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After an epic failure, 18-storeys of double-pane glass are being replaced in a hotel-condominium tower in downtown Vancouver at an estimated cost of $7 million.
“The [original] manufacturer designed with good intentions trying to increase energy efficiency,” explained Brian Hubbs, principle and senior building science specialist at RDH Building Engineering. “The IGUs [insulated glass units] failed due to an unconventional, untested design.”
Built in 2001 on Burrard Street, One Wall Centre – the third-tallest tower in Vancouver – has 30 hotel floors on the lower level and 18 floors of condominiums above.
Four years after construction was complete, condominium tenants began complaining of excessive heat in their units and fogging and condensation on their windows. The original contractor had returned to the site for remedial repairs on the entire building on two occasions. Some windows were also replaced.
“But the owners wanted the windows fixed for good,” Hubbs said.
RDH was called in to investigate the fogging of the sealed units to determine the source and extent of the problem. It was decided that about 1,500 glass units would need replacement, some of them weighing more than 200 kilograms. It is the largest reglazing project in Vancouver’s history.
The work requires the building of a unique “ring” platform around the 48-storey tower. The custom-made platform moves down the tower as 1,500 windows are replaced, powered by 18 motors.
The method has never been used before, as most window replacements require scaffolding and netting around the entire building.
Work was expected to complete this summer, eight years after it began.
from Western Investor September 2013