Fiberglass Windows Connect Burlington Apartments to Nature

Towering over Lake Champlain sits this contemporary high-rise of mixed-income apartments called ONE Lakeview. The project goal was to connect the Burlington community with the jaw-dropping nature just beyond their doors. It features 43 apartments with expansive windows, the majority on the lakeside of the building.

Pella and several window manufacturers participated in a bid for the project. Ultimately, Pella’s high-quality fiberglass windows, wood hinged patio doors and exceptional service won the bid. These products were selected by gbArchitecture and installed by contractor Naylor & Breen Builders.

Mindful of Vermont’s varying weather conditions, we recommended low-maintenance fiberglass windows for this contemporary high-rise. Naturally strong and durable, fiberglass is trusted in tools, bridges and more, making it a superior choice for windows. Pella’s proprietary fiberglass takes that strength one step further as the strongest material for windows and doors.⁹ All of the windows installed in this building have a powder-coat finish that meets AAMA 624. They are constructed using durable three-way corner joints for added strength, durability and reliable water management.

In addition to strength and durability, Pella Impervia windows were selected for their sleek, timeless design that exemplifies the contemporary vision of the project.

Pella Impervia window frames are strong and enable larger windows and combinations. The apartment units feature dual-pane Pella Impervia fixed casement and casement windows to maximize daylight. The combinations are factory-mulled, saving significant time on the jobsite and making installation easier. These large windows allow light to spill into the compact units for a spacious feeling. From the comfort of their apartments, residents can enjoy a wide view of the natural beauty Vermont offers.

Due to the project’s unique location on a cliff face with a vast expanse of lake beyond, design pressures were high and posed a challenge. After all, many portions of the building rise over 80 feet into the air before the apartments start. Pella fiberglass windows were able to meet the required wind-loading resistance for the cliff-side project, unlike competitors who also bid.

The Pella Architectural Solutions team prepared full installation shop drawings, including window and door elevations, product specifications and water management details. A design pressure analysis showed that on the main faces of the building, Pella Impervia windows could meet a design pressure (DP) rating of 39 and on the corners, a rating of DP 49. A rating of DP 50 was also achievable with laminated glass on the corners.

In addition to high-performance fiberglass windows, ONE Lakeview also features over 30 wood hinged patio doors. These inswing one-panel wood doors feature durable black aluminum cladding on the exterior to match the windows and help protect from the elements.

Pella Lifestyle Series wood hinged patio doors offer style flexibility to make them compatible with this contemporary build. The doors feature a primed interior for easy painting onsite and a beautiful Satin Nickel handle. Additionally, a hinged screen and energy-efficient Advanced Low-E insulating glass provide year-round comfort and access to fresh air. As with any wood product from Pella, the hinged patio doors are backed by the best limited lifetime warranty for wood patio doors.¹⁹

Energy efficiency is a big priority for the city of Burlington. The city’s goal is to reduce the use of fossil fuels in heating and transportation which translates to transit-oriented apartment buildings with energy-efficient construction and systems. ONE Lakeview’s building envelope meets their Net Zero goals and their energy code “High Performance” track. This beautiful building boasts an exceptionally energy-efficient envelope. Expansive, yet energy-efficient dual-pane fiberglass windows with Advanced Low-E insulating glass, an electric air source heat pump and an energy recovery ventilation system make up some of these components.

With large windows that embrace Vermont’s beautiful scenery, each apartment unit helps provide a relaxing environment for residents to call home. It was our pleasure working with the architect and contractor to fulfill the goals of this project.