City of Encinitas – City Hall

Increased Privacy • Artwork Conservation • Glare Reduction

ThermeShade: City of Encinitas City Hall 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: 1300 sq ft

Project Challenge

A wall of glass panels, tucked under an overhang behind the Planning Department, was added in the 1992 renovation. To retain natural light, no window tint was added.

‘Artwork is being exposed to damaging sunlight.’

Protecting the artwork while allowing in light was a concern. Receptionists were constantly manipulating the vertical blinds throughout that day.

‘The Mayor’s office has some privacy concerns.’

The public has access to all the surrounding pathways around the center including the Mayor’s corner office. Blinds had to be closed most days.

ThermeShade: City of Encinitas City Hall Project
City of Encinitas Planning Department - Reception Area

Findings

After the success of Phase 1 ThermēShade installation in the Planning Division, the City specified that the vertical blinds were to be removed prior to installation. This project posed different issues from those in the Planning Division, however, due to the untinted clear glass being partially shaded by the overhang.

We used brackets within the narrow 2-inch frames to insert manual roller shades to keep the low profile aesthetic. Lower frames were fit with screen material and the bottom bar was attached to metal brackets the width of the frame. Small drop window shades were created which could be lifted for glass maintenance.

Following the installation, these were the findings:

ThermēShades are reducing fading by more than 60% Tdw-ISO values vs clear glass

‘Natural light (Visual Transmittance) was increased by 200%’ after the existing blinds were removed.

ThermeShade: City of Encinitas City Hall Project
  • Encinitas City Hall glare in front lobby
  • Encinitas City Hall Front Entrance after ThermeShade installation

Final Result

After several months of use, City Hall entrance shades are consistently left in the ‘closed’ position which allows ample daylighting, privacy as well as protection for the offices from glare, and the artwork from fading.

The Mayor’s and other window offices now have daytime privacy.

“The shades are down all day.”

“We don’t have to adjust the verticals every 15 minutes to battle the glare.’