The Montage Condominium

Solar Heat Control • Privacy • Winter Insulation • Glare Reduction

ThermeShade: City of Encinitas City Hall Project
Building: Hotel/Casino 1978-2005
The Montage 2009
Location: 255 N. Sierra St.
Reno, Nevada
Climate: Temperate Desert
Exposure: All Sides
Applications: Roller Blinds / Panels
Coverage: Variable

Challenge: Floor-to-Ceiling Windows

Residents of this stunning modern tower, The Montage, enjoy expansive views of downtown Reno and the mountains beyond. In 2009, the building was converted from a hotel/casino into a condominium complex with modern and sustainable systems for water and energy efficiency, resource conservation, and indoor environmental quality. It is considered the largest adaptive reuse project in the United States. During the remodel, banks of floor-to-ceiling windows with double-pane glass were added to create an open and inviting floor plan.

Residents concerned with their energy use, however, found it impossible to calculate their energy consumption and efficiency because utilities were bundled into a set monthly cost. To measure this, we used AERC (Attachment Energy Rating Council) simulation data which allowed us to calculate how much solar heat gain (SCGC) could be reduced, winter insulation value (U-factor) increased, and the amount of light transmitted (VT).

One obvious challenge for us was to modify the wide temperature fluctuations magnified by the large use of glass, especially when Reno’s elevation intensifies solar radiation.

ThermeShade: City of Encinitas City Hall Project
The Montage Condominium Project - Interior After ThermeShade installation

Results: Great Views • Glare Reduction • Privacy • Heat Control

ThermēShade reduced Solar Heat Gain by 56%.*

ThermēShades are engineered to filter non-visible infrared solar energy before it enters the room.

Visibility of 40% was retained.*

Even while reducing heat gain, ThermēShades can allow up to 40% more light when compared to a similarly insulating window treatment.

Winter Insulation was increased.

ThermeShades add an extra layer of insulation to reduce drafts at the windows.

Immeasurable was the satisfaction of the residents of the multiple units with ThermeShade installations.

They reported increased comfort day and night, and appreciated the simplicity and beauty of the shades.

They also liked that such a practical solution conformed to the Montage standards of elegance and uniformity.

ThermeShade: The Montage Condominium Project
  • The Montage, Reno, NV – Sunlight Reduction
  • The Montage, Reno, NV – Glare Reduction
  • The Montage, Reno, NV – Windows with and without ThermeShade
  • The Montage, Reno, NV – Windows with and without ThermeShade

Perfect Example

The Montage condominium building exemplifies not only the repurposing of a failed casino but the successful enhancement of the community surrounding it.

Our installations there gave us the opportunity to demonstrate every unique aspect of the ThermēShades.

People living in this high-rise verified that the ThermēShades were up to every challenge by making each unit more efficient and comfortable.

* Values noted above are calculated using a ThermēShade covering a wood frame window with double-paned glass.

Simulated using test methods: AERC 1, AERC 2, AERC 1.3 WINDOW/THERM Simulation Manual. Software: Berkeley Lab WINDOW 7.8.28, THERM 7.8.16, AERCalc 1.3.9.