Seamless Design for Translucent Walls – Pummill Hall, Missouri State University – Architects: DAKE | WELLS Architecture
The renovation design at Missouri State University (MSU) Pummill Hall has translucent walls that separate the kitchen area and the dining hall on the fourth floor of the building. The area serves as the teaching lab and restaurant for the growing Hospitality and Restaurant Management program housed in Pummill Hall.
The walls use Panelite Bonded Series translucent honeycomb core panels to provide both privacy and views. The Bonded Series ClearConnect™ system is used to connect 37” x 118.7” panels without any visible vertical framing; achieving the desired seamless look for the two walls.
Bonded Series B-RCYT
Panel Sizes: 37” x 118.7” (cut from 39.4″ full width)
ClearConnect™ System: BF-ITL3 continuous transparent spline (Interlocking Kerf Joint)
TRANSLUCENT WALLS FOR PRIVACY AND VIEWS
In renovating the four story Pummill Hall building at Missouri State University (MSU), DAKE | WELLS Architecture , intended to preserve the design vision of the original architect of the building, Richard P. Stahl, FAIA.
“Our design approach is to respect the organizational and compositional rigor of the existing cast in place structure, while freshening the building’s interior and exterior. The design solution attempts to suggest what Richard P. Stahl would do if he were still practicing today.” DAKE | WELLS Architecture website.
The upper two floors of Pummill Hall house the growing Hospitality and Restaurant Management program. The program includes a fully functioning, state of the art kitchen that serves as a teaching lab and restaurant; it is on the northeast corner of the building. With the redesigned transparent north façade of the building, sweeping views and natural lighting make the dining area an attractive social hub for the program.
Directional Transparency Allows Views AND Privacy | Seamless Partition Walls are Created by Joining together Bonded Series Panels
Between the kitchen area and dining hall, the architects envisioned glass walls that would allow in light and views. It was also important that the walls maintained privacy in the kitchen area, so diners couldn’t see all the details of what happens there.
Another key requirement was that the two glass walls should look seamless, without any intermediate support or vertical framing systems; this minimal design aesthetic was pivotal to the quality of experience these walls would create.
Seamless Translucent Partition Walls at MSU Pummill Hall: DAKE | WELLS Architecture
DAKE | WELLS chose Panelite’s Bonded Series translucent honeycomb panels for the design of these translucent walls.
Panelite offered several variations of the honeycomb cores. The design team selected a random mix of tubular, clear cellular honeycomb core for the two walls. They developed a mock-up to confirm that the desired transparency and privacy were achieved.
The team selected transparent yellow facings for the translucent honeycomb core Bonded Series panels; blending well with the overall design theme of the Pummill Hall building interior.
PANELITE PRODUCT
Bonded Series B-RCYT
Panel Sizes: 37” x 118.7” (cut from 39.4″ full width)
Core: Random Mix (2 cell diameters) Tubular Clear Cellular Honeycomb
Facings: Yellow transparent facings
ClearConnect™ System: BF-ITL3 continuous transparent spline (Interlocking Kerf Joint)
A BF-ITL3 interlocking joint is used for connecting the panels. The ITL3 joint relies on a simple kerf cut into a section of the core. A transparent spline is inserted in the kerf to interlock the panels. With this joint, there is no additional support or framing required. The panel edges are flush with each other, creating the seamless look required to achieve the design intent.
 BF-ITL3 Interlocking Joint detail shown on B-RCCT panel (Random Clear tubular honeycomb core, Clear Transparent facings) |
 BF-ITL3 Interlocking Joint detail shown on B-RCCT panel (Random Clear tubular honeycomb core, Clear Transparent facings) |
“Installation of the Panelite panels was very simple. All we had to do was put a channel at the top and bottom, and flush glaze the panels. The panels are extremely user friendly.” Jake Holt, Builders Glass & Products, Inc.
RESULT:
Seamless walls offering a bright, dynamic visual experience, as well as the required privacy and views.
Panelite Bonded Series Panels | ClearConnect™ System for Seamless Partition Walls | Honeycomb Core Provides Directional Privacy even with Transparent Facings
Client: Missouri State University (MSU)
Project: Translucent Partition Walls at MSU Pummill Hall
Architect: DAKE | WELLS Architecture
General Contractor: Dewitt and Associates
Installer: Builders Glass & Products, Inc
Photos: Beth Bruner, MSU
RELATED LINKS
- Bonded Series product options
- Bonded Series installation options, guide
- ClearConnect™ BF-ITL3 Joint : Kerf + Insert Detail
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