Nuanced Solutions for Greener Façades

Design details and novel technologies lead to better, higher-performing building exteriors
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Sponsored by EXTECH/Exterior Technologies Inc., Fi-Foil® Company, Inc., FunderMax USA, Guardian Industries, Kawneer Company, Inc., Lorin Industries Inc., Pella EFCO Commercial Solutions, Quest Window Systems Inc., Simonton Windows & Doors, and W&W Glass, LLC
C.C. Sullivan

The sea turtle protections call to mind the many ordinances for bird-friendly glass recently enacted in cities from Toronto and Portland to Chicago and New York. In these places, rules state that exterior glass must be the kinds that are more visible to birds, especially on façade areas closer to grade, where they tend to fly. Below about 60 feet, the glass façades reflect trees and other vegetation, which increases their potential confusion. Some of the bird-protective glass types include silkscreen patterns; a number of product types are evaluated and recommended by the American Bird Conservancy, which scores some products on a range of effectiveness.

According to the conservancy, songbirds are most at risk from collisions with glass, but nearly 300 species have been reported as collision victims, including hummingbirds, woodpeckers, kingfishers, and birds of prey. In any place where buildings are near special habitat zones and resting spots for migrant birds, the protective glazings are recommended. In addition to using the protective glass types, there are tapes and decals that can serve as retrofit solutions. Also, building managers can turn off exterior vanity lighting and flood lighting turned at night, especially during migration seasons, to help reduce the number of collisions.

Fortunately, whether the intent is to protect birds, turtles, or humans, there is a large range of product solutions to serve even the most complex needs. The fact is, today's development of envelope and cladding systems is among the most active area in the architectural universe.

Chris Sullivan is an author and principal of C.C. Sullivan (www.ccsullivan.com), a marketing agency focused on architecture, construction, and building products.

 

SPONSORS
EXTECH/Exterior Technologies Inc.
Fi-Foil® Company, Inc.
FunderMax USA
Guardian Industries
Kawneer Company, Inc.
Lorin Industries Inc.
EFCO Corp.
Quest Window Systems Inc.
Simonton Windows & Doors
W&W Glass, LLC

 

 

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Originally published in Architectural Record
Originally published in September 2014

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Nuanced Solutions for Greener Façades
Buyer's Guide
Thermal Projected Windows
EFCO is proud to introduce the newest member of their line of XTherm® products—the PX32 Series thermal projected window. With strutted and air pocketed thermal breaks, the PX32 makes significant gains in thermal resistance for vented configurations. The PX32 provides a complete solution for your high-performance fenestration needs.
EFCO Corp.
www.EFCOCorp.com
Hybrid Insulation System
Building designers are faced with maximizing the thermal performance of building envelopes from zero-energy single-family homes to LEED commercial buildings. Fi-Foil's innovative HY-Fi hybrid insulation system enhances the thermal performance of any air space. It is compatible with all types of insulation including foam, fiberglass batts, cellulose, and foam-board.
Fi-Foil® Company, Inc.
www.FiFoil.com
Interlocking Translucent Polycarbonate Wall
This LEED-friendly product offers beauty, durability, and economy. Tongue and groove style panels up to 39 feet long form a continuous wall of daylight unbroken by vertical or horizontal aluminum framing. Your facility will benefit from comfortable, diffused daylighting and all the advantages provided by cellular polycarbonate.
EXTECH/Exterior Technologies Inc.
www.extechinc.com
Pre-Engineered Rainscreen Cladding Panels
FunderMax is a global leader in the manufacturing and engineering of phenolic compact panels for exterior applications. It is known for engineering innovation such as the recently introduced Modulo panel system—an economical pre-engineered closed joint concealed fastening panel system.
FunderMax USA
www.fundermaxusa.com
High-Performance Glass
Guardian SunGuard SNX 51/23 boasts an industry-leading combination of high light transmission, low solar heat gain, and low reflectivity. SNX 51/23 glass meets North America's most stringent energy codes and has a neutral blue color, giving architects a new option to build with light.
Guardian Industries
www.SunGuardGlass.com
Curtain Wall System
Designed to help architects stay ahead of stringent code requirements, Kawneer's 1600UT (Ultra Thermal) Curtain Wall System™ delivers high thermal performance, versatility, reliability, and value. Ideal for low- to mid-rise commercial applications where high thermal performing façades are needed, the 1600UT Curtain Wall System™ raises the standards for pre-engineered performance.
Kawneer Company, Inc.
www.kawneer.com
Bronze Finish Meets Modern Design
Lorin's Medium Bronze Brushed ColorIn® was developed to change the architectural design landscape. Not only does the bronze color hold up to harsh UV exposure, it can be easily fabricated into panels, laser cut, and shaped into an infinite number of architectural designs.
Lorin Industries Inc.
www.lorin.com
Low-Maintenance Window Solution
Designed with a fusion-welded vinyl frame and sash for maximum performance and durability, Brickmould 600 offers a low-maintenance window with a multitude of exclusive features that will enhance the beauty of a home, including: painted exteriors, interior woodgrains, high-quality hardware finishes, and specialty glass for maximum performance and efficiency.
Simonton Windows & Doors
www.simonton.com
Unitized Panel System
Quest's ECOWALL product line is a system of unitized panels that are manufactured and pre-glazed at Quest's Mississauga Canada facility and shipped to site complete with insulated and spandrel glass, insulated panels, integrated operable windows, and ADA-compliant door products.
Quest Window Systems Inc.
www.ecowall.questwindows.com
Hidden-in-Plain-View Point Supports
Pilkington Planar™ Intrafix point-supported fittings are concealed within the structural glass insulating units for a crisp, uninterrupted view from the exterior with no external bolts, caps, or washers. The fixing mechanism captures the tempered or laminated inner leaf of an insulating unit with a stainless steel disk system. Planar Intrafix allows high-performance low-e coated glasses to be used for the external lite of the IG unit. Intrafix carries the standard Pilkington Planar™ 12-year system warranty.
W&W Glass, LLC
www.wwglass.com