Visual

The narrow sixty-foot floor plate optimizes daylight penetration, reducing the need for artificial light and associated energy costs. Fifty-inch workstation partitions help maximize daylight effectiveness. The atrium presents a variety of changing light experiences as the sun moves across the sky. A varying percentage of frit implemented in the glass skylight responds to solar exposure, balancing light, views to the sky, and solar gain.

The climate of the Pacific Northwest presents challenges to using daylight as the primary illumination source. Cloudy skies are the predominant sky condition, but clear sunny days occur sporadically in winter, and are most frequent during the summer, when peak cooling conditions occur.

A balance had to be struck between opening up to the cloud sky dome and protecting from the direct beam condition. Exterior windows optimize their daylight contribution by maximizing window head height and using orientation-specific shading.

The shading system reduces heat gain and assists with visual comfort. Internal venetian blinds at all exterior windows offer additional glare control, allowing occupants to adjust to their comfort.

Daylight is also provided to inboard occupants by the atrium, where a variable frit pattern, ranging to a maximum density of 66%, is strategically deployed on the atrium skylights, based on individual work spaces’ exposure. Light colored interior surfaces as well as 42 in. tall partitions topped with 8 in. glazed strips help facilitate daylighting. The partition walls are oriented parallel to the façade with the taller furniture running perpendicular to the façade.

Electric lighting is provided via high efficiency, direct/indirect fluorescent fixtures, which are used throughout the office spaces. Fixtures are controlled through a combination of zoned daylight sensors, occupancy sensors and the building management software.

Qualitative

Solar Control

Exterior sun-shading elements, clerestory glazing, and internal adjustable window coverings control heat gain, glare and provide uninterrupted views to the outdoors.

The ribbon system is designed with vertical blades across the entire perimeter and augmented with horizontal sunshades tuned to the orientation starting with zero on the north and transitioning to one, two and three as the facade transitions around the oxbow from east to south.

Peak cooling loads are targeted for a 30% reduction in the perimeter zone, resulting in a 10% reduction in the central plant cooling capacity.