Oliv Madison: High-Performance Windows for Student Housing in Downtown Madison
In downtown Madison, just steps from the University of Wisconsin campus, the Oliv Madison project redefines the student housing experience. This 10-story, mixed-use development offers more than 1,000 beds, rooftop lounges, and modern retail, all wrapped in a clean, contemporary design. Completed in 2024, the project reflects how thoughtful building envelope choices — including custom, energy-efficient windows — can enhance both performance and livability.
Designed by Antunovich Associates and built by Findorff, Oliv Madison incorporates INTUS Supera AW double-glazed polymer windows to support energy savings, sound insulation, and architectural integrity.
Project Vision: Designed for Student Comfort, Built to Perform
Urban student housing presents a unique set of challenges — from thermal comfort and acoustic privacy to long-term durability. At Oliv Madison, the design team needed a window system that could balance energy efficiency, sound control, and modern aesthetics.
Supera AW windows from INTUS Windows were selected for their proven performance in mid-rise, high-occupancy buildings. Featuring polymer frames, double-glass units, and low-E coatings, these high-performance windows offered the right combination of thermal insulation and noise mitigation — essential for a mixed-use property located in a lively university district.
Performance First: Window Systems That Do More
The windows installed at Oliv Madison weren’t chosen just for looks — they were selected for measurable envelope performance.
With a U-factor of 0.25, a solar heat gain coefficient of 0.22, and visible transmittance at 0.62, Supera AW windows help reduce HVAC loads while maximizing daylight. Air infiltration performance of 0.1 cfm/ft² and water penetration resistance over 10 psf add resilience in varying Midwestern conditions.
Noise was another major factor. With STC 32 and OITC 26, these noise reduction windows help ensure that residents enjoy quiet study spaces — even in the heart of the city.
Smart Installation for a Complex Envelope
To support the building’s diverse facade conditions, Supera AW windows were installed using a combination of receptor systems and mounting brackets — ensuring fast, precise installation and long-term air and water tightness.
While Oliv Madison is new construction, the window package included many features common in retrofit window systems: adaptable framing, durable polymer profiles, and accessories designed for architectural flexibility.
These included:
Bird-safe double-pane glazing with ClimaGuard® low-E coating
Tempered safety glass
ADA-compliant handles, standard pulls, and multiple limiter options
Grids-in-pane with both standard and custom configurations
Louvers, undersill, and widening profiles for fine-tuned installation
The result: a window system that supported the building’s performance requirements without sacrificing design or speed of construction.
High-Occupancy Comfort Through Custom Window Solutions
For INTUS Windows, Oliv Madison showcases how tailored, commercial-grade windows can elevate occupant well-being — especially in multi-resident, high-demand environments.
The Supera AW system brings together:
Energy-efficient window design for long-term sustainability
Durability under intensive daily use — ideal for student housing
Visual clarity and slim sightlines that complement modern design
Compatibility with both new construction and window replacement projects
These qualities make Supera AW not only a smart choice for urban developers, but also a reliable solution for architects seeking to balance form, function, and performance.
What Oliv Madison Teaches About Student Housing Design
This project reflects growing expectations for what student living should offer: quiet, comfortable interiors, reduced operational costs, and long-lasting materials that support architectural goals.
Key takeaways for developers and design teams:
Durability and noise control are essential for multi-tenant housing
Polymer windows offer lightweight strength and installation efficiency
Envelope design contributes directly to sustainability and resident satisfaction
Customization supports aesthetic goals without compromising performance
Even without LEED or Passive House certification, the envelope strategy at Oliv Madison makes a measurable impact on the building’s energy use and user experience.
Looking Ahead: Smarter Windows for Smarter Buildings
As student housing continues to evolve, Oliv Madison stands as an example of how replacement windows, retrofit-ready designs, and energy-focused glazing systems can deliver long-term value.
📞 Planning a student housing or multifamily project?
Let’s explore how INTUS Windows can support your goals — whether you’re building new, upgrading old, or balancing both.
🍽️ Or book a Lunch & Learn with our team to dive into real-world project insights and discover how smarter glazing can shape better outcomes.
👉 Let’s design the next generation of buildings — efficiently, beautifully, and sustainably.
