Part 3 Historic Brooklyn Waterfront Apartment Refresh - Windows

In the last post, we discussed some details about the elevator installation process. Another major update was the replacement of existing windows with high-performance ones.

The main intent of the window replacement was to achieve sound attenuation as well as thermal comfort. The replacement of windows came with a challenging task of maintaining the same aesthetic on the external façade. This was important in order to get approval from the Brooklyn Bridge Park authorities.

U-factor and OITC are specifications used to measure thermal and sound insulation of windows. The target values of these specs were established before reaching out to window manufacturers and suppliers. Lead times were generally around 12-14 weeks and needed to be taken into consideration with regard to the interior work going on site.

Window replacement in general, comes with a change in mullion size. This was especially challenging to tackle given the restraints by the Brooklyn Bridge Park authorities for maintaining the same look on the façade. The vendors were requested for the exact or closest size to the existing window mullions in order to be considered.

We were able to finalize a high-performance triple-glazed window with the targeted specifications that offered a customizable mullion size based on our requirements.

A thorough site-study was then carried out by the window suppliers and installers to prepare the shop drawings and quotes.

In our next post, we will discuss our approach to handling the fireplace replacement of the apartment.