Edgetech specified for Berkeley campus

Edgetech spacer technology is said to have helped create a ‘striking, functional and high-performance’ façade at Berkeley City College’s new Milvia Street Campus.

The six-storey building replaces an existing building in downtown Berkeley at 2118 Milvia Street. In addition to classrooms, it will house art studios, a library and areas for student support and administration.

The design called for a uniform grey edge seal, because a traditional black seal would have disrupted the desired clean and transparent aesthetic.

The effect was achieved through a combination of light grey Super Spacer, grey butyl, and grey silicone.

The result was ‘a harmonious appearance’, that allowed the glass façade to seamlessly blend with the surrounding environment.

Creating a uniform grey edge seal presented a technical challenge. AGC Interpane, the glass manufacturer, collaborated with Glaston to develop a world-first solution. A ‘double-head applicator’ was modified to automatically switch between black and grey butyl, streamlining the production process.

However, functionality wasn’t compromised for aesthetics. The lower portion of the glass features a bird-friendly etched pattern, maintaining visual appeal while preventing collisions with the glass.

Additionally, the Super Spacer technology boasts superior thermal insulation properties, contributing to the building’s energy efficiency.

Edgetech president of European fenestration, Chris Alderson, commented: “The Milvia Street Campus is yet another example of the incredible versatility of Super Spacer.

“In this building, and millions of others around the world, Edgetech technology is delivering outstanding energy efficiency, without compromising the architect’s vision.