RICE UNIVERSITY

Location:

HOUSTON, TX

System:

LITEFLAM

Sector:

Educational

DESIGN GROUP:

SOM Architects

owner:

Contractor:

Year:

Download Case study

About

RICE UNIVERSITY

Rice University construction of a 477,000-gross-square-foot, 10-story Collaborative Research Center (CRC) included a fire-rated glass skywalk and glass staircase. SOM Architects looked to the LITEFLAM XT 60 system to provide the solution to the fire-rated glass skywalk and matching LITEFLOOR 32/3 glass flooring finished off the glass staircase.

‍

PROJECT CHALLENGES

Tackling Fire Safety and Design Complexity in Houston’s Educational Architecture

Achieving the required fire rating for expansive glass elements.
Integrating dual glazing systems (LITEFLAM XT60 and LITEFLOOR 32/3) seamlessly.
Balancing aesthetic intent with stringent fire safety standards.
Coordinating complex design requirements across a 10‑story research facility.

Project SOLUTION

LITEFLAM XT60 and LITEFLOOR 32/3: Fire-Rated Glass for Rice University’s Skywalk and Staircase

Employed the LITEFLAM XT60 system to deliver a fire‑rated glass skywalk.
Utilized LITEFLOOR 32/3 to create a matching, fire‑rated glass staircase.
Collaborated closely with SOM Architects to ensure cohesive design integration.
Engineered advanced glazing solutions that meet both safety and visual criteria.

PROJECT ACHIEVEMENTS

Pioneering Fire-Rated Glazing in Rice University’s Houston Research Center

Completed a 477,000‑gross‑square‑foot, 10‑story Collaborative Research Center.
Successfully integrated innovative fire‑rated glazing systems into key architectural features.
Enhanced both safety and visual appeal with state‑of‑the‑art glass solutions.
Set new benchmarks for fire‑rated glazing applications in educational facilities.