AGC Glass Integral to Legacy Headquarters Building for The Sheffield Group

Alpharetta, GA. March 25, 2019 — Approximately 8,000 square feet of AGC Glass North America Stopray® Vision 50T solar-control glass played an integral part in the design of the new headquarters building for The Sheffield Group, a workers' compensation provider located in Hoover, Alabama.

“The building has large expanses of glass to provide natural light and views of the surrounding lakes. says Michael Mann, Senior Project Architect with TURNERBATSON. “The design incorporates a low-tint, neutral color glass which limits the amount of visible light transmittance, reduces glare in the offices, and creates a healthy, dynamic work environment. The tint and neutral tone of the AGC glass struck the perfect balance between product aesthetics and performance.”

The 40,000 square-foot building now houses all employees under the same roof. The former facility divided the company’s six departments across two buildings – something the family-owned and operated company wanted to change. With an increased focus on natural light, good health, and employee comfort, glass was the perfect material to serve as a focal point in the design of the new structure.

“The family aimed to emphasize employee wellness with a staff fitness center and personal chef. The natural light enhances the sense of wellbeing throughout the building,” says Mann.

Glass also played an important role in the building’s symbolism. Because the company is owned and operated by three generations of the same family, TURNERBATSON selected a material palette to reflect different elements of their story: past, present and future. 

 “We approached the project as a legacy building that represents the multigenerational family through the use of different materials ,” Mann says.  “For example, the grey granite represents the company’s founder and signifies permanence, while the glazing and metal panels represent the youngest generation and their forward-thinking aspirations.”

Stopray Vision 50T is part of the AGC global product portfolio manufactured by the world’s largest glass manufacturer. It is a double-silver, low-emissivity coated glass product designed for energy-efficient commercial buildings in climate regions that demand high performance in solar control and thermal insulation. It has a very neutral blue-grey aesthetic and soft reflectance of 20%, providing greater indoor comfort and energy savings.

“AGC Glass North America provided a product that met our functional and aesthetic needs while also hitting a great price point,” Mann says.

The Sheffield Group headquarters was completed in July 2018. TURNERBATSON provided architectural and interior design services. The fabricator was Trulite Glass & Aluminum Solutions in Lithia Springs, GA and the glazing contractor was Sunbelt Glass Inc. located in Birmingham, AL.