W. L. Hall Company Galtier Plaza Kalwall Translucent Panel Skylight Restoration Project Spotlight
In 1985, Galtier Plaza was erected with the vision of becoming a comprehensive development supported by its advocates. The Plaza boasts two towering residential buildings named after the streets they overlook: Jackson and Sibley.
Interestingly, in the 19th century, combining residential and commercial spaces was typical. Still, with the introduction of zoning regulations in the 20th century, the trend changed to segregate these uses into separate districts. However, Galtier Plaza emerged as a pioneering mega-project that aimed to break this mold by establishing an autonomous "urban village."
Bigos Management, the owner of Galtier Plaza, reached out to W. L. Hall Company for assistance addressing several leaks plaguing the plaza. The skylights at Galtier Plaza were installed during the original construction in 1984.
W. L. Hall Company and Kalwall have a longstanding commitment to designing healthier and sustainable spaces. Our durable and aesthetically pleasing translucent daylighting systems are renowned for their exceptional insulation. They are the most energy-efficient solutions available to the entire Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Our design solutions balance performance, aesthetics, and value perfectly.
The restoration process consisted of two distinct phases:
During the first phase, the existing glass on the primary ridge skylights was replaced with Kalwall's insulated translucent panel. The owner had been experiencing significant solar heat gain in the atrium, causing difficulties in cooling the space using the HVAC system.
Kalwall's insulated panels provided a viable solution to address the heating and cooling requirements of the space. Additionally, the Kalwall panels provided the added benefit of diffused lighting, which was directed towards task-level illumination on the main floor.
In the second phase, we focused on restoring the single-sloping glass skylights that faced Mears Park and Jackson Street. These skylights were arranged in a "waterfall" pattern on either side of the tiered ridge skylights.
Since their installation in 1984, the skylights retained their original retainer bars, gaskets, and glazing. Our restoration efforts for these skylights involved a complete overhaul, including replacing all exterior retainers, covers, fasteners, gaskets, perimeter seals, and glass with brand-new components.
The replacement glass now boasts a high-performance, low-emissivity (Low-E) coating, which was not present in the original glass. Additionally, we addressed the issue of raised horizontal caps, which impeded water flow and caused leaks by replacing them with a flush silicone butt joint.
This new joint seamlessly connects the horizontal glass edges, allowing water to drain effectively from the skylight.
As part of the restoration process, we removed the raised horizontal caps causing water to pool and leak and replaced them with a flush silicone butt joint. This innovative joint connects the horizontal glass edges seamlessly, enabling water to drain effectively from the skylight and reducing the risk of leaks.
The installation of Kalwall's insulated panels has significantly impacted the heating and cooling requirements of the space, resulting in remarkable energy savings. In addition, the panels have proven to be an effective solution in regulating the temperature within the atrium & have helped reduce the strain on the HVAC system.
Kalwall Daylighting can enhance a space's overall comfort by improving its occupants' mood and morale, reducing eyestrain and fatigue, and creating a more relaxing atmosphere.
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