The team performed extensive solar analysis of HelioTrace system components, with three goals in mind: to minimize glare, maximize daylighting, and control solar heat gain. Glare studies (top, with baseline analysis at left and optimized analysis at right) sought to determine if the shading devices could maintain an exterior-interior light contrast level of 10:1, thereby cutting glare substantially. Daylight levels (middle) were calibrated to avoid excessive illumination (middle left)which can cause glareand to help yield energy savings, as well as promote user comfort. Finally, the problem of high solar gain (bottom left) was studied with reference to the systems external shades (both those parallel and perpendicular to the curtain wall), which together cut the peak solar gain by an estimated 81 percent. The teams parametric analysis was even more detailed, calculating the optimal deployment level of each shading device at specific times of day, in different seasons.
HelioTrace is composed of three systems: exterior shading (both shades that are perpendicular to the building, far left, and shades parallel to the façade, second from left); a high-performance curtain wall; and complementary M/E/P and building systems.
Fully deployed, the shades control glare and cut heat gain.
Partially deployed, the shades control glare while introducing daylight.
When the shades are fully retracted—during winter months—the system maximizes daylight and allows for passive heating.
