Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)

The Challenge

For its 30,000-square-foot security checkpoint expansion project, Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) had two primary emphases: improving the passenger experience at the checkpoint and prioritizing environmental sustainability in the project’s design and construction. The expansion project, which broke ground in late 2024, will feature ten new screening lanes and cutting-edge security technology. A large, glazed curtain wall is one of the centerpieces of the checkpoint area—and with almost 3,000 square feet of glass come challenges like solar heat gain (uncomfortable for passengers and security personnel) and glare on screens and cameras (disruptive to security technology). The project team needed a glazing solution that would preserve natural light and views of the outdoors without compromising passenger comfort or important screening tech.

The Solution

The SDF project team worked with the architectural firm Alliiance and the engineering team from CMTA Inc. to select SageGlass smart windows for the large curtain wall. Originally, the design team had considered an internal louver system for the windows, but, after conducting a glare analysis, they determined that SageGlass was the more effective solution. SageGlass tints automatically in response to the sun, maximizing light and outdoor views while reducing uncomfortable heat and glare. More than 30 airports have selected SageGlass to help achieve their goals for passenger comfort, environmental sustainability and performance. In particular, security checkpoints have proved to be an ideal space for this kind of dynamic glass, where it offers plenty of daylight and views without interfering with camera- and biometrics-based security technology or passenger comfort. SageGlass also eliminates the need for blinds, shades, or louvers that interfere with views and need to be maintained and cleaned.

Passenger experience is a high priority for the airport. The design challenge was to provide an uplifting space with ample daylight and exterior views while addressing the operational requirements of zero glare and minimized heat gain. SageGlass technology made it possible to do both.

Michael McClimon, AIA, LEED AP

Alliiance - Principal

The Benefits

The new curtain wall at SDF, scheduled to be completed in 2026, will provide a cool and comfortable experience for passengers as they make their way through the checkpoint; a glare-free and efficient workspace for security employees as they use important light-sensitive technology; and increased environmental sustainability for the airport as it works to reduce its carbon footprint in tandem with other solutions, like solar panels and air filtration systems.