As population density increases in urban areas, acoustics has become a vital consideration in the building industry. Demand has increased for larger windows, to increase natural light and for wonderful outdoor views, however, it often comes with unwanted exposure to the outside noise. One of … [Read more...]
Using Sound Transmission Class (STC) Ratings to Create Quiet Spaces
As urban areas become more population-dense, cities and developers are challenged to find quiet locations for new apartments, hotels, offices, and commercial spaces. Effective use of acoustic products has become essential to creating quiet spaces. The Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating is one … [Read more...]
Architectural Aluminum Finishing Trends to Watch in 2021
Each year it’s useful to look ahead and see where the industry is trending. When it comes to architectural aluminum finishes, Glass Magazine highlighted five key trends for 2021: PROTECTIVE STRENGTH Finishes - liquid coatings, powder coatings or anodize - guard against water, wind, heat, salt, … [Read more...]
Glass Recycling: Myths and Facts
At St. Cloud Window, glass is at the center of all we do. However, when it comes to old, damaged glass, there’s always the question of what to do it. Recycling is a common practice that promotes sustainability. There are a few common myths that persist when it comes to recycling glass on a large … [Read more...]
St. Cloud Window Launches New SCW4000 Acoustic Window Line
ST. CLOUD, MN (September 9, 2020) – St. Cloud Window Inc., a leading manufacturer of a complete line of aluminum high-performance fenestration products for commercial buildings, announces a new SCW4000 Series window. This AW-PG70 window has a narrow 4" frame depth, polyamide thermal barrier, … [Read more...]
The Governor of the State of Minnesota issues executive order to “Stay At Home”
March 26, 2020 The Governor of the State of Minnesota has issued an executive order directing all citizens and businesses to suspend all but the most essential operations and initiate the practice of extreme social distancing -- aka: “Stay At Home”. While this executive order stops just short of … [Read more...]
Millwright Building: New Construction and New Windows, Create Historic Look
Restoring historic windows is one thing, but what if you need to make a new building look old? This was a question we faced when working on the Millwright Building – a brand new building that needed to look like it was lifted out of the 1900s. About Millwright Building Millwright is the newest … [Read more...]
Aluminum Window Frames Offer Versatility
Aluminum continues to be a popular choice for window frames, both for its attributes and low cost. As the American Architectural Manufacturers Association explains, aluminum is an attractive choice for many reasons: Versatility Aluminum's versatility has long made it a preferred material … [Read more...]
Aluminum Window Frames Offer Recyclability
Aluminum continues to be a popular choice for window frames, both for its attributes and low cost. As the American Architectural Manufacturers Association explains, aluminum is an attractive choice for many reasons: Recyclability Aluminum is sustainable. Aluminum is a noncombustible and … [Read more...]
Aluminum Window Frames Offer Design Flexibility and Affordability
Aluminum continues to be a popular choice for window frames, both for its attributes and low cost. As the American Architectural Manufacturers Association explains, aluminum is an attractive choice for many reasons: Design Flexibility, Affordability Aluminum extruded profiles can range … [Read more...]
The Impact of Natural Light in Schools and Colleges
As schools search for ways to improve test scores and student health, the answer could be as simple as choosing the right windows. Studies suggest that natural daylight has a direct benefit on learning and the correct window could improve overall productivity and student wellbeing. Three key … [Read more...]
Historic Window Replication in Brooklyn Lofts
As an expert in historic window replacement, replication, and restoration, we’re often asked to work on historic replication projects. St. Cloud Window was approached for work on a warehouse conversion in Brooklyn, called the Plymouth Lofts. As part of the DUMBO (Down Under The Manhattan Bridge … [Read more...]
Historic Armory Transformed into Student Center with SCW3000 Series Windows Earns Preservation Massachusetts Robert H. Kuehn Award
St. Cloud Window is pleased to announce that Springfield Technical Community College's new Student Learning Commons has won a Robert H. Kuehn Award from Preservation Massachusetts. The 170-year-old building, originally built for storing gunstocks, never fully enclosed is now the heart of the campus … [Read more...]
