Case Study: Custom Architectural Muntins at Navy Crane Center in Norfolk, VA
- BVB Products Team
- Dec 18, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 22, 2025
Preserving historic architectural details while upgrading performance is a common challenge in military and government renovations. At the Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s Navy Crane Center, preserving the craftsman-style grid pattern of the original wood windows was a priority during the transition to modern storefront framing.
To achieve this balance, BVB Architectural Muntins (BAM) were selected to replicate the original window design while integrating seamlessly with new storefront systems. The result was a fully fabricated architectural muntin solution engineered for durability, accuracy, and long-term performance.
Design Goals: Specialty Features with Custom Glazing Solutions
BAM was tasked to replicate specialty design features of the existing windows. This included craftsman style muntin layout, which created a variety of lite sizes in each window enhancing aesthetic appeal. The project also required wagon wheel style arches to match stonework at other locations. Additionally, the curved muntin had to align with muntins in adjacent grids.
Solution: Screw-In Muntin Grids by BVB Products
For secure attachment and integration with storefront systems a screw-in muntin installation was selected:
System: Screw-In
Perimeter: BAM-02
Muntin: BAM-01
The finish was bone white.
Before (left) and After (right) Installation of BAM
Installation Insights: Designed with Glaziers in Mind
The system was installed by Binswanger Glass, who valued how BVB’s fully assembled screw-in muntin grids eliminated the need for precise muntin placement in the field. Traditional stick-by-stick tape-on methods, where muntins are applied one piece at a time, require careful alignment and are time-consuming. As with all of BVB’s systems, the muntin grids were completely factory fabricated to avoid the concerns of independent component installation. The BVB screw-in system utilized a perimeter profile that uses an extended leg that blends with the storefront framing, creating a space to attach the muntin grid for seamless integration into the glazing system without the hassle of applying tape.
Why Glaziers and Architects Trust Bacon's Architectural Muntins for Commercial Projects
BAM’s systems offer significant advantages for glazing contractors and project owners alike:
Faster install times using fully assembled muntin grid systems
Lower costs compared to true divided lites or field-assembled alternatives
Reduced maintenance with no risk of muntins detaching over time
Compatibility with aluminum storefront and curtainwall systems
Architectural accuracy suitable for historic preservation standards
Project Team
Owner: US Navy
Architect: Andre + Marquez Architects, Inc
Installer: Binswanger Glass
Location: Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Buildings 491 & 492, Portsmouth, VA 23704
Need Architectural Muntins for Your Next Project?
Don’t let complex designs or unreliable muntin systems slow down your project. Whether you’re working on a military facility renovation, university building, historic restoration, or commercial storefront, BVB’s fully fabricated architectural muntins deliver durability, accuracy, and faster installation.
