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New thermally efficient glazing 50% more efficient than triple glazing
Retrofit Vendors utilize new glazing system at Concordia University’s Braaksma Hall.
Braaksma Hall’s façade seamlessly merges aesthetics and energy efficiency, featuring high-performance curtain walls, glazing, and composite wall panels.
The facade at Braaksma Hall is 50% glazing which, in Alberta’s climate, often signals poor thermal performance. However, Braaksma Hall is a test bed for a new and highly efficient glazing system: it is North America’s first project to integrate Vacuum Insulated Glass (VIG) units, which are a staggering 50% more efficient than standard triple glazing! Paired with a fibreglass framing system, Braaksma Hall features the most thermally efficient curtain wall that North America has seen to date. Compared to a traditional system, with triple glazing and an aluminum frame, Braaksma Hall’s system will save 155 tons of carbon emitted every year. The building’s energy data will be tracked through a comprehensive set of modelling, monitoring and analysis tools, which the University can use as a test bed for future projects, to cut energy consumption, improve building performance and use as a teaching tool.
The project has been shortlisted for Best Use of Glass at the Society of Façade Engineering (SFE) 2026 Design & Engineering Awards.
Learn more: GlasCurtain, Reimagine Architects
Disclaimer: This content is shared in partnership with GlasCurtain and Reimagine Architects. The views expressed in the source articles are those of GlasCurtain and Reimagine Architects and do not necessarily reflect those of AEEA.
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