Product + idea = ??? You be the judge…. Ch.2

Now that we have decided on the perimeter details, let’s discuss incorporating lighting, HVAC, & AV.  Since the Hunter Douglas system is linear, we have used linear lighting and multiple recessed downlights.  The linear lighting will be used in a similar width panel.  The panel will be cut on either end and the light will simply continue the line.  The multiple recessed downlights will be cut into a larger panel.  Two very different looks and used in two different areas of the space.  The linear application is above the dining /seating area, while the recessed downlights are above where customers are getting their food.

As for the HVAC, we didn’t want to see diffusers in the ceiling.  There is air supply in the soffit surround and we eliminated the filler strip between the panels for air return.  An acoustical blanket is laid on top to absorb sound.

The audio visual consisting of a projector and a screen, ended up in the linear metal ceiling late in the game.  Luckily, this system is apt for this situation.  The projector will be mounted with a 3” pipe, which will penetrate a ceiling panel.  The projector screen will be recessed and the panels will cover most the screen.  The area which the screen requires to be lowered will be preserved by removing only that portion of the linear panels.  So when the screen is up, it is hidden and when it is down, it is usable.

Click here to see the final outcome.  Tell us if you can find the location of the projector screen.

Sun Shading

Anyone who has visited our office, knows we are in an old textile factory that has large windows.  If you visit from October to March between 9am and 1pm, then you have probably seen the large umbrella in my cubicle.  No, I am not pretending to be on vacation in the Florida Keys. I am actually blocking the sun from hitting my computer screen.  If you don’t know, the sun angle is lower during the winter months.  During the summer months, the sun is higher and is only hitting the desk, however, during the winter it travels farther into the space and onto my computer screen.   We currently have Lutron shades in the office.  So what is the problem?  Lutron Sheer shades range in openness factor of their weave.  The openness factor can range from 0%, which is blackout, to 10% openness.  When Gregg originally built out the space, he planned for Lutron Roller Shades with 5% openness for the West side and 3% openness for the South side.  At the time, 3% was the lowest openness factor available besides 0%, which would “black out” the office.  Since then, Lutron has come out with a 1% openness, which should correct the glare during the winter months.  I am sure Gregg will be sad to see the umbrella go. Oh and that’s Jenga, she was a bat for Halloween this year.

Check out the solar metrics diagram on the Lutron link: http://www.lutron.com/Products/ShadingSystems/Fabrics/PerformanceSpecs/Pages/SolarMetrics.aspx