When multinational energy company Utilicorp United decided to renovate the former New York Life building in Kansas City, Missouri, for its headquarters, the challenge was to create a workplace that embodied a commitment to energy conservation and to the environment.
Pella® wood double-hung and fixed windows windows were selected because they enabled the architects to stay true to the Neo-Romanesque design of the building — maintaining its listing on the National Register of Historic Places — while effectively addressing energy efficiency through fenestration. Not only do wood window frames have excellent insulating properties, wood is a renewable resource. The use of this natural material underscored the company's commitment to sustainability.
The new operable double-hung units with Low-E insulating glass allow natural ventilation, a rare luxury for modern high-rise buildings. The design team made the most of the structure’s strengths — like the alignment and shape of the window openings and skylights, which allow abundant daylight to penetrate deep into interior spaces. The building’s use of windows makes natural illumination one of its more important energy-saving features.
Today the building is the perfect blend of past and present — honoring the elegance of the original structure while making use of today's innovative products.
The architects specified clear, Low-E glass that looked like the original clear plate glass and minimized solar heat gain and ultraviolet light.
Related Stories
| Mar 29, 2012
Roller shade operating system wins IF Product Design Award
Design experts in the iF jury recognized the engineering invested in the RB 500 Roller Shade, including a metal clutch with a patented construction, a durable zamac housing with polished finish, and a chain drive unit that excels in maximum operating comfort.
| Mar 16, 2012
Marvin Windows and Doors accepting entries for fourth-annual myMarvin Architect’s Challenge
Architects in U.S. and abroad offered the chance to showcase their very best work.
| Feb 13, 2012
Center for Sustainable Building Research launches CommercialWindows.org
Resource aims at reducing commercial operating costs and energy consumption.
| Feb 2, 2012
Call for Entries: 2012 Building Team Awards. Deadline March 2, 2012
Winning projects will be featured in the May issue of BD+C.
| Feb 2, 2012
Fire rated glazing helps historic university preserve its past
When the University embarked on its first major addition since the opening of Hutchins Hall in 1933, preserving the Collegiate Gothic-style architecture was of utmost importance.
| Feb 1, 2012
Replacement windows eliminate weak link in the building envelope
Replacement or retrofit can help keep energy costs from going out the window.
| Jan 26, 2012
Hendrick Construction completes Osso Restaurant in Charlotte
Designed by François Fossard, Osso's upscale interior includes tapered, twisted decorative columns and an elegant fireplace in the center of the lounge.
| Jan 12, 2012
3M takes part in Better Buildings Challenge
As a partner in the challenge, 3M has committed to reduce energy use by 25% in 78 of its plants, encompassing nearly 38 million-sf of building space.
| Dec 21, 2011
BBI key to Philly high-rise renovation
The 200,000 sf building was recently outfitted with a new HVAC system and a state-of-the-art window retrofitting system.
