The client, a secure government printer, built an operational center in one of the most violent cities in the western hemisphere.
Not understanding security, the architect designed a building with large areas of glass windows and cladding. Under government contract to operationalize the center, the client proceeded with construction despite the security risks.
Use of ballistic glass was evaluated. Structural weight loading calculations came in at an incremental 60 tons of glass, making the technology unfeasible.
Using its Polymatrix ballistic panel technology, ACE retrofit the building to ballistic level UL Level 7 (5.56 x 45mm NATO)
Total cost with ACE: $250,000
Ballistic glass: deemed unfeasible due to weight loading
Stock image. Image is NOT of actual client site.