SageGlass®, the world’s smartest electrochromic glass, was installed at 71Above, a new high-end restaurant located on the 71st floor of the iconic U.S. Bank Tower in downtown Los Angeles. Designed to provide patrons with a 360-degree view of the city, day and night, and a unique dining experience, 71Above will feature nearly 3,000 square feet of SageGlass, a product of Saint-Gobain, around the perimeter of the restaurant. SageGlass’ unique ability to dynamically control sunlight and manage heat gain allows for unobstructed views and a comfortable dining experience at the restaurant, year-round.
Renowned restaurateur, Emil Eyvazoff, selected SageGlass for his new sky-high restaurant for its aesthetic appeal and functionality. SageGlass controls sunlight to optimize daylight, outdoor views and comfort while preventing glare, fading and overheating without the need for blinds or shades. With electronically tintable SageGlass, 71Above staff will have the ability to control the environment and provide patrons with an always comfortable space that connects them to the city below. Additionally, SageGlass dramatically reduces energy demand and the need for HVAC by blocking up to 91 percent of solar heat.
“With the help of SageGlass, we have created a dining experience at 71Above unlike any other restaurant in Los Angeles. Our guests can enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the entire city all day and night without being impacted by the harsh southern California sun,” said Emil Eyvazoff, restaurant owner and proprietor. “I specifically selected SageGlass because it complements 71Above’s modern design and overall aesthetic. SageGlass helps us create a wow factor in addition to enhancing guest comfort, providing us with the ideal combination of form and function.”
Credit: SageGlass
Summer temperatures often exceed 90 degrees in Los Angeles, which caused unique challenges for Tag Front, the architecture firm for 71Above. Mandi Rafaty, managing principle at Tag Front, says, “Solar control was a major factor for the overall design of the space. We needed to maintain unobstructed views from all vantage points while blocking harsh sunlight and intense heat at the same time. SageGlass’ innovative technology made this possible.”
SageGlass called upon the expertise of Giroux Glass, Inc. to install its dynamic glass at 71Above. Giroux Glass installed a total of 192 insulating glass units and 48 table-side vents, which can be opened by diners to bring in a rush of fresh air and the sounds of the city from far below. Brad Leslie, Giroux Glass’ director of high-end design, says, “Who better to have chosen for the installation of such leading-edge technology? Our glaziers are proficient in all the latest innovations. This is what we do.”
The recently opened 71Above is atop the U.S. Bank Tower, currently the tallest building in the Western United States. The iconic skyscraper has undergone a $50 million renovation, which includes a new observation deck and tourist attractions, among other exciting features.
“The 71Above project really demonstrates how SageGlass can enhance the functionality of a space in ways that were previously not possible. SageGlass has enabled 71Above to offer incredible views at all times of the day, rather than having to lower blinds and shades to control the glare and heat from the sun,” said Alan McLenaghan, CEO of SageGlass. “We are thrilled that our dynamic glass is featured in one of the most iconic new spaces in California. Diners at 71Above will be able to enjoy a great meal and magnificent views even during peak sun hours. And because SageGlass can revert to its clear state when the sun goes down – the city by night can be viewed clearly, too.”
About SageGlass®
SageGlass® is the pioneer of the world’s smartest electrochromic glass and is transforming the indoor experience for people by connecting the built and natural environments. Electronically tintable SageGlass, a product of Saint-Gobain, dynamically optimizes daylight and manages temperature – all while maintaining unobstructed views of the outdoors. With SageGlass, building occupants can comfortably experience the biophilic benefits of the outdoors, including stress reduction, enhanced creativity and an improved sense of well-being. Unlike conventional sun controls such as mechanical window shades or blinds, SageGlass allows architects to elegantly solve solar control challenges without sacrificing aesthetics and design. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, SageGlass is backed by 350 years of building science expertise that only the world leader in sustainable environments can provide. Ready to look again? Visit www.SageGlass.com, @Sage_Glass and Facebook.com/SageGlass.
About Saint-Gobain in North America
Saint-Gobain, the world leader in sustainable environments, has designed and manufactured high-performance building materials that improve the lives of people all over the world. From the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles and the glass pyramid at the Louvre, to The Statue of Liberty and The World Trade Center, and even components that allow the Mars Rover Curiosity to seek out life on another planet, Saint-Gobain has been a part of the fabric of human history, advancement and improvement.
In North America, the company upholds this rich history of innovation by making a material difference in the spaces where people work, live, play, heal and learn. Along with its North American headquarters in Malvern, Pennsylvania, Saint-Gobain has more than 150 locations in North America and approximately 14,000 employees. In the United States and Canada, Saint-Gobain reported sales of approximately $5.7 billion in 2015. Experience our innovation, wonders and advancements by visiting www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com and connect with Saint-Gobain North America on Facebook and Twitter.
About Saint-Gobain
In 2015, Saint-Gobain is celebrating its 350th anniversary, 350 reasons to believe in the future. Backed by its experience and its capacity to continuously innovate, Saint-Gobain, the world leader in the habitat and construction market, designs, manufactures and distributes high-performance building materials providing innovative solutions to the challenges of growth, energy efficiency and environmental protection. With 2014 sales of €41 billion, Saint-Gobain operates in 66 countries and has over 180,000 employees. For more information about Saint-Gobain, visit www.saint-gobain.com and the Twitter account @saintgobain or download the “Saint-Gobain Shareholder” application for tablet and smartphone.
