Allen Hall, located on the South Campus of the State University of New York at Buffalo, was constructed in 1950
as a music education building with an operable radio station. The two-story structure contained a single-glazed, steel
welded assembly curtainwall on two elevations. Over the years the rigid construction of the curtainwall did not allow the
materials to expand or contract with the change in temperature, creating cracks within the glazing. Additionally, the steel
curtainwall was not thermally broken which allowed condensation to form and collect on the steel components, creating
deteriorating conditions. The existing mechanical, electrical and fire alarm systems needed to be replaced to comply with
current codes.
The project scope included replacement of the existing curtainwall with an aluminum, thermally broken curtainwall system,
new finishes for all rooms adjacent to the curtainwall, replacement of the entire mechanical system, and upgrades to the
electrical and fire alarm system. The selected rooms received new carpet, new dropped ceilings, painted walls, and roller
shades along the curtainwall. A majority of the new mechanical and electrical equipment was concealed withinn the building,
including the location of all air handling units and an electrical transformer in the basement. This permitted the exterior of
the building to remain fully glazed without placing equipment along the facades or on the roof.
Client: State University Construction Fund
Location: State University of New York
at Buffalo - South Campus
Completion Date: 2007
