Division 08: Openings

3M
www.3m.com/prestigeseries
June 2010 updated
The Prestige window film series from 3M is the first clear and non-metal based window films to significantly reduce heat and UV rays entering residential or commercial buildings, according to the manufacturer. The absence of metal prevents against corrosion on the film and eliminates interference with wireless and cellular signals. During summer and in warmer climates, the Prestige Series blocks up to 66 percent of heat penetrating the window.

3M’s new Prestige Ultra Safety & Security film adheres to the window to hold shattered glass in place in the event of impact. It also makes the glass harder to break in the first place — ideal for storm-prone locations and even street-level urban environments subject to vandalism. The metal-free film, which utilizes nanotechnlogy, has a reflectivity almost on par with glass, yet blocks 99.9 percent of UV rays to offer up to SPF 1000 protection.

AGC Flat Glass N.A.
www.na.agc-flatglass.com
November 2009
Ti-AC 23 low-e glass has a solar heat gain coefficient of 0.23, the lowest level available in a high-performance product on a clear substrate, according to the manufacturer. Developed for use in a wide range of commercial applications, Ti-AC 23 maximizes solar control, light transmittance, and air conditioning efficiency, while also minimizing glare.  

Alcan Composites USA
www.alcancompositesusa.com
November 2006
For the new global headquarters for engineering and construction company Fluor Corp in Irving, Texas, Alcan Composites USA created custom sunscreen louvers of Alucobond aluminum composite material. The energy-saving sunscreen louvers were designed, fabricated, and delivered for installation faster than a competing pre-manufactured sunscreen, and contributed to the project's submission for certification by the USGBC's LEED rating system. The sunscreen louvers were designed to reduce the building heat load and shade the glass-lined dining area and in image-lined history walk-up.

Algoma Hardwoods, Inc.
www.algomahardwoods.com
December 2000
Algoma Hardwoods, a supplier of architectural wood doors for commercial and institutional buildings, has earned a SmartWood Certification, permitting the company to build and supply environmentally certified wood doors.

Alpen Energy Group
www.alpeneg.com
December 2007
Alpen uses a combination of suspended low-e heat mirror films, low-e coatings on glass, low-iron glass that increase visible light transmittance, low-conductivity gas fill (including krypton and xenon), pultruded fiberglass frames insulated in vacuum silica aerogel packets, and low-conductivity glazing spacers, to provide the 13Ž8'' Alpenglass fiberglass windows with a range of properties for different needs.

Andersen Corporation
www.andersenwindows.com
April 2006 updated
Andersen Corporation, makers of Andersen windows and patio doors, refuses to source wood from endangered forests and gives preference to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or equivalent wood supplies in the manufacture of its products. The FSC is an international, independent, non-profit organization with a diverse membership representing environmental, business, and social interests.

Andersen is NFRC rated and labeled, Energy Star compliant in all climate zones, and Green Seal certified.

Andersen Windows¹ high performance Low-E4 glass features an exterior coating that, when activated by sunlight, helps reduce dirt build-up and water spots, and promotes faster drying. Exclusive to Andersen windows and doors, the glass will be standard on the manufacturer¹s 400 Series products. Low-E4 glass is on average 41 percent more energy efficient in summer and 35 percent more energy efficient in winter than standard dual-pane glass. The glass coatings also can reduce glare and cut UV light by 83 percent.

Bieber USA
www.bieberusa.com
April 2007
Bieber USA¹s solid three ply seasoned eucalyptus is harvested from FSC certified South American plantations. A low-maintenance, renewable hardwood alternative to mahogany and teak options, the custom designed windows and doors are finished with water-based finishes. Unlike traditional American windows, Bieber¹s tilt and turn functionality allows the windows to open easily and completely inward.

Daylite Co.
www.dayliteco.com
August 2001
Daylighting skylight units can totally eliminate the need for electrical lighting during daylight hours. Daylite has manufactured tubular skylights for the home and in the last few years has developed and patented a commercial unit for use in warehouses, schools, sports facilities, etc.

Guardian
guardian.com
September 2011
Over 311,000 square feet of SunGuard High Performance AG43 glass makes up the exterior facade of 510 Madison, a Modernist 30-story office building by design architect Moed de Armas & Shannon Architects. The glass was chosen to deliver medium-to-high visible light transmission, moderate reflectivity, and provide energy savings that meet or exceed energy-code requirements.

Joel Berman Glass Studios
www.jbermanglass.com
August 2002
Joel Berman Glass Studios uses a process of recycling and reusing tempered glass which traditionally can not be processed any further.

The Bilco Company
www.bilco.com
January 2002
The Lumivent automatic fire vent's multi-wall cover construction provides an increase of more than 40 percent in insulation performance when compared to traditional domes.

