Pilkington Profilit channel glass

The Pilkington Profilit translucent linear channel glazing system consists of self-supporting cast glass channels and an extruded metal perimeter frame that produce a wall that obscures vision but allows light to pass through. The U-shaped panels can be installed vertically or horizontally and can be used for interior or exterior applications. The energy-efficient glass is available in a variety of colors and textures with varying translucency.

Cannon Design’s Yazdani Studio team, led by Mehrdad Yazdani, specified approximately 10,000 sf of Profilit glass for the laboratory space of the Hauptman-Woodward Institute’s new research headquarters in Buffalo, N.Y., reversing the industry trend of relegating laboratory space into a black box. The facility was designed in three parts—a rectilinear translucent laboratory wing, a curved office wing, and a three-story atrium joining the two—to encourage scientist interaction.

“In this dense setting, the glass controls views out of the building, while at the same time allowing for abundant natural light to enter into the building. Despite the harsh Buffalo (N.Y.) winter, lights are not necessary during the daylight hours, even under the cloudiest of skies.”

“In designing the building the directors of Hauptman-Woodward wanted to display and promote their science to the public. With the use of the glass, the public is able to view the activities behind the glass, helping to dispel the mystery of science.”

“There is a kind of poetic quality to the way in which channel glass transmits light into interior spaces. It has volumetric dimension that allow you to create an expression of form.”