Completed in April 2008, the 40,000-square-foot (3,716-m2) Terry Thomas building is surrounded almost completely by glass and operated without a lot of expensive technology. The four-story building is LEED-CS Gold certified and incorporates natural ventilation throughout, as well as daylighting, for a reduced energy consumption of 50 percent. It is Seattle’s first major new office building in decades to feature passive cooling.
The architect, Seattle-based Weber Thompson,was challenged to create a building with natural ventilation and daylight. As the design progressed, a courtyard was integrated into the building to create a shaft that would help draw air upward as vented windows let warm air out, creating a chimney effect.
“Because the building was designed without an HVAC system, it was critical that it was constructed in a way that would allow the building to naturally maintain a cool temperature,” said Tim Hensley, project manager for Issaquah Glass, Issaquah, Wash. “To achieve these goals and enhance the thermal and energy efficiency of the building, Kawneer products were selected.”
Norcross, Ga.-based Kawneer Co. Inc., supplies its Trifab VersaGlaze (VG) 451T Storefront with GLASSVent Windows, Trifab VersaGlaze (VG)450 Storefront and 190 Narrow Stile Entrances for the project, helping enhance its thermal efficiency, durability and aesthetic appeal.
The Trifab VG 451T Storefront with GLASSVent Windows was used on the exterior of the building, including the courtyard, to help create the building’s natural ventilation system. The GLASSVent Windows incorporate automatic louvers mounted into the window frames allowing the louvers to open automatically when the building reaches a certain temperature. Heavy wall mullions were also utilized on the building to help meet wind load and thermal requirements. The 190 Narrow Stile Entrances were integrated throughout the interior of the building, along with the Trifab 450 Storefront.
Located less than a block away from a streetcar stop, the building offers bike storage and showers for employees, as well as priority parking for low emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles.
Terry Thomas Building, Seattle
Award: 2009 AIA COTE Top Ten Winner and 2009 AIA NW & Pacific Region Design Award Honor Award
Architect: Weber Thompson, Seattle
Glazing contractor: Issaquah Glass, Issaquah, Wash.
Windows and entrances: Kawneer Co. Inc., Norcross, Ga., www.kawneer.com