Conrad
conradshades.com
June 2010
The company’s latest shade collection includes six patterns handmade from sustainable natural fibers boasting inherent UV-resistance. Among the standouts are Dressage, a dense silken weave, and Strata, a shimmery striped sheer alternating tightly woven and open-textured fibers. Both can be specified in widths up to 150" and are available as a Roman fold shade with antique-brass cleats and side-operating cords and returns. For commercial installations, shades can be treated to a flame retardant meeting UBC Class I, NFPA Class A, and NPFA-701 requirements.

CPFilms, Inc.
www.cpfilms.com
December 2000
Vista UVShield window films by CPFilms help control solar energy by helping to reduce excessive heat gain, glare, hot spots, and wasted energy while blocking 99.9 percent of all damaging ultraviolet rays. The Skin Cancer Foundation awarded the product the prestigious Seal of Recommendation.

CPI
www.cpidaylighting.com
Controlite panels consist of proprietary translucent half-cylinder Rota-blades built into translucent light transmitting polycarbonate panels. When fully open they allow for a maximum of 60 percent light transmission; when closed, they allow a minimum of 6 percent. The angle of the Rota-blades is completely adjustable through a manual, motorized, or a fully-automated system that adjusts the Rota-blades automatically to maintain the desired light level throughout the day.

Crestline
www.crestlinewindows.com
December 2000
Crestline has introduced Earthgard, an environmentally-friendly window component engineered from straw fibers, North America's largest renewable resource. This fiberboard contains only non-toxic resins, is dimensionally stable, and will not warp.

Energy Film
www.energy-film.com
June 2010
A new generation of window films offers enhanced clarity and visible-light penetration while better mitigating heat and glare. Films that utilize metal nanoparticles to block the sun are among the most effective. “Measured in a billionth of a meter, nanoparticles are small enough to see through, but large enough to absorb wavelengths of energy from the sun,” explains Thomas Hicks, president of Portland-based Energy Film. In addition to selling view-control films, the company markets an energy-saving product that boasts year-round benefits. Energy Film has been certified to block 97 percent of UV rays and 70 percent of thermal infrared light, thwarting heat gain in the summer and retaining warmth in the winter. The product affixes to glass via cohesion and atmospheric pressure rather than traditional adhesives; once attached, the film sticks indefinitely until removed, and leaves behind no residue. Such user-friendliness makes for a more forgiving installation.

Engineered Glass Products
www.egpglass.com
December 2005
In appearance, Thermique windows are indistinguishable from ordinary glass, but the difference is they give off heat and eliminate drafts, while saving energy and money.

Forms+Surfaces
www.forms-surfaces.com
October 2007
Eco-Etch Doors is the most recent addition to the Forms+Surfaces¹ line of fire-rated doors as well as the launch of a new eco-friendly process for creating etched designs. Using the largest physical etching system in North America, etched designs are applied to metal door faces with the company¹s advanced photolithographic bead-blasting system instead of with harmful acids or chemicals. The mask used to create each design is water soluble and removed using water alone. The doors are available in standard sizes up to 4' x 10' and with 45-, 60-, 90-, and 180-minute UL fire ratings.

Glass Consult
www.iqglas.com
Now available in North America for both residential and commercial projects, IQ Glas is a heated-glass window system that has been available in Europe for more than 17 years. IQ Glas features a double-pane structure that allows radiant heat to warm sunroom, conservatories, indoor swimming pools, and other rooms that are difficult to heat efficiently with traditional convection heating. The inner pane has a thin metal-oxide coating that helps disperse heat equally, while the outer pane has a special coating that keeps heat inside while repelling cold air. Between the two panes, an inert gas enables the system to achieve high levels of thermal insulation (.14 U-Value), even though the temperature of the windowpane never exceeds body temperature. The manufacturer claims the main advantage of the product over traditional heating methods is the ability to keep dust circulation to a minimum, ideal for anyone suffering from asthma or allergies.

Green Grove Design
www.greengrovedesign.com
November 2009
Robal Glass is a new material manufactured by Monroe Industries in Avon, N.Y. made of recycled glass in a clear, soy-based resin. Using a recently-patented process, Robal Glass can be cast into a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors and has up to an 82 percent or more recycled content. Custom colors, smooth or bumpy textures, and color gradations are available.

Greenlite Glass Systems Inc.
www.greenliteglass.com
November 2010
Introduced to the North American market last June at the AIA show in Miami, the GlassX glazing system incorporates a salt hydrate phase change material (PCM) that stores energy from the exterior temperature and reuses it to either heat or cool the building as needed, putting less pressure on the mechanical HVAC systems. Achieving U-values up to 0.08, GlassX is a quadruple glazed sealed unit that is made up of three separate insulating glass units (IGUs), a prismatic solar filter that deflects high angle sunlight, two low-E coatings, and a PCM core. “GlassX would have a similar R-value to something like concrete, which is pretty much unheard of in the glass façade arena,” says Ryan Dennett, President/CEO of Greenlite Glass Systems, the exclusive distributor of GlassX in North America.

