by Shane Henson — July 19, 2013—SAGE Electrochromics was recently contracted to install its dynamic, energy-efficient SageGlass in Grove City College’s new sustainably designed building for science, engineering and mathematics education, known as STEM Hall.
SageGlass was used in an east-facing two-story atrium to minimize the effects of the bright morning sun while enabling students and faculty to gain the benefits of natural daylight and an outdoor view.
According to Thomas Gregg, vice president of operations at the college, located in western Pennsylvania, SageGlass was specifically requested by the facilities manager for STEM Hall.
“The atrium is the premier space and focal point of the new building. We needed to make it both a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing environment for the people inside. We looked at motorized blinds to control the morning sun, but they would not only have been mechanically problematic; they would have blocked the view to the outdoors. SageGlass saves energy without blocking the view and natural daylight,” he said.
As SAGE Electrochromics explains, SageGlass is an electronically tintable dynamic glass that maximizes daylight and outdoor views in buildings while controlling glare and heat gain. The glass can darken or clear manually or automatically to save energy and help keep building occupants continuously comfortable throughout the day.
In addition to SageGlass, STEM Hall incorporates green building features such as a chilled beam heating, air conditioning and ventilation system and low-flow fume hoods for the laboratories. The building is expected to be completed in August 2013.
