Geisinger Center for Health Research

In the building and construction industry, sustainability is often characterized with products and construction methods. However, sustainability extends far beyond physical components of a building – it can also extend into the community. The Geisinger Center for Health Research (GCHR) encompasses the broader definition of sustainability with its unique curving walls, “green” design components and occupants’ impactful work done within for the community. Since opening its doors, the GCHR has achieved LEED Silver® certification.

Based in Danville, the GCHR is committed to addressing national health issues and improving the effectiveness of healthcare in central and northeastern Pennsylvania through research and technology. The 63,000-square-foot building serves as a hub for teams of researchers, clinician investigators and staff who work to identify, test and validate new models of care delivery and quickly translate research findings into medical solutions. The GCHR serves as a large, state-of-the-art facility that houses staff members, the Health Sciences Libraries, and lecture, meeting and conference rooms. Its unique and innovative design reflects the cutting-edge work conducted inside.

Geisinger serves its community through the work done throughout its facilities and the relationships it has built beyond the campus. The GCHR is a project where sustainability truly extends outside the creation of the building. Kawneer, King Glass and the GCHR construction and design team were able to construct a facility that can help Geisinger conduct medical research and improve healthcare for the local community and worldwide.

DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS

The unique curved shape of the building and the deep mullion covers that follow the lines of the building provide an interesting aesthetic, making the project one of a kind. In addition, the natural daylight in the building design was a key component in helping generate LEED® certification points by reducing the dependency on electrical lighting and providing window views for more than 90% of the office space. The glazed elements throughout the building created an exterior “skin” to maximize energy savings and interior light.

CHALLENGES

The convex and concave walls and sloping roof were complex design elements, which required a great deal of expertise to achieve. The multiple compound angles throughout the project required CAD drawings to be exact due to the intricacy of the design.

SOLUTIONS

• To accomplish the customized look of the design, Kawneer’s 1600 Wall System™1 Curtain Wall and 1600 Wall System™2 Curtain Wall were used throughout the building and combined to provide a greater visual impact. The downward curving lines of the curtain wall were achieved through convex and concave compound miter joints and cuts in radius and in plane. The concealed fastener joinery helped to create unbroken lines, achieving a clean, streamlined exterior appearance.
• In addition to the close proximity of Kawneer’s Bloomsburg plant, recycled billet was requested and materials had to be manufactured regionally in order to help achieve the Materials and Resources credits under LEED®.
• Kawneer’s Trifab™ VG (VersaGlaze™) 450 Framing System and 350 Tuffline™ Entrances were also utilized in the $21 million project. Trifab™ VG 450 framing, which features an array of fabrication, design and performance choices, was used on the interior of the building. Kawneer’s durable 350 Tuffline™ Entrances, a popular choice for heavy-traffic areas, were incorporated throughout the facility.

ARCHITECT: EwingCole, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
GLAZING CONTRACTOR: King Glass Company, Exeter, Pennsylvania

Photography: ©CJBerg

Geisinger Center for Health Research