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PROJECT
windows & doors
The state-of-the-art Quality 10 GDX Theater in Saginaw, MI, features high-tech sound systems and wall-to-wall screens, as well as the latest in dynamic glass technology. Photo: Paradigm Design
Dynamic Glass Earns Rave Review Self-tinting glass adds special effect to new theater.
T
he new, state-of-the-art Quality 10 GDX
on designing the lobby to enhance the movie-going
discovering the Suntuitive glass, a dynamic glass de-
Theater in Saginaw, MI, features more than
experience.
veloped by Pleotint.
high-tech sound systems and wall-to-wall
“Being a theater, visual experiences play a major
“We considered using permanently tinted win-
screens. It also features the latest in dynamic glass
role in our daily business,” Betz said. “It all starts in
dows, fritted glass, and mechanical shades, but Suntu-
technology. Looking to reduce sunlight, heat, and
our lobby, where we welcome our guests. We wanted a
itive glass offered the advantages of each without any
glare during the day, while allowing maximum vis-
glass façade so that passersby could see the architec-
compromises,” Ockaskis explained. “The glass natu-
ibility at night, Goodrich Quality Theaters, Grand
ture and activity going on inside the building, but at
rally adjusts to provide the perfect tint to counteract
Rapids, MI, which operates the theater, selected
the same time, we wanted the lobby to be a comfort-
outside conditions, while allowing the glass to be clear
self-tinting Suntuitive glass by Pleotint, Jenison, MI,
able space with abundant natural daylight.”
at night. It was the perfect solution for the glass-clad,
for the façade of its 50,000-sq.-ft. cinema.
According to Todd Ockaskis, the project’s architect
south-facing façade.”
Martin Betz, chief operating officer for Goodrich
from Paradigm Design in Grand Rapids, the main
Suntuitive glass is a thermochromic glass technolo-
Quality Theaters, said the company’s main goals were
challenge associated with designing the theater was
gy that gradually darkens in response to rising tem-
to create excitement and recapture the entertainment
configuring the glass for the south-facing façade,
peratures caused by direct sunlight, then cools as the
market in the area by replacing a 40-yr.-old multiplex
which is exposed to intense sunlight and solar heat
sun moves across the sky, returning to a clear, neutral
adjacent to the site with a new, energy-efficient build-
gain throughout the day.
state in cloudy or dark conditions. Because of its abili-
ing. According to Betz, a particular focus was placed 40
COMMERCI A L BUIL DING P RODUC T S
JAN/FEB 2015
cbpmagazine.com
The design team evaluated several options before
ty to passively adapt to direct sunlight, the glass opti-
