Architectural Glass & Metal: Strengthening the Exterior Envelope

Architectural glass and metal systems play a critical role in today’s building envelope. From curtain wall and storefront systems to aluminum-framed windows and custom metal features, these assemblies define a building’s appearance while delivering structural, thermal, and weather performance.

At EDA Contractors, architectural glass and metal is a fully integrated scope within our exterior envelope offering.

Because glazing does not exist in isolation, it must tie seamlessly into air and vapor barriers, masonry, wall panels and waterproofing systems. When these scopes are coordinated under one team, detailing improves, sequencing becomes more efficient, and performance risks are reduced.

At Pennovation Works, EDA delivered the complete architectural glass and metal package, including windows, sunshades, doors, interior partitions, composite exterior panels and the angular north façade’s curtain wall system. The building’s sharp geometry required exact alignment with structural steel, where even minor deviations could compound across the façade. Our team coordinated exterior cladding and interior glazing, including detailing around the signature triangular bleachers, to ensure a sealed, high-performing system while preserving the project’s raw industrial aesthetic.

At Schuylkill Yards, EDA contributed to the building’s mixed-use amenity level by installing a glass windscreen system surrounding the outdoor pool and terrace. Designed to reduce wind turbulence while maintaining open views of the city, the system enhances both comfort and safety for residents. It is another example of how architectural glass and metal systems extend beyond façades, supporting performance and experience in elevated outdoor environments

At Princeton University’s Meadows Campus Housing, sustainability and performance were central to the project’s design. As part of the university’s broader goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2046, the building enclosure systems were designed to meet rigorous energy-efficiency standards. EDA supported multiple scopes on the project, including masonry, roofing, siding and wall panels, as well as architectural glass and metal. For the glazing systems, our team installed high-performance triple glazed insulated glass units, which help improve thermal efficiency by reducing heat gain in the summer and limiting heat loss in the winter, a critical component in achieving the project’s long-term sustainability goals.

Architectural glass and metal systems do more than shape a building’s appearance, they play a critical role in how it performs. When designed and installed with precision, these systems enhance energy efficiency, protect the building envelope and bring architectural visions to life. At EDA Contractors, our approach ensures that form and function work together, delivering façades that are as durable and high-performing as they are visually striking.