The latest edition of the NGA Glass Conference wrapped up this past week in South Carolina and I am always amazed at how much gets done at those things. Not being close to a technical stalwart, I tend to review these events from afar, leaving the technical superstars from our industry to do their thing. This outing covered the gambit of items including codes and guidelines but deeper dives into school security- which hopefully takes another step forward here soon. (This moving into the code realm HAS to be done right! Meaning with the right style of products that have the teeth to get the job done- no bare minimums here. ) Also, there was a bit of a cliffhanger as the DOE had representatives on hand and noted that in the next few weeks something is coming out that will make the folks in the room very happy. That surely bears keeping an eye on. I’m excited to read more of the follow ups and now all focus turns to BEC and GPAD. Can’t wait!
Elsewhere….
-- ICYMI- the latest podcast has been burring up the podwaves! I had a feeling that bringing back Nick St. Denis and Tim Widner would do that, and it did. If you missed it- see below for handy links. The two areas making news among others? Nick’s talks on the way 23 ended and thoughts on 24 and Tim’s solar stats. Surely both getting people talking! Thanks again for checking it out. And if all goes well, I have special “bonus” edition of the podcast next week. So stay tuned!
AUDIO (And search “From the Fabricator” on Apple, Spotify, Google or wherever you listen to podcasts!)
-- Deals are starting to pop more and more. After months of hot rumors, Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope bought Midwest Glass Fabricators. Will be interesting to see how this fits in the OBE portfolio with the legendary Perrysburg, OH facility not that far away. Meanwhile at least 3 other deals are close including another one that will have an effect in my backyard in Michigan (among other areas). With some areas softening (as I mention below) the time to sell may be sooner than later for some on the fence or close.
-- Those who know me know I love the glass universe in the great state of Texas. Over the past few weeks, the various Boards of the trade associations in the state have been set and folks- it is awesome and stunning the talent that in on display. So many tremendous folks. The big overall board from the Texas Glass Association reads like a “who’s who” of incredible people.
Executive Board:
Kyle Sharp- President
Brian Risinger- Vice President
Landon Lovette- Secretary
Jody Hilton- Treasurer
Board Members:
Wade Arnold
Chris Bayer
Kristina Buckett – (also TGA- North Texas President)
Jacque Freeman – (also Houston Area Glass Association-HAGA President)
Tyler Hall
Sam Hill
Kyle Lamb
Felix Munson, Sr.
Rick Newnom
Scott Theut
Chance Lloyd
Valerie Nagy
The takeaway? You cover every base here. Between Kyle Sharp and Brian Risinger you have 2 of the nicest, classiest guys around who also happen to be off the charts leaders. Then below, one of my all-time favorites in Jacque Freeman is there. Jacque just continues to climb to awesome heights thanks to talent and a relentless drive and nothing will stop her- and she’s a fabulous person too. I’ve written about many of these other folks over the years- so many instances of them giving back to our industry to make it a better place. Congrats to all and THANK YOU to all for volunteering and supporting.
Also not listed, but I gotta mention because I’m a fan… Michael DeFrank and Robert Heffernan are on the board of TGA- NTD, and RJ Hernandez and Lindsay Price are on the HAGA board- so great to see- all excellent people. Texas truly has it going on!! (and for those I don’t know I look forward to meeting soon either at a meeting or at GlassBuild in Dallas this Fall.)
-- AIA consensus report was released recently. The top line was that 2024 for non-residential may be up 4% with a lag in 2025 at only 1.2%. Remember this is taking several forecasts and boiling them up into the consensus. This chart allows you to look at all. If you listened/watched the pod with Nick mentioned above these numbers do align. For me- the public safety one is fascinating. That is a large jump- one I have been bullish about for too long. Is it going to hit now? Overall though I know some are staying busy while others have softened. So we continue to try and mine all we can from the data and chase work responsibly.
-- Been meaning to get to this… a truly different view of the office space issue. How about this headline “The looming office space real estate shortage. Yes, shortage” Now this article takes into account the challenging happenings in that space that could actually make things tighter? Interesting quick read.
-- Last this week… the best travel writer on the planet is Dawn Gilbertson of the Wall Street Journal and recently she took part in a new airport security set up in Denver. Great read and will be very curious on how this works as it goes live. Road warriors if and when you experience this new arrangement in Denver, let me know-- this could be our future!
LINKS of the WEEK
A record-breaking opportunity shot down by a wild technicality!
This may be the oddest story you read all week- a disco bathroom at Kentucky gas station I guess If you can’t be Buc-ee’s than try this!
Furry clawed crabs? Nope- I’m out.
PROJECT of the WEEK
I seemingly pick on Oregon all the time- so this week I’m throwing a positive spotlight because this project out there is mind-blowing. Instead of me trying to re-write… this description from Nupress Facades wins the day and I decided to print verbatim. Amazing looking job. CONGRATS to everyone involved in this beauty!
The Cascading Wall at The Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact at The University of Oregon.
This unique wall utilizes a double skin glass façade, with the outer skin representing “water cascading over rock”. Nupress was tasked with designing and fabricating the outer skin under considerable wind and seismic criteria. The strut system cantilevers nearly 3 feet off the face of the interior curtainwall system allowing for periodic cleaning. The strut system was integrated with knife plates off the curtainwall which transferred the loads back into re-enforced mullions. We used 3D modeling and analysis to design the exoskeleton and associated unique sized glass clamps. The glass is a dual pass Opaci coat with the interior side being granite gray, and the outside surface being white. This frit design allowed for ease of visibility to the exterior from inside the building, while maintaining a frosted appearance from outside the building.
All of this made possible with the generous donation by Phil and Penny Knight who have collectively donated 1 Billion dollars towards scientific discovery, research, and innovation at the University of Oregon.
Project: The Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact at The University of Oregon
Location: Eugene, OR.
Architect: Ennead / Bora
Glazing Contractor: Ferguson Neudorf Glass Inc.
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