HUGEL WELCOME CENTER IN MARKLE HALL AT LAFAYETTE COLLEGE
EASTON, PA
The Hugel Welcome Center benefits from energy savings and reduced carbon emissions, thanks to extraordinary
R-values from VacuMax™ VIG.
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Vitro Architectural Glass Products: |
VacuMax™ Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG) |
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Architect/Designers: |
ALMA Architecture, LLC |
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Owner: |
Lafayette College |
| Vitro Certified® Fabricator: |
Glass Enterprises, Inc. |
| Glazing Contractor: |
National Glass & Metal Company, Inc. |
| General Contractor: |
DVP Construction Group |
| Photographer: |
Jim Cunningham |
Project Background
The recently renovated Hugel Welcome Center, located within Markle Hall on the Lafayette College campus, provides a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors alike. Completed in September 2023, this modern facility features spacious areas filled with natural light that create an inviting ambiance. The design of the center reflects the university’s strong commitment to environmental sustainability, incorporating eco-friendly materials and practices throughout the renovation. With its state-ofthe-art amenities and warm reception, the Hugel Welcome Center truly serves as a cornerstone for campus interaction and a celebration of the college’s values.
“In the world of admissions and campus visits, first impressions can mean the difference between a prospective student becoming an applicant or an admitted student enrolling at Lafayette,” said Forrest Stuart, vice president for enrollment management. “We expect between 6,000 and 7,000 prospective students to visit Lafayette each year, and that translates into approximately 15,000 to 20,000 people when family members are included. The Hugel Welcome Center serves as the front porch for the College, and we can be proud of the first impression this facility offers.” 1
The Hugel Welcome Center features one of Vitro’s highest-performing products, VacuMax™ Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG), which delivers world-leading R-values of up to R20, rivaling the performance of traditional walls. It is the first U.S. project to boast this innovative insulating technology, greatly enhancing thermal insulation capabilities and energy savings and reducing operational carbon.
VacuMax™ VIG delivers thermal insulation performance three to five times better than conventional insulating glass units and up to 20 times better than monolithic glass. VacuMax™ VIG units are comprised of two lites of 4mm (0.16”) glass separated by a non-leaded proprietary metal edge seal and a vacuum space. The units’ slender design and light weight make them easy to integrate into traditional glazing systems, window frames or curtainwall applications. VacuMax™ VIG is often used to replace monolithic glazing in older buildings, making it well-suited for retrofit projects.
The VacuMax™ VIG units at the Hugel Welcome Center feature Solarban® 90 solar control low-e glass by Vitro on the second surface and AviProtek® E pattern #217 bird-friendly glass on the first surface or outermost lite. AviProtek® E glass, created in conjunction with Vitro partner Walker Glass, has an acid-etched pattern on the exterior surface that maximizes glass visibility to birds and helps prevent collisions.
The Hugel Welcome Center also boasts a pedestrian walkway featuring a vibrant display of native plants and landscaping. This walkway creates an inviting path for visitors as they transition from the upper level of the Markle Hall parking deck to the first level of Markle Hall. The space also features new furniture, decor, and video screens that feature quotes from Lafayette students, faculty, and alumni.
At Lafayette, the recent renovations have not only garnered approval from the admissions staff but have also received enthusiastic feedback from the students employed in the admissions office. Many of these students have expressed their satisfaction with the updated facilities, highlighting how the improvements have enhanced their work environment. Working in admissions is one of the most sought after on-campus job opportunities, attracting over 100 students in roles such as tour guides, office assistants and senior interviewers. The renovations have made their tasks more comfortable and efficient, contributing to a positive and dynamic work atmosphere.
The Hugel Welcome Center was made possible thanks to a bequest from Charles “Charley” Hugel ’51 and his wife, Nina. With its recent renovation, the Hugel Welcome Center is now a remarkable introduction for prospective students and their families, leaving a lasting impact and providing a comprehensive first look at the campus.
“Lafayette was in need of a welcome center that invited not only prospective students into the fold, but also alumni, guest speakers, and the like,” Stuart said. “The Hugel family helped Lafayette fulfill that need.” 1
For more information about VacuMax™ VIG from Vitro Architectural Glass, visit vacumaxvig.com.
For more information about all other Vitro products, visit www.vitroglazings.com or call 1-855-VTRO-GLS (887-6457)
©2024 Vitro Architectural Glass. All rights reserved. Solarban® and Vitro Certified® are registered trademarks owned by Vitro.
VacuMax™ is a trademark owned by Vitro. AviProtek® is a registered trademark owned by Walker Glass.
