The University of Notre Dame’s first new student residence in more than a decade, Duncan Hall, began its second year in service this autumn, while the recently renovated
Cavanaugh Hall began its 73rd year providing on-campus housing. Helping to preserve the South Bend, Ind.-based university campus’ architectural heritage and extend the life of its buildings, both halls feature the historically styled, modern performance of windows from Wausua Window and Wall Systems, Wausau, Wis.
“These are two of at least a half dozen projects at Notre Dame that the University has relied on Wausau’s historic panning and casement windows,” said Scott Swartz, project manager for glazing contractor Precision Wall Systems, South Bend. “While most of our involvement has been historic renovation, Duncan Hall is newly constructed student housing, built to resemble a historic structure.”
“It is very important that each of Notre Dame’s residential halls match the look of the other buildings on campus,” explained Dave DeBettignies, Wausau’s regional sales manager for Indiana.
Throughout the last five years, Swartz, DeBettignies and colleagues worked closely with Notre Dame’s Office of the University Architect to achieve the proper performance and historic look.
Notre Dame’s Tony Polotto, senior project manager at the Office of the University Architect, ensures each building on the historic campus complies with the architectural master plan.
On Cavanaugh Hall’s renovation, Precision Wall Systems’ five-person installation team methodically began the project carefully replacing 10 to 12 windows per day. “As they familiarized themselves with the building, they were averaging 30 units per day near the project’s conclusion,” recalled Swartz. “For each window, they would remove the existing unit, prepare the opening, set the panning system in place, then install the new window unit into the panning.”
Wausau carefully engineered the panning system’s historically styled profile for Notre Dame to replicate the contours of previous woodwork. “The panning typically covers any exposed caulk and wood. It provides a clean surround for many renovation projects,” Swartz said.
He added: “Panning is not typically used on new construction, but it is a major architectural feature on Duncan Hall. Instead of designing the panning to fit the building, the building was designed to fit the panning. They wanted the window systems to look as similar as possible and that’s what they got.”
With Duncan’s new construction, a smaller, two-person installation team followed the other construction professionals on-site, setting the windows as soon as the openings were prepared. “We averaged about 50 units per week and everything went quite smoothly,” said Swartz.
For Duncan Hall and Cavanaugh Hall, Wausau supplied a combined total exceeding 850 Epic Series window units. Part of the Advantage by Wausau line, the Epic Series units are backed with an industry-leading warranty of up to 10 years. Among Wausau’s most popular historically influenced windows, these feature a beveled exterior face to replicate the glazing used on traditional steel and wood windows. Optional muntin grids complete the classic appearance.
“Both historic aesthetics and modern performance are essential to the University. The new windows mimic the sightlines and look of the old sashes. The historic grids fasten to the frame, but sit off the glass to make cleaning easy,” noted DeBettignies. “The low-E, insulating glass offers the advantages of daylight with the efficiency of thermal performance to enhance interior comfort, while the operating units with screens allow for natural ventilation.”
He continued: “As this is a student residence, the units are likely to get frequent and sometimes, rugged use. The windows’ structural integrity is strengthened with the visible butt hinges. They operate smoothly, with durable hardware and weather-stripping ensuring years of service, evidenced by AAMA AW Architectural Class life cycle testing. The 2 1/2-inch- (64-mm-) deep aluminum frames are finished in Champagne Anodize [from Linetec, Wausau] for added protection and to complement the exterior masonry.”
Cavanaugh Hall’s four-story, masonry exterior provides a window view from each of the 114 rooms. “Originally constructed in 1936, the building had been renovated in 1989. After nearly 20 years, the windows were ready for replacement,” DeBettignies said.
Initially, Cavanaugh Hall served as a freshman male residence and chapel. It was converted in 1994 to a women’s dormitory to accommodate the increasing female enrollment. The first residence hall on the campus’ North Quad, it was named in honor of Rev. John W. Cavanaugh, Notre Dame’s fifth president. Today, Cavanaugh Hall can house 213 residents and is conveniently located next door to the LaFortune Student Center and Washington Hall.
Located in the West Quad with views of the golf course and spacious, sunlit rooms, Duncan Hall has become one of the coveted housing destinations for undergraduates. The 68,482-square-foot
(6,362-m2), three-story, 106-room building accommodates 232 students. Construction began in 2007 and was completed in time for the 2008-09 academic year.
“Establishing lasting memories, friendships and a strong education are a central part of the students’ university experience. The residential halls are at the heart of life on campus and provide a home away from home,” DeBettignies said. “We’re proud to support Notre Dame’s academic and architectural legacy.”
Linetec, www.linetec.com
Wausau Window and Wall Systems, www.wausauwindow.com
