GPX Framing with Sunshade Connectors at Doolittle BART Station

Exterior fire rated glass in Oakland Airport | SAFTI FIRST
Oakland Airport Connector – Doolittle BART Station
Oakland, CA
Architect: ED2 International
Glazing Contractor: Bagatelos Glass
Products Used: SuperLite II-XL 60 IGU in GPX Architectural Series Framing with Sunshade Connection (Why is it unique? Sunshade connections are not typical with fire rated assemblies)

Structural Connection Element at Oakland BART Station

Case Study. GPX Framing with Sunshade Connectors at Doolittle BART Station. SAFTI FIRST® engineered a connection that allows the structural elements of the GPX Framing System to support an integral sunshade system, instead of being hung in front of it.

SAFTI FIRST® engineered a connection that allows the structural elements of the GPX Framing System to support an integral sunshade system, instead of being hung in front of it.

For the Doolittle Maintenance Facility, SAFTI FIRST® provided 60-minute, fire resistive wall openings in the exterior using SuperLite II-XL 60 insulated with low-e glazing in GPX Architectural Series Framing Framing with a clear anodized finish. SAFTI FIRST® engineered a connection that allows the structural elements of the GPX Architectural Series Framing System to support an integral sunshade system, instead of being hung in front of it.

Exterior fire rated glass in Oakland Airport | SAFTI FIRST

The framing covers were notched around the brackets to create a seamless connection. The connection was also kept in front of the waterline to avoid a potential breach, keeping the system air and water tight. Other manufacturers would have to go through and behind the glazing pocket to get to the structure, creating a challenge during the fabrication and installation phases.

The potential for water penetration increases significantly once you punch a hole in your framing and glazing pocket. By using the SuperLite II-XL 60 IGU in GPX Architectural Series Framing Framing, the architect was able to achieve the aesthetic and code requirements of the application while keeping the whole system air and water tight.

The Doolittle Bart Station is one of the first installations of the GPX Architectural Series System with sunshade connections, which also include SLCC New Instruction and Administrative Building in Salt Lake City, UT. While it is a fairly new offering, it is quickly gaining attention and interest in the building community. Sunshades are commonly used in building to control the amount of direct sunlight through exterior windows.

When the location of the exterior windows also need to meet fire rated requirements due to property lines, etc., it is good for designers to know that they have an option that combines both.

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