Kawneer Expands Hurricane-Impact Resistant Offering

Wind-borne debris, relentless rain and internal/external pressure changes are all major causes of property damage and injury stemming from hurricanes and violent storms. To address the growing demand for improved hurricane impact protection, Kawneer has added two new window configurations to its hurricane-impact resistant window offering. New configurations of the company’s 8400TL IsoLock® Horizontal Sliding Window and AA®3350 IsoPort™ Single Hung Window have successfully been tested for hurricane-impact resistance and can help meet code requirements.

With the addition of these two new configurations, the current hurricane-impact resistant window portfolio now includes options for the following:

• Hung/Sliding Windows: 8400TL IsoLock® and AA®3350 IsoPort™
• Projecting/Casement Windows: AA®900 IsoWeb® and 7225/8225TL IsoLock®

All windows certified as hurricane-impact resistant have been tested according to the standards set forth in the Florida Building Code (TAS 201, TAS 202, and TAS 203) and ASTM impact and cycle protocols and test standards (ASTM E1886 and ASTM E1996).

For more information about our current hurricane-impact resistant window portfolio visit our hurricane resistance information page on Kawneer.com.

Kawneer’s Solector™ Sun Shading Estimator Tool Offers Easy Way to Optimize Shading Performance of Sunshades

For an easy way to optimize shading performance of sunshades early in the design phase, Kawneer’s recently introduced Solector™ Sun Shading Estimator Tool provides a solution. This user-friendly tool allows you to better determine how single blade (blade size, angle and orientation) and outrigger (size and configuration) choices impact the shading performance of sunshades. The Solector™ Sun Shading Estimator can compare the shading performance of two scenarios using Versoleil™ SunShades on a façade. Using broad assumptions, the tool provides an estimate of cooling energy and cost savings on an annual basis. Energy savings are calculated based on solar heat gain avoided due to exterior shading of the façade. For simplification purposes, no estimation is made of the peak load demand reduction, HVAC cooling fan cost savings or savings from reduction in overall size of HVAC equipment.With the Solector™ Sun Shading Estimator, Kawneer is continuing to fulfill our commitment to providing products and tools that help architects achieve their design goals. For more information and to try out the Solector™ Sun Shading Estimator, click here.

At Kawneer, we know that the next generation of architects and designers are an important part of the building community. We have a long history of supporting current and future architects, designers and engineers as they work to find more environmentally responsible and efficient solutions to everyday building challenges. This includes our recent sponsorship of the University of Tennessee’s 2011 Solar Decathlon team, “Living Light.”

Administered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Solar Decathlon is a bi-annual competition designed to educate participants and the public about the benefits of energy-efficient systems and construction. This year’s competition featured 19 teams from around the world who were selected to design and build attractive, affordable and energy-efficient houses, which were on display for voting and public viewing on the national mall in Washington, D.C. As a contributing sponsor, Kawneer donated our 7500 Wall® curtain wall, AA®900 IsoWeb® Windows, Trifab® VG (VersaGlaze®) Storefront Framing and 260 Insulclad® Thermal Entrances as well as technical expertise to the University of Tennessee team.

Following the design of the cantilever barns in their native Appalachia, the Living Light Team sought to use passive systems and simple aesthetic designs matched with advanced solar technologies. To maximize daylighting and enhance energy efficiency, the team’s entry featured a dual-skin façade using several products from Kawneer. At the time of the competition, the team had spent nearly two years designing and building the Living Light House.

The University of Tennessee finished eighth in the overall competition, which consisted of 10 contests; evaluating the architecture, market appeal, engineering, communications, affordability, comfort zone, hot water, appliances, home entertainment and energy balance of each entry. While the University of Maryland took top overall honors, the University of Tennessee’s entry tied for first in the hot water and energy balance contests, third in the engineering and appliances contests and fifth in the architecture contest. This was the University of Tennessee’s first entry in the Solar Decathlon.

Art Gallery of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Located in the center of Canada’s arts and government activity is the dramatic and iconic structure of the Art Gallery of Alberta. Designed by Randall Stout, FAIA, of Randall Stout Architects in Los Angeles, California, the building is intended to be a cultural and artistic representation of the museum’s significance. The concept for the award-winning $86 million project is an intricate geometric design featuring a complex, curved stainless steel ribbon that references the forms of the North Saskatchewan River and aurora borealis, or the northern lights. The 84,000-square-foot building features several products from Kawneer including its 1600 Curtain Wall, 2250 IG (Inside Glazed) Curtain Wall, 2000 Skylight, Trifab® VG (VersaGlaze®) 450 framing and 350 Standard Entrances. The art gallery was recently recognized by Metal Architecture with the Grand Award in its 2011 Metal Architecture Design Awards and has also received the Metal Construction Association 2010 President’s Award for Overall Excellence, Alberta Construction Magazine’s “Institution” Category Winner, the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC) Alberta 2011 Architectural Award and more.