According to Dennett, GlassX not only meets but exceeds the requirements of current building energy code standards. ”People thought at one stage that glass buildings would be a thing of the past because you were going to have to have a concrete building with little punch out windows it in. GlassX allows you to still have that glass façade and include visionless, spandrel areas that will still let light through but will meet the new standards for heat loss in buildings.” As it is translucent and not transparent, in either its solid or liquid state, the glazing is better suited for spandrel and lower transom applications.

The salt hydrate in the PCM is specifically formulated for the building market to melt and freeze within a narrow range that is close to room temperature. The .8''-thick section of the PCM can store as much heat as 9'' of concrete; it will then release that constant heat at a rate of 16 to 30 BTUs over a 20 hour cycle. Depending on the usage and the amount in the building, interior temperatures can be reduced by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius in the summer months. “You can think of the PCM as an ice cube for a building that doesn’t melt,” says Dennett.

Developed in Switzerland over a decade ago and used in many European buildings, the glazing is now being considered for projects in North America. In comparison to $20-$30 a square foot for typical triple glazed IGUs, GlassX costs about three times as much, averaging $60-$90 per square foot. “But you are looking at a pay back time of 5-10 years given your upfront savings in HVAC systems and long term energy savings,” says Dennett.

One of the architecture firms currently considering GlassX for an upcoming project is SRG Partnership in Seattle. According to Project Designer Christopher Colley, SRG is possibly using the glazing for a new nursing and health science building for Everett Community College in Washington state. While the product’s newness and cost may be hurdles, particularly for publicly bid projects, Colley thinks it is an intriguing new option for spandrel glass as his firm starts to design buildings for The 2030 Challenge. “This a product that can potentially allow us to have more design freedom and still have a very high performing building.”

Guardian Industries
guardian.com
August 2010
The Burj Khalifa’s 2,650'-tall, 160-story facade is veiled in 26,000 glass panels — tallying more than 1.8 million square feet of glazing — supplied by Guardian Industries. The company’s SunGuard Solar Silver 20 and ClimaGuard NLT Low-E glass series both offer strong solar and thermal performance, antiglare properties, and enhanced light reflectance to withstand the desert climate’s extreme temperature swings, strong winds, and blazing sunshine.

Hansgrohe Inc.
www.pontos-aquacycle.com
Known for their high-end bathroom fittings and fixtures, Hansgrohe will soon make a new name for itself in the U.S. — if everything goes to plan. Scheduled to be available for U.S. projects in about a year and a half, the AquaCycle 2500 system, developed by the Pontos division of Hansgrohe, turns bath and shower wastewater into hygienically clean gray water.

 “The hold up right now is that the codes in each state are different regarding gray water and it would be very challenging to bring this product to market at this point,” says Nicolas Grohe, director of marketing and product development for Hansgrohe, North America. While U.S. code authorities determine how clean recycled water needs to be, “there are no standards or codes in the U.S. now for what is gray water,” says Lars Christensen, senior product manager with Hansgrohe. In the mean time, interested U.S. architects can specify the system for their European projects.

 So how does the Pontos AquaCycle 2500 work? The fully automatic system uses a biomechanical treatment method, without any chemical additives, to transfer water that usually goes down the drain into water that can be reused for toilet flushing, cleaning buildings, or irrigation. First, a filter removes coarse particles from the incoming gray water, then the water undergoes a two-stage biological treatment, where a supply of atmospheric oxygen and microorganisms degrade the contaminants in the water, such as soap and shampoo. The water is then disinfected through the use a UV lamp and stored in the process water tank until reuse. Sediments generated during the biological treatment are automatically removed and conducted into the drains. If insufficient process water is available it is initially tapped up with rainwater, and only when there is no rainwater available is the tank tapped up with drinking water. If too much water is generated, it is fed via an overflow pipe into the wastewater drain to prevent an overflow of the system. According to Grohe, it takes approximately four to eight hours for the wastewater to become reusable gray water

 The 2500 model, the latest in the line, is a combination of several other systems the company has been manufacturing since 2001. The system has been enhanced by the addition of a rainwater harvesting system that helps supply water in case waste water supply is low and an advanced heat recovery system that uses the gray water’s thermal energy to pre-heat incoming clean water, saving energy and expense. While Grohe says hotels, high rise condominiums, and schools are the main markets, he sees potential in any project with enough showers, lavatories, and toilets. He cites one inspired application where a public pool in Yerres, France, recycles shower wastewater to supply water for the city’s street cleaning trucks.

According to Grohe, AquaCycle is not intended to be money maker for the company, but it is something they felt compelled to invest in. “Although the product is not offered [yet in the U.S.], we want to talk about it and generate interest because we believe it’s the right thing to do.” Hansgrohe Inc., Alpharetta, Ga.  

