Bringing Carleton College’s Class of 1974 Building Vision to Life

Bringing Carleton College’s Class of 1974 Building Vision to Life w l hall company glass and glazing 1

Carleton College (Northfield, MN) is recognized for its rigorous academics, intimate class sizes averaging just 14 students, and a strong sense of community. We were proud to bring our extensive expertise in educational glass and glazing projects to the college’s Class of 1974 Building, made possible through the generosity of the Class of 1974 alumni. 

Bringing Carleton College’s Class of 1974 Building Vision to Life w l hall company glass and glazing 12

Partnering with BWBR Architects (St. Paul) and Terra Construction (Rogers, MN), we helped transform their ambitious design vision into reality. The completed project not only reflects the architectural creativity of BWBR and the construction leadership of Terra, but also stands as a lasting tribute to the enduring legacy of Carleton alumni.



We have vast experience delivering successful glass and glazing projects for educational institutions and understand the unique performance, safety, and durability requirements of academic environments.

The Class of 1974 Building exemplifies how our expertise helps transform educational visions into lasting, functional, and beautiful spaces.

Bringing Carleton College’s Class of 1974 Building Vision to Life w l hall company glass and glazing 13

The Class of 1974 Building exemplifies how our expertise helps transform educational visions into lasting, functional, and beautiful spaces.


Challenges & Solutions


Extended Custom Curtainwall & Window Covers


We installed assemblies that strike a balance between strength, performance, and transparency, allowing natural light to enhance the interior environment.


Custom Frit Bird Glass by Viracon

Meeting bird-safety and sustainability goals was a key priority. We sourced and installed custom frit glass from Viracon, striking a balance between aesthetics, performance, and environmental responsibility.


Dormakaba All-Glass Doors with Swing-Assist Operators

To combine accessibility and security, we integrated Dormakaba all-glass doors with swing-assist operators and card reader–controlled locks. This system provides reliable functionality while complementing the building’s modern design.


Acrylic Light Diffusers on a Radius

We installed BWBR’s curved acrylic light diffusers, which softened the lighting environment, creating a distinct interior atmosphere.


We also positioned wood fins for the curtainwall near one of the entrances, providing aesthetic enhancement by introducing natural warmth and texture to the glass façade while creating a contrast between the natural material and the sleek, modern look of the curtainwall.

Bringing Carleton College’s Class of 1974 Building Vision to Life w l hall company glass and glazing 15
Bringing Carleton College’s Class of 1974 Building Vision to Life w l hall company glass and glazing 18

We partner with architects, builders, and owners to deliver unique and creative design solutions that enhance educational environments.

Two Recent Zona® LYNX Telescopic Glass Wall Projects Showcase Flexible Design

By Ira Hackner • December 18, 2025
We are pleased to highlight two recently completed ZONA® LYNX telescoping glass wall projects, each tailored to the specific functional demands of its space. Working closely with the architects involved, we helped bring each project's design vision to reality, delivering precision ZONA installations that support flexibility, transparency, and long-term performance across both professional office and high-traffic environments. Both projects feature 3/8" clear laminated glass with a clear anodized finish, providing a consistent balance of durability, safety, and refined aesthetics. Below is a brief overview of each project and the unique advantages the ZONA LYNX system brings to each application.

Glass & Glazing Project in Progress – Boston Scientific's Weaver Lake 4 Expansion

By Ira Hackner • December 11, 2025
We are fortunate to be engaged in a wide range of projects across the Upper Midwest at any given time—each one highlighting the diversity of systems and solutions we provide. Today, we’re pleased to spotlight one of the major glazing projects we are currently involved in: the Boston Scientific – Weaver Lake 4 Expansion. We are proud to be actively progressing on this expansion, delivering advanced glass and glazing solutions for a project that continues to elevate one of Minnesota's most impactful medical device campuses. Collaborating with HGA Architects (Minneapolis) and Ryan Companies Construction (Minneapolis), our team is helping turn their design intent into a fully engineered, constructable glazing system—one that delivers long-term performance, clean aesthetics, and exceptional durability for Boston Scientific.

Air Leakage Is a Silent Energy Killer. One Rolling Door Is Finally Addressing It Head-On

By Ira Hackner • November 21, 2025
Most building professionals know that air leakage is one of the biggest performance failures in commercial buildings. What is less understood is this: Air leakage doesn't move in only one direction. It can move inward (infiltration) or outward (exfiltration) — and each direction carries its own set of energy, comfort, and moisture-control consequences. Even worse, rolling doors have historically been among the weakest points of the building envelope.

Daylighting, Durability & Performance: Why the Thief River Falls Regional Airport Chose Kalwall

By Ira Hackner • November 14, 2025
Daylighting, Durability & Performance: Why the Thief River Falls Regional Airport Chose Kalwall

Four Xcel Energy Facilities: Powered by Kalwall

By Ira Hackner • November 7, 2025
We truly enjoyed working with HCM Architects (Minneapolis), TKDA Architects (Bloomington), Knutson Construction (Minneapolis), and McGough (St. Paul), who brought four new Xcel Energy service facilities — in Chanhassen, Onalaska (WI), St. Cloud, and St. Paul–Maplewood. We helped bring their design visions to life with Kalwall’s advanced translucent daylighting systems, which elevate energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and thermal performance.

AIA Minnesota Excellence in Design for Energy Award Lakewood Cemetery's Welcome Center

By Ira Hackner • October 30, 2025
AIA Minnesota Excellence in Design for Energy Award Lakewood Cemetery's Welcome Center

2025 Rethos Historic Rehabilitation Award Winner Landmark Tower Apartments (St. Paul) Conversion

By Ira Hackner • October 20, 2025
2025 Rethos Historic Rehabilitation Award Winner | Landmark Tower Apartments (St. Paul) Conversion

Innovative Daylighting Across Office and Warehouse: Kalwall Transforms Agralite’s HQ

By Ira Hackner • October 6, 2025
We were pleased to collaborate with Mohagen Hansen Architecture (Wayzata, MN) and Gardner Builders (Minneapolis) to bring their design vision for Agralite Electric Cooperative’s new 63,000-square-foot headquarters in Benson, MN, to life—featuring the innovative use of Kalwall® daylighting systems in both the office space and the warehouse.

Boston Scientific's Maple Grove Expansion – Supported by W. L. Hall Company Solutions

By Ira Hackner • September 12, 2025
Boston Scientific's Maple Grove Expansion – Supported by W. L. Hall Company Solutions

Zero-Post Corners Bring Flexibility and Impact to Hornig's New Headquarters Conference Room

By Ira Hackner • September 2, 2025
When Hornig Companies set out to build their new headquarters in St. Louis Park, Tanek Architects (Minneapolis) and Gardner Builders (Minneapolis) designed a conference room that could do it all—flexibility, acoustics, and aesthetics.