W Chicago-Lakeshore

The Traco NX3800 fixed windows by Kawneer were selected to fill a myriad of requirements for the hotel.  Thermal efficiency, sound reduction, and the exterior view were the main criteria for the W Hotel’s designers.  PPG Solarban 60 low emissivity glass fulfilled these requirements, providing the hotel with ultra-efficient insulated unit.  A special glass make-up of unbalanced thickness of lites was developed, providing an STC rating of 39. This make-up provided the required noise attenuation from traffic on Lakeshore Drive, as well as from ambulance noise from the neighborhood.  The configuration of the window openings was changed to provide the W Hotel clients with a much better view of the lake and city, which also gave the rooms a more updated and open feel.

Auburn utilized 10 exterior swing stages and a mast climber system to coordinate a floor-by-floor installation sequence.  The installation of windows in an occupied and fully operating hotel created many challenges for all, yet was highly successful due to daily coordination between the hotel personnel and Auburn.  Auburn would prep, demo, install and clean 8-10 rooms per day to allow the Hotel to get the rooms back into rental rotation immediately. New windows were also installed in penthouse Altitude Room and the old Whiskey Bar, reinvigorating these spaces for the Hotel’s many events.  A series of air and water infiltration tests were performed throughout the installation to ensure the windows met the specifications for this high profile project.