SageGlass®, the world’s smartest electrochromic glass, will be installed at the new SCHEELS superstore in Johnstown, Colorado.
The 250,000-square-foot destination sporting goods store and entertainment venue will feature a total of 24,500 square feet of dynamic SageGlass, a product of Saint-Gobain, in skylights throughout the store, as well as the grand entrance. SageGlass will control sunlight in the superstore in order to provide a comfortable experience for the customers that will enjoy the 95 specialty shops and family-friendly entertainment that will all be housed under one roof.The Johnstown SCHEELS is slated to open in September 2017. SageGlass was selected for this project due to its ability to dynamically control sunlight to optimize daylight, outdoor views and comfort while preventing glare, fading and overheating without the need for blinds or shades. With electronically tintable SageGlass, SCHEELS will be able to control the indoor environment and create a comfortable store for its customers. SageGlass will also help SCHEELS dramatically reduce its energy demand and need for HVAC in the store by blocking up to 91 percent of solar heat.
“At SCHEELS, we bring the outdoors into every story. SageGlass will allow us to maintain a connection to the beautiful Colorado landscape and the daylight while inside the store, but without the negative effects of the sun and the need for energy-intensive HVAC,” said Jason Loney, Vice President of Store Development at SCHEELS. “SageGlass will bring another wow factor to the Johnstown store too. We look forward to a continued partnership with their team throughout the construction process.”
SCHEELS’ signature building style prominently features elements such as grand glass entrances, glazed clerestory areas and extensive skylight areas. These signature glazing elements bring in essential natural light, but have presented the architectural and engineering design teams with challenges in terms of managing glare, heat gain and fading in other stores. According to Rich Wiemken, Director of Architecture at R.L. Engebretson Architects, “SageGlass is the best solution for solar control. Their dynamic glass will allow us to overcome heat and glare challenges at the new Johnstown store without sacrificing the access to natural daylight and views we strive for in SCHEELS’ signature design.”
“SCHEELS provides an amazing retail adventure experience, and with SageGlass, the store will be even more comfortable for visitors and employees,” said Alan McLenaghan, CEO of SageGlass. “Solar control can be a major challenge for large retail stores. Customers like daylight and outdoor views when shopping – it plays a big part in their overall experience – but it can be difficult to manage. SageGlass is the solution for retailers looking to incorporate more natural light without the negative effects of the sun.”
The Johnstown location will be the 27th store in SCHEELS’ 12-state operation. In addition to clothing, gear and equipment specialty shops, the new store will feature a 65-foot indoor Ferris wheel, a 16,000-gallon aquarium, an archery lane, golf simulator, interactive games for the whole family and a restaurant.