Vitro Certified® Newsletter

NATIONAL AVIARY

PITTSBURGH, PA

Photographer: Jim Cunningham

Project Background 

Vitro Architectural Glass values the pivotal role that its industry-leading, low-embodied carbon glass plays in shaping contemporary architecture. The organization is dedicated to preserving nature's profound inspiration for exceptional design.

To honor this commitment and further Vitro’s dedication to the community and environmental protection, Vitro remains a strong supporter of the National Aviary. Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Aviary is the only independent indoor nonprofit zoo in the United States dedicated exclusively to birds, offering visitors a delightful and educational experience.  

For many years, Vitro has been an invaluable partner of the Aviary, demonstrating their support by generously contributing high-performance glass for several Aviary renovation projects. In addition to its glass contributions, Vitro has shown longstanding support for the Aviary's educational initiatives, including school programs and field trips, which positively impact students in the Pittsburgh area.

"We are aligned with the Aviary in our core values, and our dedicated teams continually strive for excellence in our respective areas," said Fernando Diez, Vice President of Marketing at Vitro Architectural Glass. "Our collaboration extends beyond championing bird conservation and safeguarding crucial bird habitats worldwide; it also encompasses enhancing the energy efficiency of glass to reduce our carbon footprint further. This partnership is a triumph for all involved."

For The Birds

The findings of a research study led by scientists from the American Bird Conservancy, Fordham University, NYC Bird Alliance, and Stony Brook University have uncovered alarming evidence. They found that building collisions result in more than one billion bird deaths yearly in the United States.  

Putting the well-being of the birds at the forefront, Vitro’s architectural representatives collaborated closely with experts from the National Aviary to design a habitat that is both functional and safe for the birds and maximizes the ultraviolet (UV) and visible light transmittance (VLT) to allow crucial sunlight to filter in.

To increase glass visibility to birds and help prevent collisions, AviProtek^® bird-friendly glass by Walker Glass, a Vitro partner, was incorporated in the Aviary’s Tropical Rainforest, Garden Room and Wetlands habitats. The Tropical Rainforest features AviProtek^® glass with a velour finish, while the Garden Room and Wetlands incorporate AviProtek^® glass with acid-etched patterns.

Tropical Rainforest

The Tropical Rainforest habitat opened to the public in 1952. For over 50 years, it maintained its original single-strength annealed float glass. However, wear and tear compromised the habitat's overall framework, which required restoration. The habitat was restored with a new glass canopy featuring 3,100 panes of laminated Starphire Ultra-Clear^® glass by Vitro. The Tropical Rainforest renovation was completed in July 2018.

Garden Room

The Aviary's Garden Room opened in October 2020. The LEED^® Gold-certified, state-of-the-art 9,000-square-foot event space features 2,700 square feet of Solarban^® 72 Acuity^® glass, a triple-silver, low-e coating on a specially engineered low-iron glass substrate. This glass combination provides sweeping views of Allegheny Commons Park and the historic Rose Garden, making it an ideal venue for weddings, corporate events, and educational programs. 

Vitro’s bird-friendly glass installations for the Tropical Rainforest and Garden Room at the Aviary each earned a Top Project of the Year Award in the elite Environment + Energy Leader Awards program in 2021.

Wetlands Habitat

The Wetlands, originally built in 1969, is the Aviary’s largest habitat and is home to a diverse range of bird species. These include familiar species like American Flamingos and Brown Pelicans, as well as lesser-known birds like Boat-billed Herons and Sunbitterns. Vitro donated over 20,000 square feet of Starphire Ultra-Clear^® glass for the renovated habitat. The "new" Wetlands, which opened in October 2022, features a new walkway, new rockwork, and an interactive coastal tree sculpture. 

In 2023, the Aviary’s Wetlands exhibit space earned Quebec's most prestigious architectural award, taking home best Commercial Institutional Building honors at the Prix Lumières, organized by the Association de vitrerie et fenestration du Quebec (AVFQ).

A Precedent for Protection

The Aviary's recent renovations and expansions have not only brought back its historical charm but have also elevated its status as a top-tier attraction. These enhancements have established a new benchmark for conservation initiatives, demonstrating a profound dedication to the welfare of birds and the environment on a worldwide level. 

At Vitro Architectural Glass, sustainability is at the heart of what we do. Our partnership with the National Aviary in Pittsburgh reflects our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. Continuing this mission, we’ve introduced BirdSmart™ Bird Safe Glass, featuring four first-surface laser-etched dot patterns and a Solarban^® low-e coating on the second surface. Learn more about BirdSmart™ Bird Safe Glass here.