Dynamically tintable SageGlass^®, a product of Saint-Gobain, was key in transforming a sweltering indoor open terrace in Philadelphia’s iconic Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts into an elegant, revenue-generating, glass-enclosed event space. The project generated an award for its builder at the General Building Contractors Association (GBCA) 16th Annual Construction Excellence Awards.

The Dorrance H. Hamilton Garden Terrace sits atop the Perelman Theater at the highest elevation under the Kimmel Center’s soaring 150-ft-high barrel-vaulted glass roof. Enclosing the formerly open terrace in glass keeps event noise from disturbing other center activities. Using SageGlass dynamic glass enabled a tint-on-demand ceiling for the new enclosure that preserves views of the city skyline while managing heat and glare issues to ensure guest comfort.

The new terrace enclosure was designed by BLT Architects and its renovation carried out by Haverstick-Borthwick Co. The project garnered an Outstanding Achievement Award from the GBCA in the Best Industrial/Institutional Project under $10 Million category. Established in 1891, the GBCA is the Philadelphia Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America.

Dynamic Glass Technology

SageGlass is advanced dynamic glass that can be electronically tinted or cleared to optimize daylight and improve the human experience in buildings. SageGlass manages the sunlight and heat that enter a building, significantly reducing energy consumption while improving people’s comfort and well-being.

A low voltage of electricity can darken the layers of electrochromic coating that cover the glass; reversing the voltage polarity causes the glass to become clear once more. The technology can reduce a building’s cooling load by 20% and HVAC requirements by up to 30%. It is a smarter, more elegant solution than conventional sun controls such as mechanical window shades, blinds and louvers.

SageGlass is manufactured in Faribault, Minn., in the heart of “the Silicon Valley of the window industry,” and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Paris, France-based Saint-Gobain.
 

About Saint-Gobain in North America

Saint-Gobain, the world’s largest building materials company, has its North American headquarters in Valley Forge, Pa. Saint-Gobain is committed to inventing solutions to help professionals and communities around the world build and renovate comfortable, healthy, economical and energy-efficient buildings. The company has more than 265 locations in North America and approximately 15,000 employees. In the U.S. and Canada, Saint-Gobain reported sales of approximately $7.9 billion in 2013.

Recognized as a 2009 and 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Saint-Gobain earned the 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award, the highest level of recognition for outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through energy efficiency. For more information about Saint-Gobain in North America, visit www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com.

About Saint-Gobain

 Located in 64 countries and headquartered in Paris with nearly 195,000 employees, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes building materials, providing solutions to meet growing demand for energy efficiency and environmental protection. For more information, visit www.saint-gobain.com.