The Women of the Glass House Series
Rebecca Buntrock
Senior Associate, SILMAN
What is your job title and responsibilities?
I am a Senior Associate at Silman. I lead a studio of engineers and manage a variety of projects from design through construction, with a special emphasis on historic preservation and existing buildings. On the Menokin Project, I am the structural Project Manager. Each day is a bit different in terms of what I am responsible for! I coordinate with the design consultants, in particular the architect, to make sure that the existing stone and masonry structure is restored to have an appropriate load path within allowable stresses. We designed the steel frame and associated details supporting the new glass façade, and we work with the contractor to make sure they have all the information they need to build the structure, including reviewing existing conditions, reviewing submittals, and responding to requests for information from the field. We're currently in Phase 1 of the project which entails the stabilization of the masonry walls.
What excites you about the Glass House Project?
Structurally it is a very interesting project and has been a fun little "jewel-box" to sharpen our problem solving skills. It combines cutting-edge new design (the new steel and glass structure) with very high-end historic preservation (restoring and stabilizing the existing walls, as well as the remaining wood framing elements). Each detail is different and unique on this project, and no corner of the building is orthogonal. This means we needed to be very creative in the design and detailing. I enjoyed the opportunity to work with a combination of new and old materials and how they are expressed to tell the history of the site, including the ruins of the masonry walls that remained and the new components rebuilt in modern materials. We were able to utilize the existing masonry walls as the primary lateral system to resist wind and seismic loads, so that the steel elements would only need to support gravity load. This allowed for elegant and slim structural shapes such as the cruciform columns.
Who inspires you?
I've been lucky to have several female mentors throughout my career; this has inspired me to achieve more in my own career. I am also very inspired by the next generation of engineers in our office who bring so much to the table in terms of their ideas, energy, and creativity.
What would you say is your biggest professional accomplishment or biggest professional challenge you have faced?
I am most proud of some of the projects I have completed that contribute to the community, such as cultural centers, botanical gardens, community spaces. It is very rewarding to get to see spaces you have worked on 'in action' being used, especially if it is a historic building where we have extended its lifespan. I am most proud of these types of projects.
What words of wisdom would you like to share with the next generation of women seeking to work in your field?
Definitely seek out mentors early on, don't be afraid to ask questions and advocate for the right support. Consider yourself an important part of the team from day one, because you are.