The designers of a major new paleontological museum housing one of the world's largest collections of fossils have chosen, in contrast, one of the modern world's most innovative solutions for the building: Pilkington ActivTM self-cleaning glass. The Museum of the Earth, which recently opened to the public in Ithaca, New York State, incorporates both Activ and low-e glasses as part of a central architectural theme: looking through and learning from history. Curators anticipate that the Museum will rapidly achieve its goal of attracting 50,000 - 60,000 visitors a year to the site.

Aluminium curtain-walling installed by glazing contractor Cortland Glass of Cortland, NY contains insulating glass units with Pilkington ActivTM glass on the exterior and Pilkington Energy AdvantageTM low-e glass on the interior. Floral Glass of Hauppauge, NY, processed all glazing for the project.

Matt Miner, Project Manager with Cortland Glass: 'The design of the building features an overhanging roof in some areas, so not all the glass is as exposed to the elements as it could be, but the Museum's designers still believed that using Activ would greatly reduce maintenance even in those areas because all it needs is an occasional light hosing to keep it clean. We've had excellent feedback from the Museum and they are particularly delighted with the performance of Activ.'

Source

Glass Age