- Project: New Community and Student Services Center
- Architect: tBP/Architecture, Newport Beach, California
- Glazing Contractor: Capital Glass, Hayward, California
Chabot College
Hayward, California
Designers wanted to incorporate as much glass as possible to flood the interior with daylight and keep a connection to the outdoors for the well-being of the students. Without SageGlass, mechanical shades, blinds and even exterior sunshades would have had to be incorporated on the façade, blocking the view and closing off the space. SageGlass was also key to helping designers fulfill their sustainability and energy efficiency goals for the building.
The Challenge
When tBP/Architecture began work on the new Chabot College Community and Student Services Center (CSSC), the design team wanted to incorporate as much glass as possible to create a visually stunning centerpiece for the institution. They also wanted to preserve the view outside and flood the interior spaces with natural daylight.
“Our design approach delivers exceptional energy efficiency, due in large part to a ductless heating and cooling system that would not have been possible without deploying SageGlass.”
- Phil Newsom
tBP/Architecture
The CSSC atrium would include a two-story, 2,900-square-foot curtain wall facing south and west, posing significant glare and heat control challenges. Adding even greater complexity, Chabot College wanted the new CSSC to be an energy-efficient, LEED-certified building, part of a sustainability initiative calling for “green intelligent buildings” across campus.
Architects had to find a way to maintain outside views and keep people comfortable inside, while simultaneously minimizing energy consumption. Although conventional low-e glazing, automated interior blinds and automated exteriors louvers would manage the sun and solar heat gain, this approach would limit outside views and potentially compromise building aesthetics.
The Solution
tBP/Architecture ultimately specified SageGlass for the new CSSC atrium. This solar control solution is cost-competitive with less efficient static approaches, which made it an easy decision for the project.
The SageGlass solution features six zones integrated into the building management system. The glass darkens or clears by zone based on set air temperature thresholds, with a manual override for additional adjustments. Temperature is controlled by radiant heating and cooling in the concrete slab, combined with roof and ceiling air scoops for natural ventilation. In addition, no HVAC system is required for the CSSC atrium. The project has earned LEED platinum certification.
Benefits
Today, the CSSC serves as a thriving hub for nearly 15,000 Chabot College students, faculty and staff. SageGlass glazing keeps glare and temperature under control throughout the day, making effective use of the natural ventilation system. Sightlines to the surrounding campus grounds also remain unobstructed, while natural light reaches the interior spaces and reduces the need for artificial lighting.
According to Phil Newsom, tBP architect and senior project manager, SageGlass has made it possible to use an innovative natural air-cooling and heating strategy in the new building.
“The design approach we’ve taken for the CSSC delivers exceptional energy efficiency, due in large part to a ductless heating and cooling system that would not have been possible without deploying SageGlass,” Newsom said. “It’s the architectural enabler that has allowed us to create a naturally ventilated, HVAC-free space.”