Business Specialties Development
Yale Building Wins AIA Award
May 15, 2008
By: Judy Feldman, Contributing Correspondent

Yale University’s new Sculpture Building has been named to the American Institute of Architect's top ten green projects of 2008 list. The building, designed by architects Stephen Kieran and James Timberlake, also earned a platinum LEED certificate.

Both recognitions are for the building’s sustainable architecture and, in particular, its innovative energy-saving "envelope." The envelope was designed and made by Newington, Conn.-based Schuco USA , a subsidiary of the German parent company, Schuco International.

The Sculpture Building is part of a major campus-wide initiative. Yale has stated a commitment to the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 10 percent below 1990 levels by the year 2020--a 43 percent reduction from 2005 levels. At the same time the university also plans to expand from the current 13.5 million gross square feet by almost 15 percent, while bringing old buildings up to modern standards.

The envelope of a building is a vital factor in how a building manages energy. The Sculpture Building ’s triple layer glass facade has windows that reach to the ceilings and save $25,000 a year in energy expenses, according to the Green Building Council. The system features specialized sun protection that is integrated as well. The translucent panels are filled with a special gel, called aerogel, that allows only about 20 percent of the natural light to enter the space. This reduces the heat, and also creates a glare-free environment in the interior.

The high level of natural day lighting will dramatically reduce the need for artificial lighting, and the occupancy sensors automatically switch off the lighting in unoccupied areas. The southern and eastern facades have fixed external shading to decrease the summertime solar burden on the building, and the energy intensity overall is 8.3kilowatts-per-square-foot per year.

Schuco USA is based in Newington, Conn. The parent company, Schuco International, is known for high efficiency photovoltaic and solar thermal systems for window and facades, employs some 5,000 workers, and partners with 12,000 companies in 77 countries around the world.

 
Recent Development Headlines
vegas World's Tallest Timeshare Tops Off in Vegas
The $1.2 billion PH Towers by Westgate in Las Vegas has reached a pivotal point in development with the attainment of the highest point of vertical construction. Located at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, the upscale 52-story PH Towers (pictured) will be the tallest timeshare building in the world.
vegas LA Developer Partners with Vegas Officials for Museum, Hotel Redevelopment
Less than a year after entering the Las Vegas market with the acquisition of the Lady Luck Hotel and Casino, Los Angeles-based CIM Group won a deal with the city to develop land adjacent to the planned Mob Museum in the city’s historic Post Office Block.
Commission to Consider Lavonia Mall Redevelopment Plan
With most of Livonia Mall's tenants having negotiated lease terminations, the road has been paved for a massive remake of the shopping center just outside of Detroit, Mich., and the Livonia Planning Commission intends to give the plan the once-over on July 15, according to Crain's Detroit Business.
horizon Fox Interactive Signs $350M Lease for New LA-Area HQ
Fox Interactive Media has completed a lease agreement with Lincoln Property Co. and ASB Real Estate Investments to lease 421,000 square feet of office space at the Horizon at Playa Vista project near Los Angeles.
CBRE Wins Leasing Role For Polish Shopping Center
CB Richard Ellis Inc. has won the role of sole leasing agent for the Galeria Victoria shopping center in Walbrzych, Poland, its developer, Keen Property Partners, has reported.