PRESERVING HERITAGE
The Sustainable Transformation of M1 Bank
by Franz Safford, CEO and Founder of Innovation Glass
The M1 Bank Renovation at 7801 Forsyth Avenue is a striking testament to modern design, boldly establishing a new aesthetic language that reflects M1's ambition while respecting its context within the St. Louis financial district. An interior palette of rich materials—wood tiles, custom metal grilles, terrazzo, bronze and gold accents, porcelain tile, and an abundance of glass—underscores M1's commitment not just to aesthetics, but to its philanthropic mission and community roots.
At the heart of this architectural marvel is the innovative VS1 system. This one-way (vertical) spanning, point-supported barrier curtain wall system showcases an impressive exterior facade of 100% glass over 12,000 square feet (1,115 sq. m.). Above the main entryway, a decorative painted, perforated metal screen further enhances the striking visual impact of the design. The intricately engineered 10" x 3" (254mm x 76mm) mullions span 38.2 feet (11.6m), with a midspan lateral tie-back strut that maintains structural integrity while creating a breathtaking visual effect. This thoughtful configuration ensures that the full height dead load is effectively transferred to the base mullions, relieving the existing head structure from vertical loads and keeping the facade system depth to a minimum.
Every detail in this design reflects a commitment to excellence. Glass panels are secured to the VS1 mullions by precision-engineered wind and gravity fittings, while the glass joints are sealed each way, ensuring that not only is the installation robust, but the system remains "leak-free." The clever use of stainless-steel cap nuts at the wind fittings (pinch plates) allows for continuous sealant application, guaranteeing 100% integrity and thermal efficiency. Modeling confirmed that any potential condensation issues were negligible, further enhancing the building's sophisticated performance.
The VS1 facade does more than meet the building's functional needs: it creates a highly transparent building envelope that beautifully showcases its design, allowing for an uninterrupted view through the glass "veil”.
With an exceptional U-value of 0.18 BTU/hr-ft²-F for this project, the VS1 system achieves one of the best thermal performances available, thereby fulfilling the architect's vision while honoring sustainability goals. The aluminum mullions, crafted from 85% recycled material, highlight a conscious effort to reduce the carbon footprint, echoing the overarching ethos of modern architecture—sustainability without sacrificing beauty.
This project exemplifies how we can honor history while embracing contemporary advancements. By adopting a "glass box" approach to retrofitting existing structures, the renovation not only decreases operational carbon emissions but also reduces the substantial embodied carbon costs associated with new builds. As we look toward a future where the global building stock is expected to double by 2060, the M1 Bank Renovation serves as an enlightening guide. It demonstrates that rather than hastening towards new constructions, we have the opportunity to preserve and enhance our architectural heritage with minimal environmental impact.
Ultimately, the M1 Bank Renovation embodies a progressive approach to design, merging old and new while paving the way for a sustainable, low-impact future. In a world where growth seems inevitable, this project champions the idea that the past can—and should—be preserved and reimagined for generations to come.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
FRanz Safford, FACADE ENGINEER
CEO OF INNOVATION GLASS
Franz is an expert in all aspects of curtain wall construction process, from initial conception/design development, engineering, material selection, fabrication, project management and installation. He follows a process that strives for simplicity in the design solution, embracing a philosophy of integrating components to achieve a higher level of efficiency for the end-product. Read Full Bio →
