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It's 'Curtains' for Many Buildings with Dow Corning Insulation Modules
Green Technology Featured Articles
September 17, 2013

It's 'Curtains' for Many Buildings with Dow Corning Insulation Modules

By Cheryl Kaften
TMCnet Contributor

Architects today are pushing the envelope—that is, the building envelope—in order to design uniquely beautiful and environmentally sustainable structures that will satisfy both client and regulatory requirements.

Now, Midland, Mich.-based Dow Corning (News - Alert) Corporation—a provider of silicon-based technology—is helping architects and builders respond to the challenge with Architectural Insulation Modules, a new solution that combines the aesthetics and convenience of curtainwall construction with energy savings benefits.


If the word “curtainwall,” immediately reminds you of “Here’s Johnny,” think again. Quite simply, a curtainwall is a building envelope that is nonstructural—meaning that it carries none of the dead load weight of the edifice—and is designed merely to keep the weather outside (except the daylight) and the occupants inside. 


Above, a Dow Corning silicon-based curtainwall, courtesy of Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company.

Often, curtainwalls are constructed of thin, lightweight pieces of glass surrounded by aluminum frames. In addition, most curtainwalls are designed to span several floors; and to withstand thermal expansion and contraction, as well as building sway.

Dow Corning Architectural Insulation Modules—which feature high-performance Dow Corning Vacuum Insulation Panels (VIPs)—are high-efficiency, thin-profile materials that can significantly increase thermal resistance in space-limited situations and enable slim wall constructions with high R-value (resistance to heat flow) performance. The modules, which the company claims delay or eliminate the need for triple-glazed windows, feature long-term insulation performance; mitigate condensation risk; and offer immediate integration in classic frame systems, such as unitized, structural glazing and stick.

“Mineral wool is insufficient to meet the demands of next-generation curtainwalls. Comparatively, Dow Corning Architectural Insulation Modules [build] façades designed to deliver effective, real-world performance,” said Charlie Zimmer, global program manager, Dow Corning High Performance Building. “By using Dow Corning Architectural Insulation Modules, architects can provide the same effective U-value [insulation] while using more glass in their building design.”

Available in a variety of architectural finishes—including glass, aluminum, stone and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)—these modules give architects new design possibilities and the flexibility to better balance needs for thermal performance and visual aesthetics. And the modules’ robust construction allows for easy handling during assembly and installation.

Dow Corning Architectural Insulation Modules contribute to green building rating systems such as LEED; additionally, the modules contribute to ASHRAE 90.1 performance requirements through energy modeling.




Edited by Alisen Downey


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