THE CHALLENGE: LEED NEEDS, MONEY, AESTHETICSVince Harriman, the builder for 1115 H Street, said, “Building science considers windows to be one of any project’s top three considerations – envelope (wall type, windows and doors), air sealing and HVAC – meaning they determine so much of a project’s success.” In the case

www.intuswindows.com 1Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design® from the U.S. Green Building Council October 2015

1115 H STREET NEWashington, D.C.

COMPLETION May 2015

MEET THE TEAMDeveloper Stan Wall, PE, developer, Wall Development Group, Washington, D.C.

Architect Ronald Schneck Jr. AIA, NCARB, principal; Christine Proudfoot, AIA, Square 134 Architects, Washington, D.C.

INTUS EQUIPMENT

1115 H STREET NEThe H Street corridor in Washington, D.C., is one of those streets that’s on the cusp. With an influx of young, eager homeowners and the kind of conveniences they desire – grocery stores, pie shops and art galleries – H Street is set to be the bustling place that a few developers began envisioning almost ten years ago. One of those developers is Stan Wall. Wall envisioned a multifamily building right in the middle of the H Street corridor – specifically one that would be a model of sustainability. That vision has become a reality at 1115 H Street, thanks in part to super energy-efficient windows from Intus Windows.

of 1115 H Street, the team defined success as energy efficiency, sensible economics and a strong building statement.

Developer Stan Wall said, “When it came to the windows, the biggest factor, bar none, was efficiency – which window could give us the most points for LEED1 as we target Platinum certification. There was actually a very short list of brands that could do that.”

He continued, “Economics were also important. A project needs to be rewarding for everyone involved – myself, the stakeholders, the contractors, the city. And I wanted to have some social impact. It was important to me to make green units accessible to the affordable housing population.” To ensure sensible economics, Harriman led a value-engineering process: “It included changing the nature of the building, but not the windows. Never the windows. We compromised on the façade to save money and meet energy goals, but it was critical to the team to keep the windows we wanted.”

Product line: Eforte steel reinforced triple pane UPVC assembliesR=6.35STC=39

BuilderHamel Builders of WashingtonTim Parry, Project ExecutiveVince Harriman, Project Manager

www.intuswindows.com

Finally, Wall said it was important that the windows contribute to the

“architectural look and feel of the building. From the front, we wanted huge, loft-style windows that were basically floor-to-ceiling.” Aesthetics and feel were so important to the interior of the building, as well. One of the project’s architects, Ronald Schneck Jr., explained, “These are smaller units – about 600 square feet each. They needed a lot of glass to feel nice. Windows make a big difference.”

THE SOLUTION: INTUS WINDOWS TO THE RESCUEWith these three main needs established – energy efficiency, sensible economics and a big, striking statement – the team explored various brands and ultimately selected Intus Windows (Intus). Schneck said, “We met with Intus and it was clear that their products’ energy performance was something we’d have a hard time getting with standard aluminum, double-hung windows.”

“We knew we’d also have a hard time getting the size we wanted. With aluminum, you come

up against limits on how big openings can be and still have a single unit. This is important from a cost perspective; the fewer units you have, the better. So Intus’ size offerings were a big attractor,” said Schneck. Christine Proudfoot, another architect on the project, explained: “We were surprised to learn that we could use an all-vinyl product for such large openings. The Intus product provides steel reinforcement throughout the frame for additional strength and rigidity. Some of the units had openings over seven feet tall that we could span, which was impressive.”

Harriman was specifically drawn in by Intus’ triple-pane offerings. He said, “I had worked with Intus

before and believe that triple-pane is the future. Pound for pound, there

are few things you can do to benefit your home as much as triple-pane windows. So as the builder, I was very pleased with the window selection.”

The aesthetics were also in place with Intus, as the team could offer the big, striking look they wanted with 6’ x 6’ windows – approximately three times the size of standard residential casement windows. Schneck said, “We wanted to contribute to H Street in a subtle way – show that sustainability features don’t need to be flashy. Intus had a contemporary appeal – a feel and functionality. Regarding functionality, people want to control light and air, and these windows offered innovative, creative ways to do openings.” Proudfoot continued, “Residents can open these windows with either a casement (turn) or a hopper (tilt) action, accommodating different ways to mediate airflow

“When it came to the windows, the biggest factor, bar none, was efficiency – which window

could give us the most points for LEED as we target Platinum certification. There was actually a very short list of brands that could do that.”

– Stan Wall, developer

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throughout. From an aesthetic point of view, it’s compelling to imagine a rear façade that has dual-action windows opening at varying degrees instead of a more monotonous, double-hung pattern throughout that is typical on most unseen façades.”

THE INSTALLATION: QUICK AND PAINLESSHarriman explained that “Intus uses a bracket style, so installation is just a matter of putting on the brackets, sliding the window into place, making sure it’s square and plumb, and screwing the brackets in. It’s a very easy process.”

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THE RESULT: ALL GOALS MET… AND A BONUS!The team’s main goals in selecting windows were all accomplished; the project is well on its way to LEED Platinum certification, the chance for financial reward is great and 25 percent of the units are affordable housing – a high percentage for the area.

A bonus has been the fantastic sound attenuation offered by the Intus windows. Harriman said, “This building is on a busy corridor with cars and a trolley. Inside, though, it’s one of the quietest places you can be.” Proudfoot was not surprised by this outcome since she knew that Intus’ “sound transmission class ratings were higher than average (at 43), and in terms of energy performance, the windows were also very good

– triple-paned with low-E coatings to maintain interior comfort and thermal performance.”

Particularly exciting has been the effect of the team’s sustainability efforts. Wall noted, “What makes the building green is what makes it nice to live in.” Likewise Schneck said that with Intus, “the team was able to get sustainability into the experiential realm for the residents.” That means lower utility bills, more thermal comfort, less noise and a great aesthetic. And, of course, LEED Platinum certification.

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