Designing for the Future: U of MN Weisman Art Museum Window Replacement
Collaborating with Miller Dunwiddie Architects (Minneapolis) and JE Dunn Construction (Minneapolis), we helped bring their design vision to life by replacing the museum's aging west-facing window systems.
The project involved replacing the original wood-framed windows along the river-facing elevation with a new Kawneer® 1600UT curtainwall system featuring large-format 1-3/4-inch triple-pane insulating glass by Press Glass.
In Gallery J, existing windows were also retrofitted with upgraded high-performance 1-3/4-inch glazing to improve energy efficiency while maintaining the museum's architectural character.
New Kawneer® 500T Insulpour® terrace doors completed the exterior modernization, providing enhanced thermal performance and durability.
Precision Installation on a Landmark Building
Although the project appeared straightforward on paper, execution required exceptional coordination. The replacement glass panels were unusually large, requiring every unit to be carefully lifted and installed by crane. Working on an active museum campus also demanded meticulous planning to protect both the building and surrounding grounds throughout construction.
Solving Challenges Without Missing a Deadline
After demolition began, field conditions revealed that many of the original openings varied from the anticipated dimensions. Nearly every opening required new field measurements, forcing the project team to redesign quickly, reorder curtainwall framing and fabricate new glass—all while maintaining an immovable completion date.
The schedule was especially critical because the museum's lawn was scheduled to host the installation of a major outdoor art exhibit. W. L. Hall worked closely with Miller Dunwiddie, JE Dunn Construction, suppliers, and field crews to accelerate fabrication, coordinate deliveries, and complete installation on schedule, allowing the site to be turned over in time for the exhibit without delaying the museum's plans.
The original wood window system featured 2" × 6-1/4" profiles with 1-1/8" thick laminated glazing. To maintain the museum's required high interior humidity levels, the building frequently experienced excessive condensation on the windows during cold weather.
Moisture would collect on the glazing and pool on the backs of the frames and the window sills below.
The replacement Kawneer 1600UT curtainwall system features thermally broken backmembers that provide significantly greater condensation resistance and improved thermal performance compared to the original wood windows.
Combined with high-performance triple-pane insulating glass, the system's thermally broken head, sill, and jamb assemblies helped deliver the energy efficiency and condensation control the museum was seeking as part of this renovation.
If you're planning a curtainwall renovation, window replacement, or new façade project, our team brings more than 75 years of experience helping architects, owners, and contractors turn complex design concepts into successful installations.
Share On: