“The two MagnaShades we have are an excellent product for us, considering we are a museum and need to control light levels and glare for obvious reasons (art conservation and visitor comfort). The wide MagnaShades by their nature eliminate the penetrating direct sunlight that occurs from having many individual shades at the window. When they are lowered, it is dark!
“Combined with the SolarTrac Shade control system, the art is protected from direct sunlight and the manual action is eliminated. Seasonal changes and direct sunlight is accommodated by SolarTrac. However, sunlight is dynamic and the manual overrides allow for us to manage unexpected glare affecting visitors. Or, when the museum is closed on Tuesdays, we may want to raise the MagnaShade and our other shades for promotion views or to allow daylight in a space.”
—Peter Scott, director of facilities and department head, Whitney Museum of American Art, New York City, NY
1. Cradle to Cradle Certified Bronze, SheerWeave 8000 by Phifer Inc. maintains outward views and natural daylight. This sun-control solution reduces solar heat gain, protects against damaging UV rays, and improves occupant comfort. The fabric is PVC-free, 100-percent recyclable, and eligible for LEED Material Ingredient Disclosure credits.
2. Every component used in SWFcontract Solar Shading Systems is designed for long-term durability and performance in the most demanding commercial environments. Exclusive components—including the TrueTrack Spline, TrueLevel Brackets, TrueTube, and TruePerformance Clutch—offer advantages only found with SWFcontract, which seeks to minimize its environmental impact through processes that reduce energy usage and waste and protect air quality.
3. Creating compelling swoops, Sail Shades by Hunter Douglas Architectural are free-hanging clouds that establish an aesthetic signature for atrium spaces and skylights of any dimension or height. The durable fabrics reduce glare and solar heat gain while diffusing and optimizing daylighting.
4. Alphacoustic from Carnegie Fabrics is a transparent curtain fabric with an understated architectural look and strong sound absorption. Made of 100-percent Trevira CS Polyester, the subtle rib texture achieves an NRC of 0.45 when draped flat and 0.75 when draped at 100-percent fullness.
5. Avila Twilight is a privacy shade collection from Mermet USA. Available in nine room-facing colors, this true blackout fabric is PVC-free and treated with antimicrobial protection. Its darker hues have matching street-facing colors so the exterior aesthetics are consistent with a facade’s glazing.
6. Roll-A-Shade offers a wide range of motorized options including full building automation and sun-tracking systems. Its window treatments have been specified in all areas of commercial construction including the healthcare, hospitality, education, retail, and restaurant industries. In addition to supplying product, the company assists with blueprints and design specifications, and all projects are installed by trained professionals.
