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Making a Positive and Meaningful Difference

July 11, 2022
3 min read

The Geisinger Center for Health Research (GCHR) in Pennsylvania serves its community through its work and the relationships it has built beyond the campus. 

In a project where sustainability extends beyond the vision of the building, the concave and convex walls and sloping roof are complex design elements that necessitated 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. 

 

Making a Positive and Meaningful Difference

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 delivering care. They quickly translate research findings into medical solutions. The unique and innovative design reflects the cutting-edge work conducted inside. 

 

Distinctive In Every Detail 

Kawneer, King Glass and the GCHR construction and design team were able to construct a facility that helps GCHR staff conduct medical research and improve healthcare locally and worldwide. 

The curved shape and deep mullion covers that follow the lines of the building provide an interesting aesthetic, making the project one of a kind. To accomplish the customized design, Kawneer products were combined throughout the building to provide a greater visual impact and maximize daylight. 

These included Kawneer’s 1600 Wall System®1 Curtain Wall and 1600 Wall System®2 Curtain Wall. The downward curving lines were achieved through concave and convex compound miter joints with cuts in radius and in plane. The concealed fastener joinery helped to create unbroken lines, achieving a clean, streamlined exterior appearance. 


Better For the Environment and Local Community

Materials had to be manufactured regionally in order to help achieve the Materials and Resources credits under LEED®. The close proximity of Kawneer’s Bloomsburg plant satisfied this requirement and also fulfilled the request for recycled billet.

Natural daylight was a key design component in gaining LEED Silver® certification 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. 

The Geisinger Center for Health Research (GCHR) encompasses a broader definition of sustainability with its unique curving walls, “green” design components and occupants’ impactful work done within the community. 

 

About Kawneer

Kawneer creates positive environments to shape a better world. Founded in 1906, Kawneer’s pioneering architectural solutions continue to advance modern design, delivering resilient, distinctive buildings that promote sustainability and well-being. 

With locations across North America and Europe, Kawneer offers global technical expertise with people dedicated to creating a best-in-class customer experience. Kawneer promotes an inclusive culture that embraces diversity, workplace safety and civic contribution. 

Defined by quality, durability and performance, Kawneer is building legacies and is constantly evolving to remain relevant from generation to generation.  

Visit Kawneer.com to find out more.

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