Multifunctional insulating glass units for special tasks.
From the series "Window and door trends 2021".
Modern designs today are distinguished not only by unique design, but above all by comprehensive concern for users and the environment. Popular large glazings provide high comfort for the people staying inside - thermal, light, visual and acoustic, take care of safety, protect against external factors or attempts to break in. The excellent thermal insulation properties they must have, in turn, contribute to the energy efficiency of buildings in accordance with the new Technical Conditions.
Given the number of challenges architects are facing at the same time, multifunctional insulating glass units for special tasks will work best in windows and building facades.
Private home with XXL windows. ECLAZ low-emissivity glass will provide unparalleled daylight (Lt = 77%) and optimal thermal balance (Ug = 0.5W/m²K, g = 60%).
Photo. © Saint-Gobain
Insulating glass units in single-family buildings
The Technical Conditions, in effect since January 1, 2021, have introduced changes in the thermal insulation of the building envelope as a way to reduce the demand of homes for primary energy from non-renewable resources. Over the course of a year, it must not exceed 70 kWh per square meter of the building's usable area. The energy standard resulting from WT21 also imposes permissible values of heat transfer coefficients for all elements of the partition - the lower the U, the more heat will stay inside. For façade windows, theUw must not exceed 0.9 W/m²-K, hence the great emphasis on the technical parameters of the woodwork and insulating glass units.
Another important issue is the solar transmittance of the glass, which, in order to maintain a favorable heat balance of the house, should be at the highest possible level. The more daylight that enters, the brighter and warmer it will be inside, which will significantly reduce the amount of energy needed to light rooms and heat them during the heating season. This, in turn, entails further benefits - mutual for the user and the climate, i.e. a smaller carbon footprint and reduced emissions into the atmosphere, and of course - lower electricity bills.
Large-format windows with a view of nature. ECLAZ glass is a guarantee of maintaining neutrality of light transmission and reflection, as well as naturalness of color reproduction.
Photo. © Saint-Gobain
The standard for sustainable construction is low-energy, and in a moment - zero-energy buildings with large-size, energy-efficient glazing, which cannot do without low-emission glass of the highest quality. To meet the requirements, we have launched ECLAZ double-glazed units manufactured with groundbreaking technology and with respect for nature," says Maciej Manko, Marketing Manager of Saint-Gobain Building Glass. - Windows equipped with double- or triple-glazed packages with ECLAZ are guaranteed to increase the amount of sunlight penetrating into rooms (Lt = 77%), while maintaining neutrality of light transmission and reflection and natural color reproduction. Excellent energy (g = 60%) and insulation (Ug = 0.5W/m²K) parameters prevent heat loss from the rooms and ensure high thermal comfort for householders: both in summer and winter. - explains the specialist.
Of course, the issues raised above are relevant not only for double-glazed units used in single-family housing, but in all newly constructed buildings - with the difference, however, that regulations for glazed facades of public buildings are more restrictive than they are for glazing in homes. Thanks to the ability to compose ECLAZ glass with other innovative solutions, products that perform well in any, even the most extreme conditions, are put into the hands of designers.
Vizja Park in Warsaw, designed by Remigiusz Płoszański KIR Architekci,
photo. © Saint-Gobain
Building design - glass for the 21st century
The choice of joinery with properly selected double-glazed units has become one of the most important aspects in the design and erection of buildings. A glazed façade is to be not only striking, but also energy efficient, while the investment in double-glazed packages should pay off as they are used. When it comes to access to daylight, which plays a special role in maintaining the well-being of users, there is no room for compromise in modern designs today. Innovative glass is therefore based on a synergy of several factors: thermal insulation, high light transmission and optimal energy balance.
Whether in single-family homes, office buildings or service facilities, it is worth taking a comprehensive approach to efficient thermal management by selecting the right glazing. In glass facades, conservatories or large glazings - especially those on the south side, the high-transparent COOL-LITE solar control glass with a double (or even triple!) layer of silver, which, thanks to its g-value of 0.37, blocks as much as 63% of solar radiation, will work perfectly. Composing them in a glazing package (COOL-LITE in the second position, facing inward on the inter-pane surface) with ECLAZ glass (in the first position from the inside), we get an unparalleled level of light transmission and prevent overheating of rooms at the same time. Such a combination will enable architects to create bright spaces conducive to work, study and rest. - Maciej Manko adds.
Enterprise in Krakow, designed by DDJM,
photo. © Saint-Gobain
On guard for safety and peace of mind
In both public and residential buildings, modern glass is intended not only to provide thermal and light comfort to users, but also safety and quietness. Obtaining additional functions is possible when the glass undergoes a lamination process, which involves placing a special plastic film (one or more layers) between two or more sheets of glass. Glasses for special tasks created in this way become known as "secure". Forcing them through is quite a challenge, so they effectively protect against burglary, falling out or injury (in case of breakage, pieces of glass remain glued to the laminate), as well as changing weather conditions.
All the types of safety glass we produce, such as ECLAZ STADIP PROTECT and ECLAZ STADIP PROTECT SILENCE, among others, are compliant with the current PN-EN ISO 12543-2 standard "Glass in building - Laminated glass and laminated safety glass - Part two: laminated safety glass", so they can be used in all types of high-standard buildings. They will perform perfectly in the facade of the building, XXL windows, doors, balustrades, roofs or floors. - assures Maciej Manko.
Private home. ECLAZ STADIP PROTECT SILENCE glass ensures the safety and peace of mind of residents.
Photo. © Saint-Gobain
The performance and properties of laminated safety glass will depend on the type of base glass used, the number of panes and their thickness, as well as the type and amount of PVB film. An additional PVB SILENCE film will provide increased sound insulation, leveling out noise from outside.
Premium quality double-glazed units are an excellent example of a multi-purpose product that will meet the most restrictive regulations and comprehensively take care of users, the environment, as well as architects and investors. Large-scale glazing will make the building not only more designer, but above all energy sustainable, friendly and safe.
For more information, visit the company's Saint-Gobain Glass page on the A&B portal.
