Exterior view of the Docking State Office Building highlighting the modern façade, expansive glass curtainwall, and transparent civic presence along the street.
Interior view of the Docking State Office Building atrium showing multiple floors, glass guardrails, and a tall curtainwall bringing daylight deep into the space.
Upper level seating area overlooking the Docking State Office Building atrium, with floor to ceiling curtainwall glazing providing abundant daylight and Capitol views.
Multi story lobby at the Docking State Office Building featuring a dramatic glass curtainwall, open stair, and expansive daylight with views toward the Kansas State Capitol.
Large meeting and training room inside the Docking State Office Building with wood ceiling, daylight from perimeter glazing, and clear views to the exterior.
Owner
State of Kansas
Architect
Clark Huesemann
Completed
2025
Project Size
11,300 Ft² / 1,050 M²
Photos
Michael Robinson / @mrobinsonphoto

The Challenge

Reimagined as a modern “front door” to the Kansas state government, the new Docking State Office Building was designed to feel open, transparent, and welcoming. Central to that vision is a multi‑story lobby, framed by an enormous curtainwall that delivers expansive daylight and uninterrupted views to the Kansas State Capitol.

At this scale, curtainwalls can present a complex performance challenge. A tall, highly exposed curtainwall in a high‑traffic public space must actively manage solar heat gain, glare, and thermal comfort throughout the day and across seasons. Traditional static glazing and interior shades would have compromised the architectural intent, obstructed views, and added visual clutter to a space meant to feel open and dramatic.

For a building targeting exceptional energy performance and long-term operational efficiency, the design team needed a solution that could support sustainability goals while preserving the atrium’s architectural clarity—without introducing maintenance-heavy shading systems or sacrificing occupant comfort.

 

The Solution

SageGlass was incorporated into the Docking State Office Building’s expansive, multi-story curtainwall, allowing the façade itself to manage daylight, glare, and heat in real time.

Unlike conventional glass, SageGlass dynamically tints and clears in response to changing sunlight conditions, preserving daylight and views while reducing solar heat gain and visual discomfort. This made it possible for the atrium curtainwall to remain the defining architectural feature—without blinds, shades, or external shading devices interrupting the space.

 

The Benefits

SageGlass allows daylight and views to remain front and center—without the tradeoffs typically associated with large expanses of glass. By eliminating the need for blinds or shades, SageGlass preserves the atrium’s clean lines, transparency, and sense of openness—making the curtainwall the architecture, not just an enclosure.

Throughout the day, the atrium and lobby maintain consistent visual and thermal comfort for occupants,even as sun position and intensity shift. Dynamic solar control helps reduce cooling loads and peak energy demand, supporting the building’s goal of delivering exceptional energy performance while enhancing everyday comfort.

Together, these benefits ensure the Docking State Office Building delivers long‑term performance, sustainability, and occupant satisfaction—setting a new benchmark for government buildings with large‑scale curtainwalls and public atria.