Collaboration in Action: Bringing the HCMC Green Building Vision to Life
We proudly collaborated with Wold Architects & Engineers and Kraus-Anderson Construction to help bring their design vision to life for the HCMC Green Building project in Minneapolis. This project involved replacing an existing exterior curtainwall system with a modern, high-performance glazing solution designed to enhance building performance, durability, and long-term reliability.
Our team carefully removed and disposed of approximately 3,796 square feet of the existing exterior curtainwall system, followed by installation of a new thermally efficient aluminum curtainwall system designed to improve performance and visual continuity across the building envelope.
The new façade incorporates the Tubelite 400TU High-Performance Thermal Curtainwall System paired with high-performance Viracon glass, creating a durable, energy-efficient glazing system engineered for long-term performance.
System features include:
• 2½" × 7½" nominal depth aluminum framing system
• 2½" aluminum pressure plates and exterior covers
• Thermal composite pressure-wall framing technology for enhanced energy performance
• Custom vertical profiles with coordinated horizontal covers
• Viracon high-performance insulated vision glass with advanced Low-E coating
• Coated spandrel glass with ceramic frit finish
• Argon-filled insulated glass units with warm-edge spacers
• Foil-faced / FSK taped insulation within spandrel zones
Together, these elements support improved thermal performance, daylighting, and long-term façade durability while maintaining the building’s architectural character.
Overcoming Complex Installation Challenges
Renovation work on an active healthcare facility presented significant logistical challenges. Due to limited access around the building, conventional staging and delivery methods were not possible. As a result, nearly all curtainwall components had to be flown to the roof by crane, where our team carefully coordinated installation from above.
During the removal of the original curtainwall system, an unexpected condition was discovered. Once the existing frames were cut out, it was discovered that insufficient structural support remained at the floor slabs to anchor the new curtainwall system.
Working closely with the Engineer of Record, the project team quickly developed a revised structural solution that enabled our installers to weld new anchors directly to the floor slab, restoring the required attachment points.
Through strong collaboration with Wold & Kraus-Anderson, the revised design enabled installation to proceed safely and efficiently, keeping the project moving forward despite unforeseen conditions.
Design-Assist Expertise in Action
Projects like the HCMC Green Building highlight the value of early collaboration, technical problem-solving, and experienced field teams. From complex site logistics to unexpected structural conditions, successful outcomes require the ability to adapt quickly while maintaining quality, safety, and performance standards.
Whether creating a new glass and glazing concept or restoring an existing façade or system, our team is ready to help bring your vision to life. Through early design-assist collaboration and seamless coordination through installation, we apply decades of experience, precision engineering, and a solutions-driven approach to every project. We are here to help!
No-Cost Consultations
W. L. Hall Company
The Premier Exterior and Interior Building Systems Provider in the Upper Midwest
75 Years' Experience | 15,000+ Projects
(952) 937-8400
wlhall.com
sales@wlhall.com
Share On: