Library Renovation Uses SOLARBAN 70XL By PPG

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Solarban 70XL from PPG

A community eyesore for nearly 40 years, the Lawrence Public Library in Kansas was transformed by architects Gould Evans into a community showcase and an American Institute of Architects/American Library Association (AIA/ALA) 2016 Library Building Award winner. Central to the building’s revitalization was a new façade combining a high performing terra cotta rainscreen and energy efficient, transparent SOLARBAN® 70XL glass by PPG. With visible light transmittance of 64% in a standard 1″ insulating glass unit, Solarban 70XL glass bathes the interior in sunlight, while the glass’s solar control performance makes it integral to the façade’s continuous insulation system.

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The materials, which envelop a 20,000 square foot reading room wrapped around the library’s existing concrete façade, combine with open interior design and a more intuitive wayfinding system to reconnect the library to residents and the surrounding landscape.

Despite being 50% larger, the refurbished structure consumes 50% less energy than before and was designed to achieve LEED® certification at the Silver level.

The Solarban 70XL glass also meets requirements of the Cradle to Cradle Certified™ products program.