Suncool 50/25 T solar control glass from Pilkington UK was chosen to limit heat gain from a full height glass wall on the entire length of a new Hall of Science at the American University in Washington DC.
The environmental integrity of the glass, built into the IGUs supplied by Carey Glass, was all the more relevant as the building was to house research topics including climate change. Also, the university wanted its new facility to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold, a certification that demands that operational carbon emissions for the finished building are kept below a certain level.
Suncool 50/25 T helps to reduce the transmission of solar energy by up to 75% while maintaining natural colour balance, so reducing the need for air conditioning in summer which would otherwise impact on the building’s carbon footprint.
Stephen Bartlett, AIA, LEED AP, principal at the architect, Ballinger said: “American University wanted a highly transparent building that would visibly showcase science laboratories to the surrounding campus. We wanted a neutral colour glass that would be neither green nor visibly reflective. Providing transparency along with solar heat gain control was key to meeting our energy use targets and achieving LEED Gold.”
Pilkington UK specification sales manager Jason Eggerton said: “The American University is one of many exciting international projects that we’re supporting from our advanced coating and manufacturing facilities in the UK.
“Supplying projects in the UK, and globally, the major investment in manufacturing facilities and product development within St Helens is helping bolster the town’s presence and status as the true home of glass.”
Installation was by PCC Construction for Main contractor Whiting-Turner Contracting.
www.pilkington.co.uk