Hunter Douglas Contract
www.hunterdouglascontract.com
August 2010 updated
At last year¹s GreenBuild, Hunter Douglas Contract¹s Nysan division introduced GreenScreen Eco fabric, the latest addition to the GreenScreen family of PVC-free solar shading fabrics designed exclusively for internal and external contract roller shades and solar control systems. The fabric is made of pre-stretched polyester available in three percent openness and five colorways. Customized dual coloring allows for a greater level of heat control, glare reduction, and outward visibility.

In addition to supplying motorized curtain tracks and Roman shades for the Armani Hotel’s 160 guest rooms, Hunter Douglas also customized more than 30,000 square feet of motorized Venetian blinds for the Burj Khalifa entry pavilions. The sun-shading louvers, engineered by company subsidiary Limelight, are powered by rooftop solar panels.

Hurd Millwork Co.
www.hurd.com
June 2010 updated
Hurd has added three new glazing options to its ComfortGlaze system. Sun Blocker is formulated to keep homes cooler in southern climates, Climate Control keeps homes warm in northern climates, and Super Sun Blocker is for locations with strong or extreme sunlight (shown). All Hurd windows feature high performance glass from Guardian Industries.

Hurd now offers its H3 technology as a pocket window for the replacement market. Offering high performance at a mid-range price, windows are both leak resistant and environmentally conscious. Units exceed Energy Star requirements and U.S. Department of Energy efficiency standards and can be specified with Low-E 366 glass offering a .29 U-factor. Tripartite vinyl frames feature .05" extruded-aluminum cladding and interiors lined in solid wood. Choose between nine species, including mahogany, pine, Lyptus, and Douglas fir.

Jeld-Wen
www.jeld-wen.com
November 2008 updated
AuraLast wood protects wood windows and patio doors against wood decay, water absorption, and termite infestation. AuraLast’s water-based treatment process is not compromised by nail or screw holes, and results in a significant decrease (96 percent) of VOCs during production. Jeld-Wen offers a 20-year warranty against decay and/or infestation for Pozzi Custom Collection products with AuraLast.

Jeld-Wen now offers Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certified products as part of its Custom Wood window line. The company has achieved chain of custody plant certification from SFI, based on third-party independent audits that ensure facilities meet SFI¹s high standards of forest products stewardship. The certified products, which include Ponderosa pine custom windows, patio doors, and trim components, cost an additional 10 percent.

Managing a “growing” issue Considered a “water hog”, a single Western Juniper tree can consume 30 to 50 gallons of water per day. In fact, the trees have become such an obstacle that state and local governments have offered programs to help support their removal in certain areas. Jeld-Wen claims to be the first building products manufacturer to adapt juniper for use on a national scale through the introduction of a line of interior and exterior doors. The doors feature unique knots and splits and a swirling grain pattern that works well with rustic, historic, and traditional styles.

Kalwall Translucent Curtain Wall
kalwall.com
February 2012
DLR Group extensively used Kalwall’s translucent panels in the Metea Valley High School in Aurora, Illinois, to bring glare-free lighting into the stairwells, gymnasium, lunchroom, natatorium, media center (above), and other spaces. In addition to the regular rectangular panel, DLR Group chose Verti-Kal, a design variation of the system’s standard shoji or square grid layouts.

Kawneer
www.kawneer.com
November 2006
Kawneer celebrated its 100 year anniversary this year by unveiling an expanded exhibit booth at the AIA show and introducing new products including the AA3900 Thermal Sliding Door and the AA900 ISOWEB window, completing Kawneer¹s family of high performance products. Designed specifically for climates subject to temperature extremes, both products feature an ISOWEB polyamide thermal break that provides low thermal transmittance and high condensation resistance while eliminating dry shrinkage. This design also allows for a two-color finish option not possible with traditional thermal barriers.

Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork
www.kolbe-kolbe.com
November 2009
Kolbe’s ThermaPlus LoE insulating glass is another option for homeowners looking for products that qualify for the federal income tax credit for energy efficient home upgrades. ThermaPlus LoE insulating glass is available in the Ultra, Heritage, and Classic Series product lines, and in the company’s impact and laminated glass products. Two energy-efficient insulation options are offered.  

Kolbe Windows & Doors
www.kolbe-kolbe.com
April 2011 updated
Designed for residential and commercial spaces, Majesta double-hung, oversized windows marry traditional styling with energy efficiency. The made-to-order collection comes in sizes up to 6' x 12'; frame options include FSC-certified wood varieties as well as anodized- or painted-aluminum cladding. Choose between brass, rustic umber, or brushed nickel hardware. Energy-efficient glass and triple glazing can be specified, as can sashes with heavy-duty weather stripping. Coordinating single-hung, radius, and cottage-style windows are also available.

