Our Process

The School Construction Authority (SCA) is responsible for the construction and renovations of the public schools in New York City. SCA has put into place an extensive plan to provide the children of New York City with the best opportunities for learning. The PS/IS 437k building in Brooklyn was previously considered a site for a nursing home or apartment complex. However, while working with the Historic Preservation Office, they decided to use the property as a school to meet the number of elementary and middle school seats needed.

The building was completed in 2015 with help from Michael Fieldman Architect, and General Contractor Silverite Construction Company. The Michael Fieldman Architect firm specializes in design of academic, healthcare, transportation and residential architecture. The firm has been featured in a number of magazines such as Casabella, Architectural Record, and iiC Magazine. Their work at PS/IS 437K won them the Society of American Registered Architects design award.

Silverite Construction Company is known for their ability to handle any size or type of heavy construction, including complex structures demanding special skills. Founded in 1964, Silverite was "built on a foundation of extreme passion, drive, and integrity."

A major component in the architect's design was the use of a solid glass brick, appropriately named VISTABRIK^®. Collaborating on supply, design, and installation was the role of GBA Architectural Products + Services. Extraordinarily versatile, VISTABRIK^® combines the strength of a 3" thick glass brick partition with 90% light transmittance. No other comparable building material combines the strength, beauty, and security features of a VISTABRIK^®. Michael Fieldman Architect selected the 4" x 8" VISTABRIK^® option and GBA laid them as "soldiers," creating crisp vertical lines. The block was utilized in the four-floor stair enclosure wall on the North elevation and in the gymnasium clerestory window stretching nearly 100 feet long. The window goes the length of the playground outside, with no concern over damage considering the strength provided by the VISTABRIK^®. Fieldman Architect also utilized the block in numerous other window openings and hallway enclosures throughout the building.

GBA, being the largest supplier and installer of glass block in the country, provided skilled craftsmen to meticulously lay over 4,000 solid VISTABRIK^® masonry units. We also created all shop drawings, dimensions, and details to make the execution run smoothly. Silverite was happy GBA completed their work as outlined by the jobsite schedule for such a unique product and design.

What Customers Say

"Work was done very professionally with outstanding quality. Your crews were very attentive to detail & made sure to protect surrounding work surfaces from damage. They communicated well with my field team to ensure we & the Owner were satisfied with the end product. Job well done." - Russell Stafford, RNGD A Palmisano Company

"We were lucky to have GBA on our project at Lutheran East High School. From the front office to the field supervision and crew were very knowledgeable with our project. Took extra care not to damage the building during demolition. The quality of materials and their labor force was top-notch." — Peter Powell, Carey Construction Group

"We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the glass block at Lutheran East High School and have received many compliments on the design. The glass block windows give the building a nice “pop” of color on the exterior each side of the gym and helped to maintain the identity of the school." - Rick Jozity, Meraki Architects, L.L.C

"I saw the final glass block wall in person and it really is a work of art. We are so grateful for your team’s hard work on this." – Crister Cantrell, Gensler

"As the Senior Project Manager for the general contracting company responsible for completing all aspects of the historical restoration, structural rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse modifications to the derelict Triboro tuberculosis hospital, one of the most difficult challenges was finding capable and qualified subcontractors for the key restoration trades that are both committed to quality construction and respectful of the historical restoration process. I am lucky enough to have worked with GBA on previous successful projects and was glad to bring them into this project. GBA provided the essential expertise and quality craftsmanship that this project needed and was a reliable partner helping us convert the Triboro Tuberculosis Hospital into the T Building Residence." – Senior Project Manager, Bill Harwood for the GC, Mega Contracting

"On behalf of me, my project manager and CGC; I would like to reach out to applaud the quality and workmanship of the crew sent out to do the glass block wall outside of the theater here in Hudson. Dan and Nate went above and beyond to keep their work area organized and clean, even protected our finish trim and VWC in the mixing area with plastic. If only more companies active on site would follow in your companies steps these buildings would be cut and dry and run very efficiently. Thank you! - Jake M. Behler, Cameron General Contractors

PS/IS 437K

Our Process

Download the Case Study

Main Street Station Gallery

Bring Privacy and Natural Light Together with Glass Blocks

What Customers Say