The building’s most prominent feature, the ribbon, is juxtaposed with angular windows and curtain wall that extends throughout the building’s interior atrium and then erupts outdoors wrapping around the exterior. The combination of the glazed elements and reflective metal surfaces, including zinc panels, animate the building, giving it a sense of fluidity. To allow visitors and passersby to see activities inside the atrium, a wide expanse of curtain wall was used on the interior and exterior of the building. Kawneer’s 1600 Curtain Wall and 2000 Skylight were used on the exterior of the building, while the 2250 IG (Inside Glazed) Curtain Wall was used as an interior frame.

In addition to the dramatic aesthetic impacts, Kawneer products were used to address the extreme weather patterns in Edmonton. Kawneer’s 2000 Skylight and 1600 Curtain Wall were double glazed for increased thermal performance and its Trifab® VG (VersaGlaze®) 450 framing system offered the versatility required for the complex design. The company’s 350 Standard Entrances provided enhanced durability and weather resistance as well as superior aesthetics.

“This is certainly the most dynamic design for a building in Edmonton,” said Charles World, Business Development Manager for Acheson, Alberta-based Flynn Canada. “This museum space is a cultural contribution to the community and we hope that the building itself will set the bar for architecture in the city.”

This innovative solution is built on a contemporary software platform utilizing DirectX controls for three-dimensional visualization, interoperability between Autodesk® products and a SQL database for multi-user file sharing in a network environment. The easy-to-use software allows architectural details to be imported from AutoCAD® using a “center line” approach and export directly to a DWG format at the entity level, simplifying work with dimensions, glass and hardware and permitting the user to define perimeter conditions.

The traditional PartnerPak “Graphics Editor” has been replaced with advanced three-dimensional technology, which provides immediate visualization of any alterations made to frames and components, as well as to the associated hardware, glass and fabrication locations. The “Door Selection” has been transformed into a fully functional “Door Configurator” that allows for visual selection and verification of the supporting hardware and options.

Expanding on DeMichele’s extensive experience from customer interfaces to manufacturing machinery, PartnerPak Studio contains a universal NCX file generator that will facilitate creation of CNC gCode for Elumatec, Tekna and Emmegi equipment as well as DeMichele’s full line of fabrication equipment. Users will be able to add custom definitions for Drill/Notch/Routing (size, location and depth), and user-defined end angles per stick are also supported. As with the current version of PartnerPak+®, a XML file can be generated from qualifying projects for input directly into the KawneerDirect online order entry system, where non-quoted orders continue to receive a two percent discount.

PartnerPak Studio marks a new opportunity for collaboration and data exchange between contemporary industry software in today’s three-dimensional world. We hope that you will enjoy the benefits of this exciting new software and will keep you updated as Kawneer and The DeMichele Group continue to offer new functional and product features in the PartnerPak Studio releases to come.

For more information on PartnerPark Studio, visit Kawneer.com or contact your local sales representative.

First introduced in a Single Blade System for Curtain Wall, Kawneer’s Versoleil™ SunShades were designed to be the company’s next generation sunshade platform and a solution that made a dynamic and sustainable addition to its range of sun control products. One year later, Kawneer has continued to bring even more versatility to this platform and is pleased to introduce three new sunshade systems to the Versoleil™ line: the Outrigger for Curtain Wall and Storefront as well as Single Blade for Storefront. Pre-engineered for multiple curtain wall and storefront systems, these flexible sunshades offer increased aesthetic choices and more solutions for maximizing shading and energy-saving potential. Versoleil™ SunShades’ Outrigger and Single Blade Systems for Curtain Wall and Storefront applications incorporate easily into any building envelope, setting the industry standard for form and function.

Versatile Performance, Flexible Installation and Sleek Designs Outrigger and Single Blade Systems deliver the unmatched breadth and depth of application that Versoleil™ SunShades are known for. Engineering of common parts and pieces allows for easy fabrication and installation, while a uniform attachment approach allows customers to quickly gain familiarity with installation practices regardless of system. To ensure performance criteria were being met, all systems were subjected to a rigorous testing regimen. The end results are durable, pre-engineered solutions that allow for efficient integration of Versoleil™ SunShades into the building envelope design and can withstand wind, snow and dead loads. New Versoleil™ Outrigger System Curtain Wall Standardized design compatible with 1600 Wall System®1, 1600UT System™1, 1600 Wall System®5, and 1600 SS™ Curtain Wall systems Pre-engineered 90-degree and 135-degree inside and outside corner options Available in 30-inch and 36-inch outrigger depths Revised mounting bracket design allows for shallow 1-inch deep curtain wall cover as standard, (optional deep cover also available) 44 different outrigger and blade combinations available Sleek blade designs including circular, airfoil, arch, planar, flare, wave, infinity, diamond and square Storefront Standardized design compatible with Trifab® VG (VersaGlaze®) 451/451T, Trifab® 451UT and IR 501UT framing systems Available in 30-inch outrigger depths 22 different outrigger and blade combinations available Sleek blade designs including circular, airfoil, arch, planar, flare, wave, infinity, diamond and square New Versoleil™ Single Blade System for Storefront Standardized design compatible with Trifab® VG (VersaGlaze®) 451/451T, Trifab® 451UT and IR 501UT framing systems Available in horizontal configuration Modern aerofoil-shaped blades can be tilted at eight different angles in 5 degree increments ranging from 0-35 degrees Available in various depths from 6 to 14 inches

When Versoleil™ SunShades are strategically placed, they allow for maximum daylighting while minimizing direct sunlight penetration and reducing solar heat gain. And, calculating the shading performance of Versoleil™ SunShades is easier with Kawneer’s Solector™ Sun Shading Estimator Tool. Designed for use early in the design phase, this tool can compare shading performance of two scenarios using Versoleil™ SunShades on a façade. In addition to increased sun control and energy savings, Versoleil™ SunShades can help earn Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®*) credits in up to three categories: Materials & Resources – Recycled Content; Energy & Atmosphere – Optimize Energy Performance; and Indoor Environmental Quality – Daylight and Views.

