The Sequoias Portola Valley was constructed in 1961 and is a continuing care retirement community located on 30+ acres of landscaped grounds in Portola Valley, CA. There are over 200 independent living units, plus a smaller number of apartments for assisted living and memory care, with 16-30 units for each of those services. It offers a continuum of care, from independent living to memory care, assisted living, and skilled nursing, with licensed nurses available on-site. The community features a design inspired by the Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto, Japan, with clusters of small buildings, open pathways, and a central colonnade. Amenities include a cafeteria, lounge, fitness center, wellness programs, arts and crafts, games, movie nights, and a 24-hour emergency call system in each apartment unit.
The site is in a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) zone, which means that it is in a high-risk area for wildfire damage. California insurers offer discounts to businesses and homeowners who invest in building hardening improvements, including upgraded windows. The Building Code requirements for these windows include insulated dual-paned glass, at least one pane of glass must be tempered, and non-combustible window frame material. Some of the building’s existing windows and patio glass doors are single pane with non-tempered glass. To harden the facility from future wildfires, the client elected to replace the building’s windows and patio doors with new code-complying dual-pane tempered glass aluminum windows and patio doors.
The project scope consisted of the complete replacement of all the exterior glazing systems for specific buildings within the entire development, including windows, storefronts, and entrances. The existing glazing systems were demolished down to the existing rough openings. New replacement high-performance windows, storefronts, and entrances were installed. The installation included providing new flashing, and joint sealants at the openings. Any interior and exterior finishes that were removed or damaged during construction were also replaced.
