CHALLENGE

The Wisconsin Institute for Discovery (WID) is a public transdisciplinary research institute and “skunkworks” at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, focusing on the interfaces of computation, laboratory science, the humanities and entrepreneurship. Hufcor’s challenge was to provide a solution to provide flexible meeting spaces that could afford privacy, but also allow natural light to continue to flow into the rooms.

SOLUTION

After considering the goals and plans for the space, Hufcor recommended a combination of their traditional Hufcor 600 Series panels as well as movable glass panels. Hufcor’s movable glass wall panels would provide flexibility to collaborative meeting spaces without blocking the natural light. Meanwhile, the more traditional operable partitions would be installed in other areas of the space—but with a twist. Hufcor’s design and engineering team added custom high acoustic window inserts into the lead and trail panels that seal against the exterior glass curtain wall. The single lead window panel maintains the open access to the direct natural lighting while preserving room-to-room privacy from nearly all angles within the room.

RESULT

University of Wisconsin’s unique think tank facility incorporates flexible room configurations to serve the campus’ space needs. Hufcor’s folding glass wall systems offered privacy and daylighting in this LEED Silver case study while Hufcor’s 600 Series panel design supports the facility’s core values of innovation and collaboration.