When the Hub Group, a large intermodal marketing company, built a new headquarters in the Chicago suburb of Oak Brook, Ill., the company wanted its facility to mirror its business objectives and support its corporate culture, image, and brand.
February 8, 2016 - Windows & Exterior Walls
When the Hub Group, a large intermodal marketing company, built a new headquarters in the Chicago suburb of Oak Brook, Ill., the company wanted its facility to mirror its business objectives and support its corporate culture, image, and brand. Completed in 2013, the four-story, 130,000-square-foot building is one of the largest LEED Gold-certified commercial facilities in the state. Constructed from cutting-edge and sustainable building products, the facility reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability through harmonizing with human health and performance as well as with the environment.
In keeping with these objectives, the building features motion-sensing lights in conference rooms and offices, and full floor-to-ceiling windows to lessen dependency on artificial light. Hunter Douglas was contacted to inquire about incorporating motorized shades into the project. The company’s RB 500 roller shades were selected due to their architectural design, ease of operation, durability, and versatility, along with the wide variety of anti-microbial and Cradle-to-Cradle Certified fabrics.
The RB 500 system’s support for custom applications — including exceptionally large and angular windows — represented a key performance characteristic, with more than 150 RB 500 motorized coupled roller shades of over 30 feet used throughout the facility. Additionally, the system includes a PilotRQ weather station from ESI (a Hunter Douglas company), enabling shades to position themselves appropriately based upon sun angles. This intelligent programming ensures occupant comfort throughout the day by managing daylight and reducing the glare and solar heat gain within the space.
The facility’s other sustainable features include high-efficiency HVAC, low-emitting materials selection, water-efficient landscaping, and rainwater re-use.