Kolbe now offers window products featuring triple-pane glass to meet the new Energy Star criteria for U.S. and Canadian climate zones. The glass is available with Majesta Double Hungs, Ultra EP casements (shown) and awnings, Windquest EP casements and awnings, as well as other windows and sliding patio doors. Kolbe’s triple-pane glass windows come standard with insulating glass and low-E coatings designed to achieve low U-factors.  

Marvin Window and Door
www.marvin.com
The environmental goal of the company is to meet or exceed applicable environmental laws. This is fulfilled by incorporating environmental priorities into product design and by minimizing environmental impact during production. Recycled materials used in window production include aluminum, cardboard, glass, metal, paper, plastic, tires, oil, batteries, soda cans, printer cartridges, and electric motors. In addition, some Marvin products recently began displaying the Energy Star Label.

Marshfield DoorSystems
www.marshfielddoors.com
March 2003 updated
Marshfield introduces a new addition to their family of Environmental Class wood door products—the non-rated and 20-minute-rated particleboard core door, certified by Scientific Certification Systems. The doors are suited for use in offices, schools, hospitals, government facilities and other commercial applications where specifying green productsis the goal.

Masonite
www.masonite.com
December 2008
Seen but not heard Masonite’s Emerald Safe ‘N Sound solid-core interior doors have wheat-straw particleboard cores, skins made from composite wood, and stiles and rails made from FSC-certified solid wood. The doors reduce sound transmission and do not contain any added urea-formaldehyde.  

MechoShade Systems
mechoshade.com
August 2010
MechoShade’s ecofriendly window shades and motorized drapery tracks helped the Veer Towers, the Mandarin Oriental, the Vdara Hotel & Spa, and the ARIA Resort & Casino achieve LEED Gold status. Comprising shade cloth and components, the WhisperShade IQ system features a powerful yet quiet motor, a built-in communications port, direct-connecting low-voltage switches, and can integrate with other manufacturers’ control systems.

Panelite
www.panelite.us
November 2009
For the upper-story reading room of the new Henry Madden Library at California State University in Fresno, the California-based architectural firm AC Martin Partners needed to both provide privacy and allow views of the campus. The firm’s design intent for the library in general was to reference the tectonics and craft of basket weaving and the varied textures of the agricultural landscape.

The use of Panelite ClearShade IGU with a clear tubular honeycomb allowed the glass panels to read as a monolithic surface from the exterior while creating an ephemeral effect from the interior. In addition to providing 48 percent visible light transmission, the facade can reduce solar heat gain by 75 percent due to the shading function of the honeycomb core. 

Pella
www.pella.com
A founding member of the National Fenestration Rating Council, Pella offers high-performance window options for commercial and residential applications. For example, InsulShield, an argon-filled, multi-layer low-E insulating glass for energy-efficient performance can be specified across many product lines. Additionally, the company's between-the-glass Slimshade blinds are available in energy-saving Goldtone Type-E finishes.

Pella Corporation
www.pellacommercial.com
December 2007
Pella has added a double-hung window to their Impervia line of energy-efficient windows made from Duracast, the company¹s durable engineered fiberglass composite. The windows come in three sash split options‹traditional, contemporary, and cottage. The sash tilts in for convenient glass cleaning from the inside. Windows are available with a variety of color, glass, muntin, and hardware options.

Pilkington
www.activglass.com
January 2002
Pilkington Activ Self-Cleaning Glass uses the sun's UV rays to break down organic dirt while at the same time reducing the surface tension of water, allowing it to sheet down the surface and wash away the dirt. It also provides an approximate 20 percent reduction in ultraviolet light transmission over clear glass and equivalent energy efficiency.

Pilkington North America
www.pilkington.com
February 2004
Pilkington's Eclipse Advantage reflective Low-e glass is the world's first pyrolytic glass to combine subtle reflectivity with desired thermal and solar control performance. In addition, for a reflective glass, the product offers a high level of visible light transmittance, which reduces the need and costs for artificial lighting. The composition that gives the glass its low emissivity, solar control, and subtle reflectance is an integral part of the glass surface, not just an applied coating.

Pittsburgh Corning
www.pittsburghcorning.com
November 2009
Pittsburgh Corning has expanded their LightWise Architectural Systems to include energy efficient glass block panels that help lower heating and cooling costs by letting in visible light and reducing thermal transmittance. Each block features a low-emissivity coated glass panel sandwiched inside the block to reduce solar heat gain by about 70 percent. The panels offer an insulating U-Value of 0.34 unframed. Framed panels offer a U-value of 0.38. Available in four patterns (Decora, shown).  

Ply Gem Windows
plygemwindows.com
June 2010
Ply Gem expands its highly customizable Mira Premium Series to include both radius-operable and picture casement windows in four styles: extended eyebrow, quarter eyebrow, half round, and quarter half round. The residential line offers environmental benefits: Windows specified with Low-E glass and argon fills meet Energy Star thermal requirements. The wood frame and all sash parts are treated to prevent moisture and water damage, while the sturdy extruded-aluminum cladding — available in eight colors — resists dents and features a durable AAMA 2604 finish. Ply Gem’s self-aligning mull system abets easy installation.