To learn more about the complete range of Versoleil™ SunShades, visit Kawneer.com or contact your Kawneer sales representative.

*LEED is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council

Training in the New Year

As we come to the end of the year, we find ourselves in the midst of planning for the next – creating goals, developing strategies and outlining priorities that can help grow our businesses in 2012. Kawneer is dedicated to offering customers products, tools and educational programs that can help achieve business goals. As a part of this commitment, we offer year-round Training Schools to provide information and knowledge that will help you achieve your business goals. We believe training is the key to fast, efficient and proper installation of Kawneer architectural aluminum products, and trained personnel enable your organization to achieve cost effectiveness, boost productivity and increase profit margins.  In the coming year we will offer several kinds of Modular programs – Module I: Basics of Framing and Entrances, and Module II: Basics of Curtain Wall. We also offer a Mechanics School, which details the “nuts and bolts” of our systems to benefit both the beginner and seasoned veteran. Schools are held throughout the year at locations across the United States and also in Canada. Special Kawneer Contract Schools can be arranged at customer locations. At left is the schedule for the upcoming year. Receive a $25 discount when you register online. Log on to KawneerDirect.com, click on the Resource Center and select the Modules Schools from the Training drop-down menu. From there you can register and find out more details about each session. If you don’t have a user ID and want to register, click here to request a user ID. For more information of if you have questions, call the Kawneer Training Department at 770.248.2789 or contact us via email.

KawneerDirect – Submittal Package Wizard Updated With New Features

Building on our dedication to providing customers with tools and resources that can help grow their business, Kawneer has added more flexibility to KawneerDirect’s Submittal Package Wizard. The latest update includes several enhancements as outlined below. Two new features have been added to the “Finish Samples/Color Charts Request” page. 1. The default shipping address for Finish Samples/Color Charts Request can now be edited. The system will default to your company’s current address, but you can now override the default and ship directly to a different address. If you need to reset the address and samples requested, simply click on the “Clear Selections” link/button. 2. A “Transmit Request” link/button has been added. This isolates the Finish Samples/Color Charts Request process from the “Download Submittal Package” process. We have also added an editable “Company Contact Name shown on Submittal Documents” field on the “Generate Submittal Package” page. This name will be shown on the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®*) pre-submittal & Test Report Transmittal letters. Please note that unless overridden, it will default to the contact name on your KawneerDirect account. If you do not have a KawneerDirect user ID, simply go to KawneerDirect.com and click the “New User!” link on the landing page.

Kawneer’s Clearwall™ Curtain Wall Recognized by Glass Magazine with Crystal Achievement Award

This fall, Glass Magazine awarded Kawneer’s Clearwall™ Curtain Wall with its 2011 “Most Innovative Curtain Wall Product” Crystal Achievement Award. This is the fifth time we have been recognized with a Crystal Achievement Award.

Designed to honor innovation in the commercial, retail and fabrication markets, the Crystal Achievement Awards recognize significant accomplishments in architectural glass technology, manufacturing and marketing. Kawneer’s previous awards were received for “Most Innovative Print Media,” “Most Innovative Comprehensive Marketing Program,” “Most Innovative Door Application” and “Most Innovative Web Site, Large Company.”

Our Clearwall™ Curtain Wall was developed to meet a growing demand for an admired monolithic look for low-rise applications. As a unique addition to our range of high-performance curtain wall products, Clearwall™ Curtain Wall is an innovative 4-sided toggle glazed (TG) system¹ with a breakthrough glass retaining mechanism. And, as a cost-effective alternative to four-sided structural silicone glazed (SSG) systems, Clearwall™ Curtain Wall’s unique toggle mechanism reduces installation labor, simplifies on-site logistics and enhances safety while providing superior aesthetics. The curtain wall is also offered in two other glazing options. Each option accommodates one-inch insulating glass and also uses the unique toggle system. The additional options incorporate an attached interface to the glass with structural silicone or 3M™ VHB™² structural glazing tape. The curtain wall also features a shear block fabrication option, which uses deep mullions and is available for all three glazing methods.

This year’s Crystal Achievement Award winners were featured in the September issue of Glass Magazine and recognized at GlassBuild America: The Glass, Window & Door Expo in Atlanta.

To learn more about our unique Clearwall™ Curtain Wall, visit Kawneer.com.

¹ Multiple patents pending
² 3M & VHB are trademarks of 3M Company