Project Profiles: Government

National Academy of Sciences, West Court, Washington, D.C.

National Academy of Sciences with Lamberts channel glass from Bendheim Wall Systems

Retrofit Team

Architect: Quinn Evans Architects, Washington

Materials

Three courtyards were enclosed with skylights to create new pre-function, display, dining and meeting spaces. Double-glazed Lamberts Rough Cast glass moderates translucency and light scattering. It incorporates an SF60 frame system in 10 vertical openings. The glass features a low-E coating and a 100 percent recycled thermal insulation interlayer.

Lamberts channel glass: Bendheim Wall Systems

The Retrofit

The renovation integrates modern systems, materials and infrastructure within the historic fabric of the building, which is located on the National Mall.

“Each phase of the National Academy of Sciences headquarters—the original 1924 structure, the mid-century modern additions, and the new modernization and infill—is singularly of its time in terms of design and craftsmanship,” explains Larry Barr, senior principal at Quinn Evans Architects. “The channel glass exhibits a timeless, expert level of craftsmanship that complements the detailing throughout this beautiful historic building. As a practical matter, the opaque quality of the channel glass was particularly useful in the interior courtyards that we transitioned into meeting areas. The glass crowns the spaces and brings in daylight, but screens the rooftop mechanical equipment that would otherwise be visible.”

The architects’ work received the State Historic Preservation Officer’s Award at the 2013 District of Columbia Awards for Excellence in Historic Preservation and the Award of Excellence in Historic Architecture from the Northern Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

PHOTO: Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences