Ver-Tex installed FilzFelt drapery panels in the lounge and kitchen area for WS Development’s new offices. Photo credit: Jasper Sanidad
Boston – Ver-Tex Construction Specialties, Inc., a provider of window treatments and construction specialties solutions, recently consulted on the design, selection and installation of motorized window shades for WS Development’s new 32,000 SF corporate office in Chestnut Hill, Mass. WS Development is one of the largest privately owned retail development firms in the United States.
To maximize daylight and reduce solar heat gain and glare, Ver-Tex installed 50WhisperShade IQ2® automated shades with sunscreen fabric from Mecho Systems in the open office area and controlled with the SunDialer WindowManagement System®. WS Development’s offices have automated double shades controlled by a wall switches. FilzFelt drapery panels were installed in the lounge and kitchen area. A biodegradable and renewable material, wool felt is moisture resistant, self-extinguishing, and known for its thermal and acoustic insulation properties and its highly saturated and lightfast colors.
Exterior of WS Development’s new offices Photo credit: Jasper Sanidad
“The decision to award the shade solution portion of this project was made jointly between Chapman and WS Development,” said Bob D’Amico, vice president at Chapman Construction. “The work scope needed a high level of definition and detailing, and we felt comfortable that Ver-Tex could deliver what was needed to get the project completed on time and within budget.”
Daylight harvesting is optimized when lighting control systems, which include dimming controls and light sensors, are used in conjunction with automated shades controlled by a system tracking real-time sky conditions. Mechosystem’s SunDialer solution automatically adjusts the shade positions to maximize natural light and reduce glare, thereby providing energy savings by lowering the demand for artificial lighting and reducing heating and cooling requirements, all while helping to create more comfortable working environments for the occupants.
“WS Development was moving out of old traditional office space to an open plan space with high ceilings and large windows,” said Jane Zimmerman, LEED AP, interior designer at Elkus Manfredi Architects. “The new space has exposure on three of the four sides so we knew we needed sun control to control daylight while keeping the great views. However, we also wanted an automated shade – when people manually put down a shade they often forget to come back and raise it when the sun has moved – so we recommended the Mecho SunDialer.”
To mark its 30th year as New England’s leading provider of window treatment and construction specialties solutions, Ver-Tex launched the Ver-Tex Shade | Light Solutions Experience Center to expand its showcase of the latest innovations in total light management solutions, helping architects and designers create efficient, productive, and inspiring spaces.
As Boston’s new hub for total light management solutions, which include daylight harvesting, motorized shades, and the integration of shading and lighting systems, Ver-Tex’s Experience Center features product and solution demonstrations, fabric and shade samples, CEU courses and industry-hosted events, and the Hunter Douglas Showcase Café for designer/client meetings and impromptu gatherings.
