Case Study: Air-Tight Commercial Windows Aid in Energy Efficiency at Green-Minded Georgia Spa

A Southern spa sought to revamp their look while also maintaining a commitment to green technology and energy efficiency. The sustainable features of the Forsyth, GA, space include VEKA windows made from recyclable PVC that are air tight, which helps cut down on energy usage.

Reclaimed barnyard wood flooring is used in the retail area, and eco-friendly panels in retail cabinetry are made with stalks of sorghum, a type of grass. High-energy efficiencies were also used, such as LED lighting, energy rated HVAC system, ENERGY STAR® appliances and tankless water heaters.

The new construction retail space involves a total of 265 square feet of storefront and a vestibule entrance with a 6’-6” x 8’ double door. It utilizes the fenestration company’s 70 DS Window System, creating two storefront panels to the left and right of the vestibule type entrance.

The framing material is extruded in a caramel color and laminated with a Renolit exterior foil in “Woodgrain, Golden Oak” on the interior and exterior to create the natural look of wood.

Respecting Natural Body Spa’s owner’s environmental principles, the window system was selected to afford both comfort and energy efficiency.

Its thermal characteristics are achieved through use of a five-chamber dead air-pocket system in all frame and sash members, as well as insulated glazing panels that deliver the ideal balance of solar heat control and high visibility.

The window and door profiles are all fabricated with warm to the touch non-heat conductive PVC.

Since 1989, Natural Body Spa Founder, Cicci Coffee, has sourced and continued to find new ways of utilizing sustainable woods, post-consumer materials and recycled elements in the construction of the company’s spas. Her environmentally conscience approach gives each spa a distinctive look and feel.

The spa was built to high eco-standards. These standards distinguish building projects that have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability and emphasize state-of-the-art strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.