Colorado State University approached Studiotrope, an architectural firm, to design a glass cube that is modern and sleek. This glass cube that would expand the University’s Morgan Library was intended to be used as a student study space. The Colorado State University aimed at building this glass tube in order to achieve a minimum of LEED Silver accreditation.
Through this project, Colorado State University wanted to showcase itself as an “energy chamber” by preserving the transparency of a glass building. The university wanted to make this possible through its Morgan Library that will indeed highlight the university’s efficiency and sustainability by highlighting the virtues of a safe and open campus.
To help the university achieve the LEED Silver accreditation, Studiotrope made use of different high-tech glazing technologies that also includes SageGlass. SageGlass is an electronically tintable dynamic glass from SAGE. Outdoor views and daylight are maximized by the SageGlass while controlling heat gain and glare in buildings. The occupants in buildings with SageGlass can experience a comfortable feeling as this glass is capable of automatically using light sensors and it can also clear or darken based on the requirements of the occupants of the building.
Studiotrope decided to use SageGlass for the Morgan Library in order to protect the library from the strong western sun. Morgan Library’s two-story 24 ft by 45 ft western curtain wall, an egress door and a number of operable windows were installed with SageGlass. The SageGlass installed on the library’s lower and upper floor is zoned and it can also be activated by outside light and separately controlled. When used for additional room lightening and darkening, movies and events, the SageGlass can be controlled manually. Studiotrope also focused on the design of the library in order to provide students with a quiet and comfortable study place and a suitable research environment.
Source: www.sageglass.com