Date: 4 May 2012
The global relief organization Mercy Corps took over an existing historic landmark in Portland, Oregon, for its new headquarters. The architectural firm, THA Architecture, designed the headquarters to receive the green designation. Seismic upgrades to the structure provided support to the addition and allowed for more open floor plans and exterior walls. The structure’s east façade curtainwall and a combination of new and kept windows give occupants outdoor views 95 percent of the time, and allow natural light to penetrate so that interior lighting can be off during daylight hours 39 percent of the time.
The COTE Top Ten Green Projects program celebrates structures that use a thoroughly integrated approach to architecture, natural systems and technology to provide architectural solutions that protect and enhance the environment.
Fabricated by Guardian Select Fabricator Northwestern Industries and installed by Culver Glass, the curtainwall features Guardian SunGuard SuperNeutral 68, one of Guardian’s advanced architectural glass SuperNeutral products characterized by high light transmittance and reduced solar heat gain with a neutral appearance that is the most similar to clear uncoated glass. SunGuard SN 68 delivers visible light transmission of 68 percent and a solar heat gain coefficient of 0.38.
Ample views and daylight reach virtually every workspace and increase the indoor environmental quality for the occupants. Efficient lighting design and sensors work with the natural light to reduce overall lighting loads.
Certified LEED platinum, Mercy Corps achieved all 10 energy points, and the building performance has already surpassed expectations. Energy-saving strategies included efficient envelope design and operable windows used in conjunction with lighting controls. The building has also been honored by Architectural Record with a 2011 Good Design Is Good Business Award.
Mercy Corps and its fellow 2012 COTE Top Ten Green Projects will be honored during the AIA National Convention and Design Exposition, May 17-19 in Washington, D.C. SunGuard SN68 and other advanced architectural glass products, as well as Guardian SunGuard’s new Advanced Glazing products, will be featured at Guardian Industries’ AIA Booth No. 1943. For more information, please visit http://www.na.en.sunguardglass.com/AIA/index.htm.
About Guardian Industries Corp.:
Guardian is a diversified global manufacturing company headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, with leading positions in float glass, fabricated glass products, fiberglass insulation and other building materials for commercial, residential and automotive applications. Its automotive trim group, SRG Global Inc., is one of the world’s largest suppliers of advanced, high value coatings on plastics. Through its Science & Technology Center, Guardian is at the forefront of innovation including development of high performance glass coatings and other advanced products. Guardian, its subsidiaries and affiliates employ 18,000 people and operate facilities throughout North America, Europe, South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Visit www.guardian.com.
SunGuard is a registered trademark of Guardian Industries Corp.
Contact:
Amy Hennes, Guardian
248-340-2109
ahennes@guardian.com
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