Promotion: AR Marlon Blackwell Architects used wall glazing systems by architectural manufacturer Kawneer to create a learning environment that aims to benefit the wellbeing of students at a school in Arkansas.

The studio designed Fayetteville High School to be a "brightly lit and unconventional" learning space by using Kawneer products, including the brand's 1600 Wall System 1 Curtain Wall and solar shading solutions.

In addition to the 1600 Wall System Curtain Wall, Kawneer's Versoleil SunShade Outrigger System for Curtain Wall was also chosen for its ability to optimise natural light, enhance thermal performance and have "a lasting impact on student and teacher wellbeing and reduced operational costs".

It contributed to the school achieving a LEED Gold sustainability rating.

"Fayetteville High School achieved LEED Gold Certification and is just one example of how Kawneer positively impacts sustainability and wellbeing in the education sector," said Christopher Giovannielli, product manager for curtain wall, window and sun control products at Kawneer.

Versoleil SunShades were installed over the school's windows. The product is designed to maximise comfort, reduce solar heat gain and glare, while ensuring optimal temperatures throughout the day.

"Our sun control products result in energy savings for educational facilities and enhance occupant comfort," said Giovannielli.

The impact of these solar shading systems is clearly demonstrated with the brand's Solector Sun Shading Estimator tool.

"The Solector Sun Shading Estimator provides estimated savings for schools that use our sun control products," said Giovannielli.

"It factors in geo-based weather data and the thermal properties of the glazing, framing and spandrel sections of the window framing system," he continued.

"The tool is invaluable to architects because it helps to demonstrate the benefits of thermal performance."

According to Kawneer, educational facilities must go beyond creating safe and productive learning environments and also need to "inspire students, teachers and communities while reflecting their distinctive personalities".

Kawneer's aluminium walls and glazing systems are made to be resilient and endure constant use experienced in buildings designed for the education sector.

"Building sustainably is a priority for architects because it gives them the power to shape a better world for the next generation," said Giovannielli.

"Placing sustainability at the forefront when designing and retrofitting education structures reduces environmental impact during its lifetime."

Kawneer produces its aluminium products in North America with a minimum recycled content of 40 per cent.

The firm has five manufacturing and 14 service facilities in the US and Canada and aims to bring the manufacturing of its products closer to the user and job site.

This is to ensure product transparency, which the brand says gives architects and educational organisations the knowledge they need to maximise sustainability at the design stage.

"Product transparency gives architects and school systems the knowledge they need to maximise sustainability and its impact at the design stage," said Giovannielli.

For more information on Kawneer's products visit its website.

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen for Kawneer as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.