|
PPG Industries Inc. reported that the Appaloosa Branch Library in Scottsdale, Ariz., is the first building where the company’s color-shifting “cool coatings,” Duranar VARI-Cool coatings, have been used.
The coatings contain pearlescent pigments that reflect the sun’s energy using ULTRA-Cool infrared-reflective coatings technology developed by PPG, the company said. In addition to helping buildings stay cooler, the coatings change color according to viewing angle and the way light refracts across their surface.
The coatings, based on high-performance fluoropolymer resins, were applied to the building’s exterior metal panels. The appearance of the coating changes from dark green to silver to mauve. In a static state, the coating projects a light gray-green tint that matches plants, sand, and the surrounding desert landscape. The solar-reflective coatings are available in 17 pre-formulated standard tints, PPG said.
Due in part to use of the solar-reflective coatings, the building is expected to use 32% less energy than comparably sized libraries, PPG said. The building is reported to have qualified for LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Jeremy Jones, AIA, LEED AP, a principal in DWL Architects & Planners Inc., Phoenix, was the lead architect. The 21,000 square-foot library is owned by the city of Scottsdale.
More information: www.ppgideascapes.com.
|
Follow us on Twitter
Join us on Facebook
