remains, this adaptive reuse project has been updated with modern, efficient amenities and is on target to receive LEED Gold. When the project started in 2010, Boston-based Ann Beha Architects conducted a preservation assessment to analyze the condition of the building’s historic features and finishes in an effort to maintain the character of the neigh-borhood that has hosted the university since its founding in 1890. “The University of Chicago was committed to the preser-vation and restoration of this historic building,” said Kathleen Gerner, AIA, LEED AP, Ann Beha Architects. “It is wonderful to speak to people who knew this building when it was the seminary. They are amazed at how it has been repurposed.” The new 100,000-sq.-ft. Saieh Hall for Economics includes 77,000-sq.-ft. of repurposed existing space: the for-mer library became a classroom with restored stained glass windows and surfaces, and the large chapel was converted to a graduate student lounge. Also, a city alley that once divided the building in half now links the two wings of Saieh Hall to create its central lobby, with entry glass infill providing a clear view for those on both the inside and the outside. The glass fin walls can absorb large loads without compromising the building’s structural integrity. Additionally, 23,000-sq.-ft. of added space includes a new below-grade tired classroom that features fully dim-mable glass to provide solar control and room darkening capabilities at the clerestory skylights, switching from com-pletely opaque to transparent as necessary and eliminating the need for traditional shades or blinds. “One of the strongest aspects of this project is the intersection between historic and contemporary design, transforming spaces to those with completely new program functions,” said Gerner. “Adapting historic spaces for their current use without losing their original character-defining features is one of the most successful parts of this project.”

Limestone PaversValders’ limestone pavers are made of high-density dolomitic limestone with a low water absorption rate and a high abrasion resistance. The limestone is classified as Type 3 by the American Society for Testing and Materials

(ASTM) and has a MIA Classification for Soundness of A. www.valdersstone.com or Circle 472

Structural GlazingThe entrance to Saieh Hall uses Sentech laminated, low-iron, heat treated, fully tempered glass, with a low-e coating structural glazing. The glazing created the new monumental entry in the location of a former vehicular alley to

connect the east and west wings of the building. www.sentechas.com or Circle 471

Steel Casement and Fixed WindowsHope’s Windows Landmark175 series (steel casement windows) and Jamestown175 Series (steel fixed windows) are hot-rolled and a full 1.75-in. deep, with narrow sightlines of 2.625-in., accommodating up to 1.125-in. glass.

The Landmark 175 Series casement windows offer a very narrow sightline of 2.1875 in. operable windows and doors. www.hopeswindows.com or Circle 470

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project specs

Owner: University of ChicagoArchitect: Ann Beha Architects, BostonAssociate Architect: Gensler, Chicago General Contractor: Turner Construction, ChicagoStructural Engineers: Thornton Tomasetti, ChicagoMEP/FP Engineer: dbHMS, Chicago Interiors: Ann Beha Architects, BostonDate Opened: June 2014Total Budget: $75,000,000Photography: Tom Rossiter

M A R K E T : E D U C A T I O N

Critical Products + Materials

Hope’s Windows Landmark175 series (steel casement windows) Jamestown175 Series (steel fixed windows)

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Sentech glass

Valders’ limestone pavers

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Smart GlassAs an alternative to traditional window shades, Innovative Glass Corp’s SPD Smart Glass features dimmable glass technology that changes from clear to a dark blue tint to tune light levels in Saieh Hall’s underground

classroom. The glass offers the ability to block over 99.5% of light transmission, providing an environment suitable for AV teaching. It takes the glass two seconds to switch on and 30 seconds to switch off. www.innovativeglasscorp.com or Circle 469

Graduate Commons PendantsBubble Ring Pendants by Beta Calco have diffusers that are injection molded, UV stabilized and made of opal polycarbonate. Hung in Saieh Hall’s graduate commons and juxtaposed with the original historical lighting,

the luminaires are supplied with 7.8 m or 20-ft. of cable, which can be extended to a maximum overall distance of 20 m or 64-ft. Custom cable lengths are also available by special order. www.betacalco.com or Circle 468

Classroom Track LightingContinuing the integration of historical preservation and modern upgrades, Architectural Lighting Works’ LP 11 Monumental Pendant flows seamlessly with the original ornamental ceiling in the

new classroom. It consists of two parallel aluminum channels approximately 11 in. across. Downlights attach between the extrusion in an open ring or modular configuration. Additional fluorescent uplights can be added in the parallel channels. www.alwusa.com or Circle 467

Chalkboard LightsCooper Lighting’s Linear LEDs are suitable for cove, casework and niche applications. The housing of io Lighting’s line series .75 enables functional luminous intensities from “tight” architectural details. Similar to a halogen light

source, the LED offers superior definition to three-dimensional objects and sparkle to reflective surfaces. The projected average rated life is 50,000 hours at 70% of lamp lumen output. www.cooperindustries.com or Circle 466

Classroom DownlightsThe underground classroom has Selux’s M100 LED Linear Downlights. Made from extruded 6063-T6 aluminum construction, exact cut lengths and custom configurations are both available. Multiple dimming options provide

energy savings for the unique below-grade space and add functionality to the design of the classroom. There is tool-less access to the optical chamber. The lights are available in cable, stem and wall mountings. www.selux.us or Circle 465

Acoustic Wood PanelsRulon’s Aluratone panel series, with its tongue-and-groove system, was installed in a Red Oak veneer with a clear finish and stained to match the adjacent historic finishes replicated in Saieh Hall’s underground classroom. The high-end

acoustic paneling combines the warmth and beauty of wood with acoustical performance, allowing designers to choose from a variety of acoustical characteristics and panel surfaces. www.rulonco.com or Circle 464

Fixed TablesIdeal for the classroom, Nienkamper’s tables combine curved, veneered tabletops with advanced connectivity solutions. The units can be constructed at two heights and many design options, including tops and panels in

a spectrum of wood finishes and laminate. The faceted modesty panels can be specified at varying heights, while the tabletop privacy screen is also available in two heights. www.nienkamper.com or Circle 463

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project deconstruction•

Critical Products + Materials