PPG Architectural Glass
www.ppgideascapes.com
February 2005 updated
PPG claims that Solarban 80 glass is the industry’s best-performing solar control Low-E glass. With a Light to Solar Gain (LSG) ratio of 2.04, the highest in the industry, Solarban 80 glass features a steel jade appearance when shaded and a satin reflective finish in direct sunlight.

Oceans of Color is a collection of spectrally selective tinted glasses with LSG ratios that range from 1.28 to 1.34. Caribia, the newest addition to the collection, features an aqua-green patina. Other ocean-inspired tints include the light green tranquility of Solexia glass, emerald-green Atlantica glass, and aqua-blue Azuria glass. The solar control performance of Oceans of Color can be further enhanced by combining these individual tints in 1'' insulating units with Sungate100 Low-E glass or Solarban 60 solar control Low-E glass.

PPG Industries
www.ppg.com
November 2009 updated
PPG Industries has introduced Vistacool Azuria glass, a subtly reflective, color-enriched architectural glass that gives a luminous aqua-blue appearance while transmitting high levels of daylight. The glass was developed to fulfill requests for a tinted high-performance architectural glass with high visible light transmittance (VLT) and a reflectivity that is more muted than the mirror-like finish of traditional reflective glass. Vistacool Azuria has a VLT of 52 percent, roughly twice the average of other reflective, coated, tinted glass products on the market.

Solarban z50 glass, the latest addition to PPG¹s line of Solarban solar control Low-E glasses, features a cool steel-blue gray appearance, minimal exterior reflectance, and comfortably bright levels of visible light. When combined with popular tints from the PPG Oceans of Color collection of spectrally-selective tinted glasses, Solarban z50 glass dramatically expands the aesthetic and performance options available to architects.

PPG has introduced a new high-performance glass combining the industry-leading solar control performance of Solarban 80 low-E clear glass with the company¹s new blue-green Optiblue glass. The result is an architectural glass with a metallic gray-green exterior tint and a neutral gray interior appearance. In a standard 1'' insulating glass unit, Solarban 80 Optiblue glass produces a solar heat gain coefficient of .23 and visible light transmittance of 34 percent. This results in a light-to-solar gain (LSG) ratio of 1.48, which exceeds the U.S. DOE¹s 1.25 LSG threshold for spectrally selective glass.

PPG Industries’ performance glazings business has launched the dark-blue Pacifica and light sky-blue Solarblue glasses, two new blue-tinted glass options. Both may be combined with Solarban or Sungate 500 coatings to maximize energy efficiency. Three additional tints can be specified by adding Solarcool reflective coatings to Pacifica and Solarblue glasses with solar heat gain coefficients ranging from 0.32 to 0.25, or by combining Pacifica glass with subtly-reflective, color-enriched Vistacool coating, yielding a solar heat gain coefficient of 0.27.  

Rocky Mountain Hardware
rockymountainhardware.com
November 2010
Designed by hospitality interior design veteran Roger Thomas, the Paris Collection utilizes Rocky Mountain Hardware’s expertise in bronze casting, hand-carving, and finishing. The collection, including 11 pieces of door locksets and cabinet hardware in nine standard finishes, reimagines historical styles of 17th and 18th century France. All Rocky Mountain Hardware products contain 90% recycled materials (50% of which is post-consumer) as certified by SCS. Shown above is a lever entry set in a white bronze light patina.

Sefar Architecture
sefar.com
February 2012
Vision, a range of high-precision fabrics, is produced from black synthetic fibers coated on one side with a thin layer of metal that can be used in combination with laminated glass or acrylic for walls, partitions, doors, and other surfaces. When used in a facade, such as this office in Madrid, the outer metal surface helps reduce solar heat gain, while the inner surface reduces glare without hampering views.

Sage Electrochromics
www.sage-ec.com
November 2009 updated
SageGlass products have the ability to tint and “untint” at the touch of a button, subtly adjusting to occupant’s needs. This functionality helps reduce energy bills by controlling solar heat gain and increases worker productivity by allowing additional daylighting, minimal glare, and enhanced occupant comfort. The glass is currently offered in Classic, Sea Green, Cool View Blue, and Clear-as-Day Gray.

For a decade, the owner of an office building in Greenwich, Connecticut had to drape a blue tarp over the building’s top-floor skylight in order to cope with unwanted solar heat gain and glare. Replacing the old skylight with Sage Electrochromic’s electronically tinting glass allowed the tenant to keep the natural light, while maintaining some control. A 14’’ PV strip installed on the exterior along the bottom of the skylight powers the glass.  