Curtain Wall or Window Wall: Depends on project goals and design aesthetics
What exactly is the difference between a curtain wall and a window wall? Our intention is to offer a high-level awareness about window wall and curtain wall systems. There are very distinct projects and applications when one system is preferred over the other, yet sometimes they seem to be … [Read more...]
What Type of Material to Choose for Your Commercial Window Frames
Choosing the right material for your commercial window frames is an important decision. All materials perform differently, but here are key considerations for the three most common material choices: Aluminum: Aluminum window frames have great strength, are very durable, and are effective in … [Read more...]
SCW3000 Series Ranks in Retrofit Magazine Top 50 Products
Products are an integral part of any trade publication. Retrofit's January 2018 issue celebrates the top 50 products that received the most reader inquiries from September 2017 - August 2018 issues. The SCW3000 Series introduction ranked 39 out of the top 50. In recognition, St. Cloud Window was … [Read more...]
SCW3000 Windows Transform Historic Armory into Student Center
In 2013, Springfield Community and Technical College in Springfield, Mass., determined that facilities for student life and services were lacking. The college turned to Building 19, a historic former armory in the heart of campus. About the Armory Building 19 is part of the Springfield Armory … [Read more...]
St. Cloud Window Plays Key Role in Renwick Gallery’s AIA COTE 2018 Top Ten Award
One of our most ambitious (and rewarding) projects we’ve taken on was the restoration of the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, DC. In November 2018, the Renwick Gallery restoration project received the AIA COTE 2018 Top Ten Award, the industry’s premier program … [Read more...]
Join St. Cloud Window at the AIA Minnesota 2018 Conference
St. Cloud Window is exhibiting in booth #530 at the A’18 MN – The Minnesota Conference on Architecture, Nov 13-16, at the Minneapolis Convention Center, Exhibit Hall D. The conference is an excellent opportunity to hear from inspirational speakers, gain insights on new trends and technologies, and … [Read more...]
Improving Education through Smart School Design
As schools look toward the future and find new and better ways to educate students, architects and designers are working to support these initiatives during school design, construction, and renovation. The rebuild of Dunbar High School, with the help of the SCW9000 curtain wall, but many of the also … [Read more...]
Acoustic Windows Mitigate Stadium Noise in South Bronx Development
In 2009, a portion of the South Bronx in New York City was re-zoned, with the goal of creating affordable housing, mixed-use development, and accessible community and pedestrian access. However, it wasn’t until 2015, when SCLE Architects broke ground on the 810 River Avenue Apartments, that the goal … [Read more...]
Choosing the Right High-Efficiency Windows
Installing high-efficiency windows is an excellent way to improve energy efficiency and save on heating and cooling costs. But with so many options on the market, how can builders and building managers know whether they’re selecting the right windows? There are a variety of options that can enhance … [Read more...]
Why, When and How to Replace Commercial Windows (Part Two)
(PART TWO OF TWO) Part One focused on the common issues that plague older commercial windows, the challenges of restoring them and how to know when it’s time to replace windows. Part Two focuses on the best method of replacing older commercial windows, and the concerns and common issues with … [Read more...]
Why, When and How to Replace Commercial Windows (Part One)
(PART ONE OF TWO) There are common deficiencies that plague older commercial windows, due simply to the technology that was available when they were manufactured. They simply were not built to the same standard as today’s windows, resulting in premature aging and damage. As such, it may be … [Read more...]
Safety Measures for Commercial Window Installation
Safety is one of the most important considerations on any jobsite. Ensuring that workers are sufficiently equipped and properly trained is essential to ensuring safety for everyone on the site. In addition, it’s important to take proper precautions for the safety and security of the window and doors … [Read more...]