About Better Boys Foundation
Better Boys Foundation (Now known as BBF Family Services) was founded in 1961 to improve the quality of life for North Lawndale area youth and their families. BBF works to fulfill that mission by providing youth with experiences that enhance their emotional, social, academic, and career development. Its vision is that every child – regardless of race, gender, family circumstances or socioeconomic background – will realize the power of his/her potential.
BBF believes in the Power of Potential and works to develop the promise of every child that walks through its doors through cutting-edge programming that “sets the bar” of innovation for youth programming in the city of Chicago.
Serving some 200 children and youth (more than half of whom are now girls) each day, BBF concentrates its efforts in two major areas: out-of-school-time programs and scholarship and career guidance assistance. BBFʼs programs provide a scaffold within which children and youth, ages 5 to 21 years, can grow, flourish and ultimately succeed outside of the support structure provided in school, in their careers and in their personal lives.
The Challenge
The solar control challenge facing Better Boys Foundation facility managers was due to large glass windows located throughout the facility corridors and lobby that allowed unacceptable levels of solar heat and light from all directions. The window-lined hallways proved to be a substantial issue as heat was being trapped in the hallway creating an uncomfortable environment for children and staff. The solar heat gain also drove up energy costs associated with cooling the facility.
Products Used
Control:
– All clutch operated roller shades utilized a Rollease R-Series clutch and #10 stainless steel bead chain.
Fabric:
– All woven mesh shades were made with Nordic Screen fabric in Black/Pearl with 10% openness
Fascia:
– All fascia made with 4″ anodized aluminum
IWS Solutions
Illinois Window Shade Company produced a total of 62 Illinois Window Shade Company Clutch Operated Roller Shade Systems. The shade systems are a budget-friendly and easy-to-use solar control solution.
Illinois Window Shade Company fitted each shade system with a transparent, woven mesh fabric. The fabric (Nordic Screen, Black/Pearl with 10% openness) is specifically designed to manage glare levels and preserve view through.
The fabric also sufficiently manages solar heat gain, improving comfort and energy efficiency levels. The fabric’s, 10% openness factor established a fantastic view through the shades to the facility courtyard and North Lawndale community while successfully filtering any direct sunlight coming through the large windows.
Four inch anodized aluminum fascia was applied to provide a sleek, seamless design matching the building’s interior.
Results
Illinois Window Shade Company provided the Better Boys Foundation a custom solution to their solar heat and light challenges. The interior of the building is being properly shaded without disrupting the exterior view and the perfect amount of natural light remains. The shade systems produces measurable results and look fantastic.
As a nationwide leader in window treatments, Illinois Window Shade Company provides the most effective window shade solutions available.
