Inspired Use of SageGlass Wins Award

The façade of Tombola House, a bespoke office development that sits on the banks of the River Wear in Sunderland, has been announced as a winner in the Architect’s Journal (AJ) Specification awards. The project, designed by international design practice Ryder Architecture, is one of only a handful of projects in the UK to have specified Saint-Gobain’s SageGlass, a dynamic and intelligent electrochromic glass that tints in response to the sun’s path. SageGlass gives users the ability to let in as much or as little visible light and heat as desired while minimising glare through either personal or programmed settings, as well as offering reductions in the need for artificial light and air conditioning.

The judges were impressed by the collaborative relationship between Ryder and Saint-Gobain, stating, “A very nice building which provides a shopfront for tombola, while the whole team can come together at its centre. A very well planned scheme.”

Ronnie Graham, partner at Ryder and project director of Tombola House, said, “This award helps cement the status of Tombola House as a pioneering office development.  Having not worked together prior to this, Ryder and Saint-Gobain forged a strong and long lasting relationship through knowledge sharing and collaborative working.  We have created a building that has a distinct sense of identity, embodying innovative features and unique levels of finishes whilst complementing the context of the wider Sunderland Quayside.”

Adrian Gallagher, technical manager at SageGlass & Saint-Gobain UK, said, “SageGlass is a smart glass which essentially mitigates glare, provides superb aesthetics, occupant comfort and equally important ensures views to the surrounding external features in clear or any tinted state. It was the perfect solution for Ryder to create a sleek, modern and dynamic building and offer the best possible working environment for tombola’s employees.

The AJ Specification awards recognise exceptional relationships between architects and their suppliers, in addition to how materials are used to successfully meet each project’s design challenges.

Tombola House has also been shortlisted for RIBA and BCO awards, the winners of which will be announced later this year.