Windows are a key component in restoration projects. The Union Station in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was no exception. Originally designed by Fellhimer & Wagner, it was built in the 1920s when Winston-Salem was the largest city in the state. It represented the level of growth and industry at that time.

In later years, the station was shut down and sold. The building itself ultimately took a toll and desperately needed to be restored when the city bought it back. As part of the restoration, the City of Winston-Salem sought to improve the thermal performance of the building. With over 1500 windows throughout the station, it became a key feature to consider when looking at thermal control.

Installing contemporary IGU’s would require that the existing metal windows get ripped out entirely. To avoid this, Walter Robbs Architecture had planned to use interior storm windows, improving performance while preserving the look of the original windows on the outside.

With Pilkington Spacia VIG technology, the firm could get the desired thermal performance without having to add storm windows or having to rip out the historic metal windows. At ¼-inch thick and with the performance values of a contemporary IGU, Pilkington Spacia is an ideal fit for many restoration projects.