Solarban® 70 Glass by Vitro Architectural Glass was recently featured on the nationally televised CBS series America ByDesign, highlighting the role of high-performance glazing in creating healthier, more energy-efficient learning environments.

The spotlight focused on the new Lehman College Nursing Education, Research & Practice Center, a state-of-the-art academic facility designed to support advanced nursing education through openness, connectivity and occupant wellbeing. Throughout the building, Solarban® 70 glass was incorporated into the exterior façade as well as interior learning environments, including classrooms, stairwells and simulation labs, helping maximize daylight while maintaining high thermal performance.

The project reflects a strong biophilic design approach, where natural light and visual connection to the outdoors were considered essential components of the user experience. According to Bridgette Van Sloun, Associate Principal at Urbahn Architects, the design team prioritized integrating nature into the building while ensuring the glazing system met demanding technical and performance requirements.

Solarban® 70 glass combines a neutral aesthetic with advanced solar control capabilities. The glass delivers a visible light transmittance (VLT) of 64% and a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of 0.27, enabling abundant natural daylight penetration while helping regulate indoor comfort and reduce energy consumption. Its balance of transparency and performance made it a key material in achieving the project’s sustainability and design goals.

Introduced in 2005 as the world’s first triple-silver low-e glass, Solarban® 70 remains one of the industry’s most widely specified high-performance glazing products, with nearly one billion square feet shipped globally since its launch.

Project Team

• Architect: Urbahn Architects
• Glass Fabricator: Blue Star Glass Inc.
• Glazing Contractor: Above All Storefronts Inc.
• Photography: Ed Caruso