Case Study: Hospital Glass Canopy System

A Pittsburgh hospital recently opened its new courtyard entrance featuring a glass canopy system. The canopy was engineered, manufactured and installed by EXTECH/Exterior Technologies, Inc. (EXTECH) to meet the project’s specified performance and schedule. The new space was designed to improve the patient experience by providing a bright and inviting entrance.

The job was completed on time in about half of the time than competitors had estimated.  By using the new SKYSHADE 2500 Series class canopy, the system was able to be fully fabricated and shipped to the job site.  Aside from the project’s timeline and performance requirements, engineers had to design and engineer the connections to the existing structural steel.  EXTECH’s SKYSHADE 2500 glass canopy system was designed for the panels to be individually replaceable, allowing for future updates to design or repairs needed.

There are 19 bays in the entire canopy split into three glass lites, each approximately 4 feet long by 3 feet wide by 4 feet deep. The glass lites created a continuous smooth surface from the front to the back of the canopy by being joined by a silicon butt joint. The clips for the canopy varied slightly taller in the front than the back, allowing for an ¼-inch:12-inch slope so the water would drain into the rear gutter. This managed spill off the canopy in the front and allowed the canopy to remain cleaner.

A total of 20 aluminum rafters, at 11 feet long, secure the system. The aluminum used contains 39 percent recycled content, and the metal rafters after it’s long life as a canopy is 100 percent recyclable. The aluminum framing meets the American Architectural Manufacturers Association’s industry-leading standard (AAMA 611) because it was finished in Class 1 clear anodize. Anodize is one of the most durable architectural finishes while also enhancing weather – resistance and aesthetic appeal.