The Mercy Corps headquarters, designated a 2012 Top Ten Green Projects by the Committee on the Environment (COTE) of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), uses Guardian Industries’ SunGuard SuperNeutral 68 in its advanced, energy-efficient curtain wall system.
Guardian Industries has announced that its SunGuard SuperNeutral 68 is part of an advanced, energy-efficient curtain wall system on the Mercy Corps headquarters that has been designated a 2012 Top Ten Green Projects by the Committee on the Environment (COTE) of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
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 curtain wall and a combination of new and kept windows give occupants outdoor views 95% of the time, and allow natural light to penetrate so that interior lighting can be off during daylight hours 39% of the time.
The COTE Top Ten Green Projects programme 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% 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 honoured 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 honoured during the AIA National Convention and Design Exposition, 17-19 May 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.