Building Enclosure Systems

Cleveland Skyscraper To Get New Skin

Cleveland’s 32-story Celebrezze Federal Building will get a new exterior wall [http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-kamin-stimulus-0201-20110131,0,2393681.story] of aluminum and glass that will boost the 1960s-era structure’s energy efficiency. A gap of air will be left between the old stainless steel and glass walls and the new walls. The new outer skin will increase the insulation of the building, and is projected to reduce annual energy costs by 17 percent.
Feb. 9, 2011
Cleveland’s 32-story Celebrezze Federal Building will get a new exterior wall [http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-kamin-stimulus-0201-20110131,0,2393681.story] of aluminum and glass that will boost the 1960s-era structure’s energy efficiency. A gap of air will be left between the old stainless steel and glass walls and the new walls. The new outer skin will increase the insulation of the building, and is projected to reduce annual energy costs by 17 percent. The $121 million project will be funded by federal stimulus money. The double wall design will filter out harsh sunlight and create an insulating layer of air that moderates temperatures. Office buildings in Europe have used double walls for more than a decade, but the technology remains unusual in the US. Interactive Design Eight Architects [http://www.idea8.com/site/] designed the project that will yield an updated look, making the building’s appearance appear to change with light conditions.

About the Author

Drew Ballensky

Drew Ballensky is general manager of Duro-Last Roofing, Inc.’s central U.S. facility in Iowa and company spokesman for Duro-Last’s cool roofing, sustainability and architectural education programs. He is past-president of the Chemical Fabrics and Film Association and chairman of CFFA’s Vinyl Roofing Division. Drew earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from the University of Northern Iowa and master’s degree in business administration from Florida State University. Drew has over 29 years experience in business and industry in various engineering and managerial capacities. He has worked in the U.S. and Canadian operations for a major international manufacturer of pre-engineered steel buildings, was a financial analyst with a major athletic apparel manufacturer and was an owner of a general contracting company.
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