MHM Architects & Interior Design

Knoxville,

Tennessee

Historic

Southern Glass

McCarty Holsaple McCarty Architects in Knoxville not only helped renovate the former Sanitary Laundry Company building, they designed it to be their new office. It was not an easy lift, as much weather damage and vandalization had occured over a 30-year period of non-occupancy. For the windows, MHM chose Quaker’s H450 Series Steel Replica Windows . Certainly, the H450’s steel window appearance was one of the big reasons why, but there were others.

Sizing. Almost every window was unique in size, and many of the window openings were massive. Of all the openings, the tallest was just shy of 16′; The widest was nearly 15′. One particular opening was nearly 180 sq. ft in size. Through the use of a continuous frame assembly and structural mulls, Quaker was able to fill every opening.
Floating Operator Combination units: Nothing says “historic industrial building” like huge, multi-lite steel windows with a single operating window in the center. Quaker’s H450 Series Steel Replica windows use a singular main frame featuring an operable window floating amid surrounding fixed units, hence the term “Floating Operator”.
Quaker’s ability to offer geometric windows. The large H450 geometric half rounds grab the eyes of all passersby.
Sound control: Insulating glass made up of two 1/4″ panes of glass dampen sound intrusion coming from downtown traffic.
Energy Efficiency: Dual silver Low-E offers very good U-Values
Color: Black Powder Coat with a 2604 finish
Safety: All glass is tempered. Limit travel devices are found on operable units.
SDLs: Simulated Divided Lites are found on every window, including the large arched SDLs on the geometric windows.
Install accessories: Structural mulls and sill flashing were all pre-cut and shipped loose to the jobsite

The project was completed in 2025. Since that time, it has received the Knox Heritage City of Knoxville Mayor’s Award in 2026. According to MHM, they are also pursuing LEED, WELL, and Net Zero certifications.

Photo credit: Sterling E. Stevens Photography Services