Serious Materials
www.seriousmaterials.com/Windows
September 2008
Serious Materials, the Sunnyvale-California based developer and manufacturer of sustainable green building materials, has introduced ThermaProof, a new line of windows they claim will offer the highest full-frame R-values in the world. ThermaProof is a complete family of windows for residential and commercial construction that offer R-values at R-8, R-11, or R-14 across the entire glass and insulated frame rather than just at the center of the glass. This helps reduce a typical building¹s heating and cooling energy use by 20 to 40 percent, resulting in an 8 to 16 percent energy savings. Most building owners will see a return on investment in anywhere from one to five years; while some might see a return in as little as nine months.

To drive up the R-value of the window the manufacturer includes one, two, or three layers of mylar to reduce the amount of convection and air flow in the window cavity. In addition, a brand new spacer technology holds the glass panes apart from each other to create a large insulating gap. A wet seal is used to place the glass in the frame, rather than a dry seal, meaning no heat or cooling loss. A new framing system ‹ foamed PVC for residential and insulated fiberglass for commercial ‹ insulates the frames as well as the glass (unlike aluminum frames). Finally, a ³triple fin² weatherstripping seals everything tightly. Styles available include double-hung, single-hung, slider, casement, sliding doors, French doors, and storefront. Curtainwall framing is not currently available but will be in the future.

Simonton Windows
www.simonton.com
September 2004
Simonton Windows introduces a new series of injection-molded geometric-shaped windows in the ProFinish product line. The frame of the octagon-, circle-, and oval-shaped windows is made in one piece in a customized mold. Each unit features a standard 1'' Insulated Glass Unit with a Super Spacer for high energy efficiency.

Solatube International
www.solatube.com
May 2004
Solatube International is based in Vista, Calif. where its tubular skylight and solar-powered attic ventilation products are produced for worldwide distribution. Solatubes can be used to earn or contribute to the following LEED certification credits: Daylight Credit; Energy Optimization Credit; Recycled Content Credit; Regional Credit; System Controllability Credit; and Innovation in Design Credit.

So-Luminaire
www.soluminaire.com
August 2004
Unlike passive skylights, the ADS-600 active daylighting system employs a mirror array that tracks the sun precisely throughout the year, directing light from the brightest part of the sky down and into interior spaces. The mirrors conduct low-angle sunlight efficiently, and also shade the intense light sometimes found at high sun angles. The system runs on energy generated by a single photovoltaic cell.

Solutia
www.solutia.com
June 2010
For many locations, the use of interior window film is not logistically feasible. While film affixed to the facade is one alternative, exterior applications typically degrade faster in the elements. Solutia has solved that problem with its Vista exterior film. Engineered for use where interior application is impractical or not technically viable, the product rejects up to 83 percent of solar energy, the manufacturer claims. Enhanced durability comes courtesy of a nonstick, highly scratch-resistant hard coat that also renders windows easier to clean. Dirt and pollutants can be washed away with water.

Special-Lite
www.special-lite.com
April 2006
The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) has certified that Special-Lite entrance products meet the GREENGUARD Product Emission Standard for Children & Schools, the most rigorous product emissions criteria to date. Special-Lite doors and frames were the first commercial door and frame products to achieve GREENGUARD Certification, and are also the first to meet the stringent new Children & Schools Standard that ensures low emission levels for volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

StoneSource
stonesource.com
November 2010
Suited for residential and commercial applications, Bendheim’s Color Coated EcoGlass contains 60% recycled material. Available in five textures and in sizes up to 60'' x 120'', the glass is colored with isocyanate-free pigments. Clear textured versions of the glass are also available directly from Bendheim. 

Tubelite
tubeliteinc.com
April 2011
Tubelite’s 3700 Series windows are now manufactured using EcoLuminum, a high-recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring finishes that send 90% less waste to landfills than traditional anodizing. The operable windows are available as conventional, concealed, and casement units that are engineered to let fresh air into the building through a storefront or curtain wall system. Shown here in Calvary Church in Naperville, Ill.

VELUX America, Inc.
www.veluxusa.com
April 2006 updated
All VELUX products have earned an Energy Star rating, which means they meet the minimum requirements set by EPA and the Department of Energy to ensure that a product is energy efficient. In addition, all products are made from certified forests, and have an NFRC rating that certifies that all of the U-value, shading coefficient, and solar heat gain measurements the company publishes are coming from reliable tests designed by the National Fenestration Ratings Council ( NFRC ).

Velux now offers solar battery powered blinds for its fixed skylights. The new blinds offer the convenience of an electrical blind without the expense of installation by a professional electrician. The built-in solar cell converts direct or diffused light from the sun to electrical energy, which is stored in a battery with a capacity of approximately 500 operations without recharge. The blinds will be competitively priced with existing blind offerings from the manufacturer.

