Maritime Center of Excellence, U.S. Coast Guard Academy

New London, Connecticut, USA

The U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s Maritime Center of Excellence offers a space where cadets can begin and end their training journeys by the water, creating the perfect opportunity for crews and groups to meet, work and enjoy the waterfront environment. 

Designed to look like a ship’s hull, the building features Kawneer’s IR 1600 Wall System®1 Curtain Wall, IR 501UT Framing System, 350T Insulpour® Thermal Entrances and GLASSvent® UT (Ultra Thermal) Windows. LEED Gold®-certified, the 20,000-square-foot structure features a welcome center for receptions, classrooms, a science and engineering lab and a boat bay for the academy’s largest training sailboats.  

To meet the needs of the Northeast’s cooler climate, Kawneer’s IR 501UT Framing System combines IsoLock® thermal break technology with insulating impact-resistant glazing to provide high ultra-thermal performance while providing ultimate occupant safety and comfort. Our GLASSvent® UT (Ultra Thermal) Windows were also specified to provide a high-thermal-performing ventilation option for the facade.  

The center’s Georgian architecture and utilization of high-performing thermal systems and outstanding waterfront views work to inspire the future U.S. Coast Guard leaders of tomorrow.  

ARCHITECT: SmithGroup, Washington, D.C.
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: A/Z Corporation, North Stonington, CT
GLAZING CONTRACTOR: Advanced Performance Glass, Inc., East Hartford, CT

Photography: © Prakash Patel Photography