Cambridge, Md.-based Cambridge Architectural supplied a woven metal mesh shading system that exudes modern flair, while providing solar shading and ventilation for the Academic Instructional Center on the campus of Western Washington University in Bellingham, Wash.
Completed in June 2008, the University has applied for LEED certification for the 120,000-square-foot (11,148-m2) facility, which incorporates a number of green building elements. The center has been able to reduce energy usage and optimize building operations by employing streamlined and sustainable concepts, like the metal fabric shading from Cambridge, which contributes to the daylighting and views section of LEED by decreasing glare and improving quality of light.
The Cambridge Solucent architectural mesh shading system dresses the southwest-facing exterior of the building, allowing for maximum solar shading. Long panels of woven metal fabric are installed in tension, perpendicular to the structure’s windows so that they meet the sun at the proper angle, facilitating daylighting for the interior, while blocking harsh sunlight and the heat that it generates.
It was the unique look of architectural mesh that sparked the interest of the project team. Installed much like vertical slats, the material adds a new dimension to the building’s façade.
“The aesthetic of the mesh was very desirable to us,” said Mark Gifford, associate principal of NAC Architecture, Seattle, the architect on the project. “Especially the way it is fabricated and the texture that it brings to the building.”
The Cambridge system was chosen based on more than just looks. To fit the building’s overall design, it needed to be easy to integrate and sustainable.
“There were very specific structural wind load requirements for this building,” said Jake Lindsay, project manager for Dawson Construction Inc., Bellingham, the general contractor and installer. “The Cambridge team helped us make the necessary adjustments to meet those requirements.”
Maintaining ventilation and preserving outside views were two other key considerations for the center. The inherent nature of architectural mesh allows it to block the sun without blocking airflow or views.
“We were placing the mesh on a building that is naturally ventilated,” Gifford said. “Cambridge’s product allowed us to maintain this ventilation while shading the structure.”
Cambridge assisted throughout the entire process to make sure the project team achieved all of their design goals.
“It was a pretty slick product and process,” Lindsay said. “Cambridge was able to customize the anchors precisely according to what the design team wanted.”
“The whole process went very smoothly,” Gifford said. “Cambridge brought a really nice mock-up sample to the site that proved the product would perform well.”
The Solucent system was fabricated with mesh in Cambridge’s Shade pattern, featuring flexible open weaves. It was installed using Cambridge’s Eclipse tension attachment hardware.
Cambridge Architectural, www.cambridgearchitectural.com
