Library Renovation Uses SOLARBAN 70XL By PPG

The Lawrence Public Library in Kansas features a new façade combining a terra cotta rainscreen and low-e glass.

solar control
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.

solar control

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.

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building-envelope, continuous insulation, libraries, low-e glass, PPG, renovation, solar control

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