21st Century Building Envelope Systems: Merging Innovation with Technology, Sustainability, and Function

By addressing energy efficiency, moisture infiltration, aesthetics, and occupant comfort, building envelope elements and component systems enhance design opportunities and minimize potential risk
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Advertorial course provided by Dryvit, Vistawall, CENTRIA, W&W Glass, Oldcastle Glass, and Alcoa
Barbara A. Nadel, FAIA

Seamless Building Envelope Solutions and Solar Glass

Innovation can apply to the way services are delivered, as well as to new and different methods of using technology, materials, and products. Delivering quality products and services in the building industry is generally dependent on effective project management, and meeting budgets and schedules. When manufacturers meet project targets, they provide enhanced value to building owners and design professionals, in addition to the high performance characteristics inherent in the building envelope products they provide.

Four Seasons Hotel & Tower, Miami, Florida. Architect: Bermello, Ajamil & Partners and Gary Edward Handel Associates.
Photo: Courtesy of Oldcastle Glass

Multiple vendors, trades, installers, and contractors can complicate project coordination, especially when glass, metal, and storefront window suppliers and different warranties are involved. Each additional party and company involved during the design, construction, manufacturing and testing process adds more risk to projects, as well as potential costs and scheduling challenges.

"Providing a one-stop, seamless building envelope solution to owners, architects and design professionals can significantly streamline construction management. The benefits of this approach include reducing the number of vendors, better delivery coordination, minimizing procurement delays, and the ability to provide a single warranty for the entire system. All of these factors mean less risk during construction, faster project completion, and lower total project costs," says Deep Bhattacharya, Vice President of Business Development and Technology, Oldcastle Glass, Inc., Santa Monica, California.

Architectural elements considered part of building envelope solutions include curtain wall systems, skylights, operable windows, storefronts, doors, and structural glass walls. Additional elements that are part of the building envelope include glass canopies, metal panels, revolving and sliding doors, and related engineered products.

Energy Efficiency Through Solar Control Glass

With energy costs rising steadily, the need to control solar heat gain and maintain energy efficient buildings that provide occupant comfort and aesthetics is an opportunity for innovation.

A new type of neutral color solar control glass allows sunlight to enter a space, without accumulating heat gain, through a combination of high performance solar control and visible light transmittance. This solar glass can provide significant reductions in energy costs, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment expense. Solar glass also reduces harmful ultraviolet rays that can discolor fabrics and finishes, causing them to fade, so interior furnishings will look better over time.


Image courtesy: Oldcastle Glass

The Light to Solar Gain (LSG) value of solar glass far outperforms high performance solar control Low-E glass, and clear insulating glass, at values of 2.14, 1.44, and 1.12 respectively. The higher the LSG value, the better the glass performs at transmitting daylight and reducing heat gain from the sun.

These qualities contribute to the sustainability of solar glass, from energy efficiency and maximizing the use of natural daylight to minimizing ultraviolet rays and enhancing occupant comfort.

Hurricane Impact-Resistant Glazing

Glazing has always been vulnerable to the high winds and flying debris that occur during hurricanes. High performance hurricane impact-resistant glass can withstand 140 miles per hour (mph) winds, along with high-speed projectiles and debris, including design pressures in excess of 100 pounds per square foots (psf). These standards are tested and proven by independent laboratory results.

Hurricane impact resistant glazing meets the most stringent building codes for large glazed openings up to 50 sq. ft. in residential and commercial applications. This results in an aesthetic and functional design solution that provides peace of mind for owners and architects.

 

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Architectural Record
Originally published in August 2006

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