Showcasing EFCO windows and doors, the Omni Amelia Island Resort welcomes guests to Fernandina Beach, just north of Jacksonville, Florida.
Resort information
The resort originally was designed in 1971 as a luxury Florida beach destination. The property was renovated in1982 and again in 2013. During its most recent $85 million redevelopment, architects at HKS re-imagined the resort’s expanded offerings nestled on 1,350 acres.
Among its improvements are a large 70,000-square-foot conference center, a new lobby with floor-to-ceiling views overlooking the ocean, updated glazing systems in communal spaces and refreshed doors and windows on more than 400 guest rooms.
An additional 155 guest rooms, including 27 suites, were constructed on the north end of the resort, increasing the total room count to 402 ocean-front guest rooms. Modern and bright, the rooms’ new EFCO windows and doors showcase ocean sunrises and marsh sunsets.
EFCO products used and why
Refreshing the Omni Amelia Island Resort, GVS Glass & Glazing installed hundreds of EFCO sliding, terrace and entrance doors, plus curtainwall, storefront and window systems. The aluminum doors and framing members feature painted finishes using custom-blended, color-matched, three-coat, 70% PVDF resin-based architectural coatings. All vision glass areas rely on Viracon VE1-42 insulating laminated glass.
The combination of finishes, materials and components in EFCO products created a solution to meet the resort’s multiple requirements. Insulating laminated glass manages unwanted solar heat gain and ultraviolet light, along with providing acoustic comfort and safety features. The laminated component is designed to remain integral in the opening should glass damage occur from flying debris during a hurricane or high winds.
Suitable for Florida’s climate and conditions, EFCO 5XPT sliding doors, Series 2701 windows and System 5600 Curtain Wall are independently verified to successfully pass impact testing. The sliding doors meet small and large missile impact testing. The curtainwall and windows have Florida Product Approval and are approved for use in a High Velocity Hurricane Zone.
EFCO products custom-color architectural finish are formulated to withstand solar exposure, humidity and salt spray of the coastal environment. The aluminum framing members also are insulated with a thermal barrier, which further supports the resort’s energy efficiency and guest comfort. These thermally broken systems also resist condensation to minimize the growth of mold and maximize clear views.
EFCO 5XPT sliding glass doors resist condensation and forced entry, as well as stringent acoustic, air, water, thermal, structural and impact performance requirements. Its low sill profile allows a seamless transition between the guest’s interior and outdoor experience.
EFCO curtainwall and Series 526 thermal storefront present additional opportunities to enhance the property’s energy savings and the guests’ comfort. These full-height glazing systems create daylit interiors and highlight unobstructed views throughout the resort.
In communal areas, EFCO Series D300 entrance doors are manufactured for high-traffic, continuous use with respect to security, egress and accessibility. These doors are joint plug welded at every corner to provide reliable strength, smooth operation and minimal maintenance.
The entry doors open up to guest spaces featuring fire pits, water features, beaches and more. The enhanced arrival experience presents a unified welcome center for both hotel and villa guests with views overlooking an infinity edge pool. More poolside space and amenities were added to The Beach Club zone. The resort also presents a wider range of on-site dining experiences and greater pedestrian connectivity, including easy access to the beach, signature spa, shopping village and recreational areas.
