Memorial Hermann | Houston Rockets Training Center

MEMORIAL HERMANN | HOUSTON ROCKETS TRAINING CENTER

Location: Houston, TX

Owner: Houston Rockets

Project Overview

Designed by Populous, Memorial Hermann | Houston Rockets Training Center features two full-size practice courts, expanded strength and conditioning facilities, treatment and recovery areas, player amenities, offices, meeting spaces and an outdoor training zone. The facility represents an investment of roughly $70 million in the Rockets’ basketball operations and long-term player development.

Binswanger Glass installed the facility’s curtain wall and storefront systems, helping create a contemporary exterior defined by expansive glazing, strong horizontal lines and the Houston Rockets’ distinctive red-and-black identity. The glazing package incorporates Kawneer architectural systems with Vitro Architectural Glass Solarban® insulating glass units, bringing natural light throughout the building while contributing to the performance of the exterior envelope.

Binswanger’s scope extended beyond the exterior to include shower doors, mirrors and laminated glass railings, resulting in a comprehensive glazing package serving both the architectural and performance-focused areas of the facility.

Key Features & Glazing Details

A Glass-Forward Training Environment

Natural light was an important element of the training center’s design. Large areas of exterior glazing help daylight penetrate the facility and create a brighter environment for athletes, coaches and staff—a significant change from the Rockets’ former training areas inside Toyota Center. Aquinas Engineering notes that daylighting and thermal performance were among the considerations influencing the project’s glazing specifications.

Kawneer Curtain Wall and Storefront Systems

Binswanger Glass installed Kawneer curtain wall and storefront systems across the facility, helping establish the clean, horizontal architectural expression visible throughout the exterior.

High-Performance Solarban® Insulating Glass

The curtain wall and storefront systems incorporate Vitro Architectural Glass Solarban® insulating glass units. The high-performance glazing supports the building envelope while providing the transparency and daylighting central to the facility’s architectural design.

For a Houston facility with extensive exterior glass, the combination of insulating glass and high-performance architectural coatings helps balance daylight, views and thermal performance.

Engineered Curtain Wall Performance

Binswanger Glass collaborated with Aquinas Engineering on the structural engineering of the curtain wall system. Aquinas performed structural calculations addressing conditions including wind loads, thermal expansion and lateral forces to help ensure that the glazing system met the project’s performance requirements.

Interior Glass, Railings and Mirrors

Binswanger’s work continued into the interior with laminated glass railings fabricated by A3 Glass Fabricator, along with mirrors and shower doors. These elements extend the project’s use of glass beyond the façade while supporting the clean, modern design of the player and training areas.

For Binswanger Glass, the completed project showcases how a coordinated glazing package can contribute to both the architectural identity and day-to-day performance of a modern professional sports facility.

Click here to take the drone tour and see the finished facility.