UVA Contemplative Commons, Charlottesville, VA

UVA Contemplative Commons

was designed as a place for reflection and learning. Immersed in the environment around it and designed with organic elements; complimented by natural interior lighting provided by large window openings. This building is exemplary of what a positive impact  modern designs of educational buildings can have on the learning environment for students.

Because of its natural setting, bird friendly glass glazing was selected while not required by regulation. This shows the initiative for bird friendly glazing is growing and building designers and owners are buying into the movement.

Press Glass supported the design process and after review, the team selected 22,000 square feet of glass in combination of Guardian Bird 1^st UV with a triple silver low-e coating (SNX 62/27) for the bird friendly make up. Vitro Solarban 72 Starphire was used for the remaining vision glass.

The completed façade balances daylight and environmental responsibility. Large windows open the building to the surrounding water feature and landscaping while the bird friendly glass supports the surrounding ecosystem.