Velux America
veluxusa.com
April 2010
Velux has redesigned its product line to include deck mounted skylights with an industry-first no leak installation warranty. This “No Leak Skylight” includes three layers of water protection — including a new gasket that seals to the roof deck — as well as advanced LoE3 glass for better energy efficiency, higher visible light transmittance, and improved solar heat gain performance.

Vetrazzo
www.vetrazzo.com
March 2007
Composed of a patent-pending formula that includes recycled glass, cement, additives, and pigment, Vetrazzo surfacing can be used for countertops, tabletops, flooring, and architectural cladding. All of the glass used in the product is recycled, and it makes up to 85 percent of the final material. Glass sources include curbside recycling programs and a range of post-industrial sources. Fourteen design options are currently available.

Viracon
www.viracon.com
February 2005
Viracon has introduced the newest addition to its VRE (Viracon Radiant Low-E) architectural glass family. Solarscreen VRE-67 Insulating Glass combines a crisp, neutral exterior appearance and VRE’s highest light transmission at 67 percent. The Light to Solar Gain Ratio (LSG) for VRE-67 ranges from 1.25-1.92—an LSG of 1.25 or higher is required for Green Glazing designation.

Updated September 2011
The exterior curtain wall for the 55-story Bank of America tower at One Bryant Park, designed by Cook+Fox Architects, features clear PPG Starphire glass. Viracon applied a low-e coating and frit and turned the glass into an IGU installed by glazing contractor Permasteelisa. The ceramic fritting on the glass helped the architects control glare and meet the building’s stringent LEED Platinum energy requirements.

VT Industries
www.vtindustries.com/doors
March 2003
VT Industries has been awarded Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification that qualifies the company as a provider of certified wood doors. This certification is awarded by the SmartWood Program of the Rainforest Alliance, an FSC accredited certifier. Before receiving its chain-of-custody certification under the FSC system, an on-site evaluation was conducted by a SmartWood assessor of the VT manufacturing facility in Holstein, Iowa. The evaluation was designed to verify that storage, manufacturing procedures and inventory systems segregate certified and non-certified products. In order to maintain its certification, VT will annually undergo an audit to show they are maintaining these standards.

October 2005 updated
VT Industries now offers a new generation of environmentally responsible architectural wood doors manufactured from rapidly renewable agricultural fibers. The new core material is manufactured from materials like wheat straw, soybean straw, and sunflower hulls, and is bonded together with formaldehyde-free resins. Limited door sizes are available with 45-minute and 60-minute fire ratings.

December 2007 updated
VT Industries Architectural Wood Doors are Greenguard-certified for Children and Schools and Indoor Air Quality. Doors are produced in an environmentally-friendly facility and are made from recycled or recovered material including agricultural fiber content. Door options include five-ply wood veneer and high pressure decorative laminate flush doors.

Wausau Window and Wall Systems
www.wausauwindows.com
September 2005 updated
Planned to be the greenest building developed by California State, Sacramento’s Capitol Area East End Complex needed to comply with, or exceed the standards set by Calfornia Building Code Title 24 for energy efficiency and green buildings. To help achieve the State’s goal, the design/build team integrated Wausau’s energy-efficient windows and curtainwall into the facade to maximize the use of daylight.

Wausau has teamed with SAGE Electrochromic glass to offer Sage Glass electronically tinted windows. Now available on a limited basis for commercial, institutional, and healthcare buildings, the windows help control glare, reduce heat gain, and block ultraviolet rays, while increasing the benefits of daylighting and maintaining a connection to the view outside. SAGE produces SageGlass lites by coating float glass with several layers of invisible ceramic material, then fabricates these coated lites into IGU’s. Wausau then glazes the IGU’s into its aluminum framing systems. Once shipped to the site, the windows are installed into the building’s electrical system and are operated individually by the occupant or automatically by the energy management system.

Weather Shield Windows & Doors
www.weathershield.com
January 2007 updated
Weather Shield’s new sliding patio door and French sliding door feature a standard DP-35 design pressure rating, with a DP-50 upgrade available that complies with some of the strictest building code requirements in the country. The doors feature a 1 3ž4 thick jamb, approximately 25 percent heavier jamb components, an improved slider system, and a new door channel design that guides the moving panel.

The Zo-e-shield glazing system is now available on Weather Shield Windows & Doors products. The new technology delivers low center-of-glass U-values and solar-heat gain coefficients while protecting interiors from UV rays. The glazing¹s exterior surface repels dirt and reduces water spots.

Zo-e-shield¹s Real Warm Edge Spacers create an insulating barrier against heat flow, sound, and condensation.

YKK
www.ykkap.com
November 2009
In order to help specifiers looking for energy-efficient fenestration, YKK has introduced the enerGfacade family of products. The family currently includes the Luminance light shelf system, the ThermaShade sunshade, and the YOW350T architectural grade window system (shown). The YOW350T is a heavy duty system that includes a triple glazing feature with integral blinds to provide strong solar heat gain control.