VacuumGlass LLC products helped to transform the 22-story Grant-Deneau Tower in Dayton, Ohio. This project features VacuumGlass' vacuum insulating glass technology.
"We are at an inflection point for VIG; we are receiving numerous inquiries from the commercial building sector across North America, seeking to upgrade their facades or incorporate VIG into new building envelopes for substantial energy savings," says David Cooper, president and chief technology officer, VacuumGlass.
How the project started
Originally built in 1969, the 22-story Grant-Deneau Tower stood as a symbol of architectural design in Dayton. However, seven years ago, due to soaring operational costs and occupant discomfort, the tower was abandoned.
The new owner, in collaboration with VacuumGlass LLC, embarked on a full-scale renovation of the tower, turning it into a mixed-use facility. Commencing in November 2023, the installation of VacuumGlass vision and spandrel VIG panels began, marking a significant upgrade to the existing curtain wall. The project, scheduled for completion by March 2024, sets a new benchmark for sustainable building practices, say project officials.
Project steps
The project involved replacing the original curtain wall's "zipper gasket" with a new version tailored for the installation of our 10-millimeter VIG panels. To ensure aesthetic coherence, the match to 1969-era 6-mm PPG Solar-Gray annealed glass with the company's fully-tempered VIG panels made the building eligible for a substantial historical tax credit from the State of Ohio.
Structural modifications were minimal, resulting in expediency, cost-effectiveness and minimal disruption to the building envelope. Leveraging VIG thermal insulation technology enabled the installation of cost-effective heat pumps on each floor, tapping into the aquifer beneath the building for efficient temperature control.
Moreover, utilizing spandrel VIG for 50% of the building facade eliminated the need for supplementary insulation, further reducing material usage and installation expenses. The developer plans to file for the 179D energy-reduction tax credit. The Department of Energy allocated funds for a comprehensive case study, conducted by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory from Berkeley, California. The anticipated case study report, expected to be published in summer 2024, will showcase the compelling success of VIG for retrofitting inefficient buildings, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
