Cost of bird-friendly glass
Photo courtesy Bendheim
The cost of bird-friendly glass varies significantly based on the project size and glass type. It is best to consult the glass façade supplier for the most efficient way to produce the desired design. For example, screen-fritted glass is cost effective for repetitive patterns, while digitally printed glass is best suited for non-repetitive designs. The size of the project is the key pricing factor. Replacing a few lites of clear glass with a bird-friendly one may not have a tremendous effect on the overall budget, but will likely mean a substantial price differential between the two materials. On large-scale projects, a bird-friendly pattern may have a relatively small effect on the overall budget. For example, the addition of custom frit design on Kinnick Stadium contributed approximately five percent to the cost of the façade, while having an outsized role in the aesthetic, solar shading, and the bird-friendly performance of the envelope.
Why more buildings are not bird-friendly
A mix of relatively low public awareness, insufficient knowledge of the variety of cost-effective solutions available to the architects, designers, and developers, as well as aesthetic preferences for ultra-clear glass have stood in the way of more bird-friendly architecture.
Focused educational and advocacy efforts by wildlife conservationists, USGBC, and eco-minded building professionals are poised to tip the scales. Additionally, for well-educated end-users, the many benefits of bird-friendly design often outweigh the preference for perfectly clear glass.
From a design perspective, all the discussions on bird-smart glass could benefit from reframing the issue—from one where clarity and unobstructed views are ‘sacrificed’ to one where elegant bird-safe design becomes an opportunity to:
● impart a unique identity to a building;
● offer building occupants better visual privacy;
● bring in higher quality, filtered daylight to interiors; and
● achieve gently veiled, mostly unobstructed views.
Trends in design
Over the past few decades, more buildings have been constructed with all-glass walls and there has been an increase in the amount of glass in construction. Transparent glass façades, balconies, railings, and larger glazed openings add architectural appeal, but also increase the risk of bird collisions.
Architects are beginning to discover the benefits of bird-friendly glass as well. In 2009, the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City had one of the highest bird-collision mortality rates in the nation. During a major renovation and expansion in 2014, the architectural firm FXfowle replaced the reflective glass with opaque panels at the street level, and installed large panes of pattern-fritted glass throughout the rest of the façade. The project also included a new 3-ha (7-acre) green roof to serve as a bird habitat. After the renovations, bird collisions fell by 90 percent.
Retroactively, on the myriad of tall buildings already built that have clear glass façades, one could apply a bird-friendly filter that meets the 2×4 rule. Sporadic bird-of-prey decals, however, are not recommended as they do not work.
New legislation will go a long way toward helping reduce the number of bird collisions. Sheppard from ABC sees the law as an important step in demonstrating bird-friendly design can, and should, be implemented.
“Bird-friendly building design should not be seen as an add-on or extra,” Sheppard said. “Many strategies for controlling heat, light, and even security can be bird-friendly strategies, too. These can be incorporated into almost any building style, but should be built into project design from the outset to minimize additional costs. That is why this kind of legislation is so important.”
Jen Miret is the director of marketing for Bendheim. She oversees the business’ development of continuing education programs for architects, designers, and building professionals. She can be reached at jmiret@bendheim.com.
