City of Encinitas Planning Division

Heat Reduction • Glare Control • Daylight Retention

ThermeShade: City of Encinitas Planning Department Project

Building:	Constructed 1961
	Remodeled 1992
Location:	505 S. Vulcan Ave.
	Encinitas, CA 92024
	(San Diego County)
Climate:	Temperate and Coastal
Exposure:	West
Applications:	Roller Blinds
	Stationary Drop Panels
Coverage:	950 sq ft

Project Challenge

City employees greet and service customers at a lengthy counter which faces a bank of west-facing windows.

As the manager described the challenge,

‘Employees at the front desk are hot even on the nicest days, while the back offices are cold.’

The goal, therefore, was to increase the comfort levels of both employees and the public by equalizing the temperature between the front desk and the back offices.

For the 1992 remodel, a new front façade was added, using single pane glass with a dark reflective tint in an anodized aluminum frame. The shade system consisted of solid vertical panels which ran the length of the space. Heat absorbed by the dark tint radiated into the interior, staining the HVAC capabilities. Every morning the vertical panels were opened to enjoy the light and coastal views. Then, throughout the afternoon employees adjusted the vertical shades multiple times to control heat and glare.

City of Encinitas Planning Department - Reception Area

Finding the solution

Because controlling solar heat gain and radiant energy through glass is best mitigated as soon as it enters the interior, we place the ThermēShade material as close to the glass as possible. We installed narrow brackets inside the 2” aluminum frames to avoid interference with existing blinds. This was possible because our shade material is so thin that the tall windows could be covered while still keeping a low profile. Roller blinds were set into the taller frames. For the smaller windows, the shade material was applied directly to metal brackets running the width of the frame. This resulted in a regular drop shade with a finished bottom bar.

Installation Day

We left a sample shade in the department for a few weeks prior to installation so employees could explore the new look. Management at the time thought the vertical blinds should be retained over the ThermēShades because the afternoon heat was “so fierce.”

We completed our installation just as the afternoon heat was peaking. Employees almost immediately noticed that the office temperature was more balanced, and was indeed becoming more comfortable.

‘We don’t want the old blinds any more, take them away.’

Final Result

Shades are in the down position all day.

“I don’t have to think about it anymore, it’s just comfortable.”

“Don’t have to adjust the verticals every 15 minutes to battle the glare.”

“Before the installation, I used to get a lot of calls and emails from employees who were too hot or too cold in the office. After the install, the climate in the space is more consistent and doesn’t vary as much and has been easier on the air handlers. So, thankfully, the calls have basically stopped for those types of complaints.”

In addition to the increased comfort experienced by all—as is typical when large amounts of glass are fitted with ThermēShades—the HVAC systems reduced their cycling times.