Page 31 - Green Builder May-June 2018 Issue

CREDIT: WINDOW TINT LA

Clearing things up.
IWFA’s message is as
clear as its finished
product: Professional
installation of window
film is one of the most
cost-effective and
immediate energy-saving
measures available for a
home or business.

ROLE MODELS The sun shines brighter——and more efficiently——in this plaza

HE HOLIDAY INN Chicago Mart Plaza is located atop the landmark,
24-story mixed use Apparel Center. The hotel sits near the
confluence of the east, north and south branches of the Chicago
T River. The complex was designed by Skidmore, Owing and Merrill,
known for designing the tallest buildings in the world. The 2.5 million-
square-foot riverfront complex opened in January 1977.
Direct ultraviolet exposure from the hotel’s 42,000-square-foot sky-lit
atrium caused the hotel’s Front Desk employees to experience glare in
the morning until the sun arched across the horizon. This direct exposure
made it difficult for them to perform their tasks. Additionally, solar loading
created excessive heat build-up on the atrium’s upper floors, creating
uncomfortable temperatures year-round. During winter, air conditioning CREDIT: IWFA
had to be run mid-morning to late afternoon to mitigate the raised space
temperature. UV ready. Harsh sunlight is no longer a problem at Holiday Inn Chicago
The hotel installed window treatment on the lobby level, but it blocked Mart Plaza, thanks to specially implemented window films for the
the magnificent views of the river and skyline. interior and exterior.
Guest rooms that faced south and west had solar loading and glare elements, and another window film for the guestrooms that would provide
issues. Window treatment was left in varying positions, causing a the protection from solar load and sun damage without darkening views
checkerboard effect as viewed from the street, reducing its curb appeal. from the guestrooms.
Director of Facilities Bruno LaMountain looked into ways to improve “Overall we have reduced the temperature in the lobby area significantly,”
the comfort and climate of the hotel. At the time, the building was working says LaMountain. “Now on hot summer days, the HVAC system can easily
toward LEED certification and was undergoing a $20 million redesign with handle the cooling load while maintaining electrical consumption. We now
extensive ecological programs including installing window film to reduce have extra cooling capacity.”
solar loading and energy costs. The guest rooms were the next phase of installation. Older existing
John Parker, president of the International Window Film window film was removed and new, more advanced window film installed.
Association and owner of National Security & Window Filming in Oak Forest, Reducing solar load and glare were achieved.
Ill., evaluated what application of window film would be best for the hotel. With the window film project and other renovations completed, the
Parker and his team came up with a solution: Install an exterior window Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza was awarded a LEED Gold Certification by
film designed to protectthe atrium skylights from exposure to the the U.S. Green Building Council.

www.greenbuildermedia.com May/June 2018 GREEN BUILDER 29

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