The Geisinger Center for Health Research, Danville, Pa., is committed to
addressing national health issues and improving the effectiveness of health
care through research and technology. The 63,000-square-foot
(5,853-m2)
building serves as a hub for teams of researchers, clinician investigators and
staff who work to identify, test and validate new models of care delivery, as
well as quickly translate research findings into immediate medical solutions.
Geisinger Center for Health Research serves 40 counties and 2.5 million people
in central and northeastern Pennsylvania.
The Geisinger Center for Health Research needed a large, state-of-the-art facility that could house staff members; the Health Sciences Libraries; and lecture, meeting and conference rooms (the facility will be the future site of the Thomas Jefferson School of Nursing). The center also required a unique and innovative design that would reflect the cutting-edge work being conducted inside.
The facility has received LEED Silver certification and will be the standard for all future buildings of Danville-based Geisinger Health Systems, which served as general contractor for this project.
“The Geisinger Center for Health Research is a project where sustainability truly extends beyond the creation of the building,” said Jim Whitaker, architectural sales representative for Kawneer, Norcross, Ga. “Not only because of the beautiful facility and unique design elements but also because of the positive impact the facility had on the Geisinger campus and the surrounding community. We were able to create something that can help Geisinger in its efforts to conduct medical research and improve upon health care for people worldwide. It’s a different kind of sustainability that is really rewarding.”
CENTRIA, Moon Township, Pa., provided 7,253 square feet (674 m2) of 22-gauge DS60 2- inch (51-mm) vertical panels in Silversmith with a smooth Sundance Mica coating. Formavue Windows FV400 and FV200 were also utilized for the project. From Kawneer, the project utilized 15,000 square feet (1,394 m2) of products, including Kawneer’s 1600 Wall System 1 and 1600 Wall System 2 curtainwall; Trifab VG
(VersaGlaze) 450 framing on the interior; 350 Tuffline Entrances; and custom covers on 1600 Wall System 2.
Kawneer’s 1600 Wall System 1 and 1600 Wall System 2 were used throughout the building and combined to provide a greater visual impact, accomplishing the design’s customized look. Kawneer’s Trifab VG 450 framing was used on the interior of the building, while the durable 350 Tuffline Entrances were incorporated throughout the facility.
CENTRIA’s Formawall Dimension Series DS60 panels provide advanced thermal efficiency and moisture control in a single panelized component, and the system is the first exterior building product to achieve Cradle to Cradle Silver Certifi cation from MBDC, Charlottesville, Va. The FV400 and FV200 integrated window systems create a modern, yet professional appearance in addition to providing ample daylight to help save energy.
The building’s unique curved shape, along with the deep mullion covers that follow the lines of the building, give it an interesting aesthetic for this one-of-a-kind project. The building design used and manipulated natural daylight by reducing dependency on electrical lighting and providing window views for more than 90 percent of the office space, which was a key component in helping generate LEED certification points. The glazed elements throughout the building created an exterior skin to maximize energy savings and interior light.
EwingCole, Philadelphia, was the architect; Hershocks Inc., Harrisburg, Pa., was CENTRIA’s dealer and installer; and King Glass, Exeter, Pa., was the glazing contractor.
