Skyline Icon
New Facade,
Poff Federal Building
Roanoke VA
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Virginia Tech
Fall 2015
3 Weeks
Professor:
James R. Jones, Ph.D.
The Poff Federal Building is one of the tallest buildings in the city of Roanoke. The new façade for the existing building functions to serve the tenants, save energy, and create a new landmark for the city. Light and energy are mediated through the façade in a way that creates comfortable working conditions while doing so in a ‘green’ energy efficient manner. The façade presents itself as a while new element of the building, which enhances the overall building’s presence in the Roanoke skyline.
An iterative process determined the composition of the new south facing double-facade.
The facade is composed of a framework structure that ties into the existing building structure, large expressive diagonal bracing members, a rotating glass outer layer, movable horizontal louvers, operable interior windows, and colored spandrel panels.
Underheating: In winter months, the double facade creates a buffer layer between the interior and the cold outside weather. The outer glass layer closes to keep the air in the cavity, creating a warmer buffer layer. The louvers raise to allow the sun to passively heat the interior of the building.
Comfort: The double façade works to extend the comfort zone and save energy during times where the weather allows for it. The outer glass is vented, but disallows excessive winds. The louvers prevent heat gain. The double facade cavity allows for a natural stack effect movement of air. The operable window allows a natural breeze to flow across the interior space and into the facade cavity.
Overheating: During summer periods, some mechanical cooling is needed. The double facade helps to mitigate how much energy is needed to cool the interior. The outer glass rotates perpendicular to the angle of the sun. Louvers are lowered and prevent any direct sunlight from hitting the inner glass layer. The operable windows are closed to keep cool air in.
