Exterior front view of Nieri Alumni & Family Center with golf cars to the side of the building.
Two story open atrium with people sitting on chairs and couches talking. Views of lake in background.
People sitting in lobby area working on laptops with lake views. Tiger statue visible through interior glass in conference room.
Welcome desk with receptionists greeting guests. People walking near glass.
Man walking through office area toward glass with views of a campus.
Golfers on putting green behind the Clemson Nieri Alumni and Family Center
Owner
Clemson University
Architect
Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC)
Project Size
10,500 Ft² / 980 M²
Completed
2025
Photos
Kris Decker/Firewater Photography

The Challenge

Clemson University envisioned the Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center as a welcoming gateway to campus—a light-filled space that would offer sweeping views of Lake Hartwell and the Walker Golf Course. The design called for expansive glass façades to create a strong visual connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape. However, this presented a challenge: how to manage solar heat gain and glare without compromising the building’s aesthetics or energy performance.

As part of Clemson’s broader commitment to sustainable and resilient design, the university also sought building solutions that would reduce energy consumption and enhance occupant comfort—without relying on traditional shading systems that could obstruct views or require ongoing maintenance.
 

The Solution

To meet these goals, the design team led by Goodwyn Mills Cawood selected SageGlass® electrochromic glazing for key areas of the building. This dynamic glass technology automatically tints in response to sunlight, reducing glare and solar heat gain while preserving unobstructed views and maximizing daylight. “The decision to use SageGlass for the Clemson Nieri Family Alumni and Visitor Center was rooted in our drive to deliver both sustainable performance and an elevated user experience,” said Marc Warren, Architect

This advanced glazing system played a pivotal role in achieving Two Green Globes certification by reducing the mechanical demand and lowering HVAC energy costs. It also allowed us to eliminate traditional interior shades, resulting in cleaner aesthetics, improved daylighting, and enhanced comfort throughout the building.
Marc Warren, Architect
Goodwyn Mills Cawood

The Nieri Center is the latest in a series of Clemson buildings to incorporate SageGlass, joining the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, Daniel Hall, and the Watt Family Performance and Wellness Center—demonstrating the university’s long-term commitment to smart, sustainable design.
 

The Benefits

With SageGlass, the Nieri Family Alumni and Visitors Center delivers a bright, welcoming environment that reflects Clemson’s values of innovation, hospitality, and environmental stewardship. Visitors enjoy uninterrupted views of the natural surroundings, while the building benefits from reduced cooling loads and improved thermal comfort throughout the day.

As the first stop for many prospective students, alumni, and guests, the Nieri Center sets a powerful tone for the Clemson experience—one that is forward-thinking, connected to nature, and built to last.