In an effort to create the greenest office building in the world, PNC, Gensler and their partners have built a building that exceeds LEED Platinum certification.
        PNC Financial Services Group and PPG Corporation, both based in Pittsburgh, have played important roles in the development of sustainable construction. Given its proximity and history, it’s no surprise that PPG products feature prominently in many of PNC’s iconic buildings, including the boldest of them all: the tower at PNC Plaza.
       Designed to be one of the greenest office buildings ever built, the 33-story high-rise looks like a traditional fiberglass skyscraper, but behind the sleek, polished façade hides a second layer of glass curtain walls that, along with solar chimneys on the roof, create a “Breath” uses fresh air and solar energy for natural cooling, heating and ventilation throughout most of the year.
        The double-skin metal frame of the PNC Plaza Tower exterior is coated with PPG CORAFLON® SUNSTORM® powder coating, which has a shimmering mica appearance, hardness and near-zero VOC emissions. “Reducing energy consumption and emissions, maximizing natural light and optimizing occupant comfort were among the key goals of the PNC Plaza tower, which has achieved LEED Platinum certification, the highest certification awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council,” said Group Area Director Patrick Finegan. PNC Real Estate Services Manager.
        To help achieve these goals, PNC and Gensler worked with Permasteelisa Group to create a 1,200-square-foot model of the 800,000-square-foot building using insulated glass units with argon-filled spacers with warm edges. The thermally broken aluminum frame is powder coated in Coraflon Sunstorm Mica Gray, and the wood posts have insulated glass attached for added insulation.
       During testing and validation, the curtain wall model exceeded design and performance expectations and the design was specified for the entire building.
        Coraflon Sunstorm powder coating, based on FEVE resin technology, provides superior durability and weather resistance and is available in a variety of colors and glosses, including the high-gloss mica finish used on PNC Plaza towers. Coraflon Sunstorm FEVE Powder Coatings and DURANAR® PVDF Powder Coatings perform as well as traditional liquid fluoropolymer coatings and meet or exceed AAMA 2605 requirements for weathering, corrosion resistance, chemical resistance and large building specifications for other project standards.
       In addition to a complex double-layer façade that maximizes heating and cooling ventilation while also adding fresh air and natural light, PNC Plaza towers also utilize efficient hydronic heating panels (radiant) and cooling systems (chilled beams) to complement heating and cooling.
       Not only do these strategies allow the PNC Plaza Tower to consume 50 percent less energy than a similarly sized base building, but more than 90 percent of the high-rise workspaces are flooded with natural light.
       To learn more about Coraflon FEVE and Duranar PVDF high-performance coatings and how they can improve the performance and sustainability of buildings, call 1-800-258-6398 or visit www.ppgmetalcoatings.com.
        BD+C editors are now accepting submissions for the 75th annual Top Building Products Awards. The winners will be featured in the November/December 2024 issue of Building Design + Construction magazine.
       This continuing education course, taught by Amos Chan of Walter P. Moore, PE, BECxP, CxA+BE, covers design aspects of underground waterproofing in new construction, the types of underground systems available, and specific issues related to deep foundation waterproofing.
       From bladeless rooftop wind energy systems to recessed lighting with a built-in continuous visible light disinfection system, a variety of innovations are included in Building Design + Construction magazine’s annual “75 Best Products” report.
       Green Seal will no longer certify any paints and coatings, floor care products, adhesives and degreasers that contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.”
        The appearance of a building is the first impression of its internal contents. In the multifamily segment, they have the potential to attract tenants based on aesthetics alone.
       BD+C editors dive deep into this month’s 15 hottest building products, from cleanroom doors to storm-proof window systems.
        Construction materials prices fell 0.6% in May from the previous month, according to an analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index released today. Non-residential construction prices fell 0.5% this month.
       When news broke that the condominium association was planning to renovate the Marina Apartments in Fort Norfolk, Hanbury jumped at the chance to reinvent the project, which was already outdated and faded.
       Similar to the interior design and industrial sectors, color forecasts for residential and commercial buildings indicate a trend towards warmer tones for metal products.
        BD+C editors are now accepting submissions for the 75th annual Top Building Products Awards. The winners will be featured in the November/December 2024 issue of Building Design + Construction magazine.
       This continuing education course, taught by Amos Chan of Walter P. Moore, PE, BECxP, CxA+BE, covers design aspects of underground waterproofing in new construction, the types of underground systems available, and specific issues related to deep foundation waterproofing.
       From bladeless rooftop wind energy systems to recessed lighting with a built-in continuous visible light disinfection system, a variety of innovations are included in Building Design + Construction magazine’s annual “75 Best Products” report.
       Green Seal will no longer certify any paints and coatings, floor care products, adhesives and degreasers that contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.”
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