There is truth behind the well-known phrase, “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” When it comes to architecture and structural glazing, the expression takes on an even more literal meaning. Whether we admit it or not, the lobby entrance to your building says a lot about first impressions of the businesses and brands represented inside.
Vestibules can be such a ubiquitous part of every building that visitors don’t always take notice of them while passing through… unless they help to set the building apart from the rest. At W&W Glass, we recognize the opportunity to turn them into something special that reflects the same level of quality and sophisticated design found on the surrounding building facade.
Put simply, a vestibule is a small space or entranceway most often employed in all commercial and institutional buildings to provide a passage to connect the exterior and interior environments. These entryways serve to act as a transitional barrier from the weather outside. As contract glaziers, we recognize the important functionality of the vestibule; we want to help to make them look as clean and transparent as possible to meet your architectural design intent while being engineered to meet all structural loading and code requirements.
We hold every component of our projects to the highest standard. That’s why we often utilize the Pilkington Planar™ system to create all glass vestibules that redefine what others think to be possible. We’ve developed custom all glass vestibules for projects such as the Lowell Thomas Communications Center at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York and Charles Schwab in Lone Tree, Colorado. These are great examples of what we can achieve when we seek to push the envelope beyond typical “glass in channel” type entryways with glass side walls and an opaque roof or exposed steel cage structure. They can be seamlessly integrated into many types of point supported structural glass wall systems to not detract from the structural glass wall applications.
By using a glass roof canopy, cantilevered sidelite walls and custom hardware, we can create all glass vestibules that are virtually transparent, allowing for uninterrupted views through the entryway from all angles. Even the overhead door pivot or panic header hardware can be minimized in most cases. This integrated solution is completely customizable for each project, providing a seamless portal between the outside and inside environment with all glass entrance hardware integrated directly in as a complete system package. It’s a high-class, professional looking solution that makes a great first impression!
If you want to make a lasting impression with your next project and think our designs are a great fit, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today to get started!
