Do You Guys Know What Exactly Is A Glass Facade?
A glass facade is one of the most stunning and exquisite innovations of contemporary architecture, which wraps the edifices in a thin veil of shining glass. This architectural wonder is not only artistic in its design but helps overlay exterior space to the internal environment, fills interiors with natural light and gives a breathtaking panorama. From huge commercial buildings such as skyscrapers to small offices, intensive glamorous use of glass such as glass facade is a perfect icing on the cake. But it is not merely eye candy—these facades are designed to optimum ting, complete with high- tech features for insulation, solar moderation, energy management. Glass was used to create a transparency and functionality of the facade delineating the everyday buildings from being extraordinary works of art while changing the skyline of numerous cities and merging nature and the city.
Glass Facade : A Clear Insight
Translucent facade is an advanced architectural product that is the outer skin of the building which in most cases is constructed from glass panelling with supporting metallic or structural frame. Intended to allow for an integration of the external and internal space, these facades offer the greatest amount of control over the natural light and offer an unobstructed view of the outside environment. Today in the architectural design of buildings, the exterior glazing was not only appreciated due to the beautiful appearance and a long time a fashionable trend but because of the high performance characteristics such as heat, sound and light transfer characteristics, etc.Â
Evaluating the best type of glass facade is pertinent bearing in mind that different types of glass facade go hand in hand with the performance of the building in terms of sustainability, and comfort of the occupants. The right choice also allows for admission of natural light and at the same time reduces heat transfer, energy usage and affords just the required protection against the weather conditions. Also, an appropriate selection of the glazing can improve the image of the building and also make the climate in the rooms more effective. Hence, for effective selection of the most suitable glass facade, it is important to consider factors like climate, direction of the building as well as the use of the building.
Well, now what are you waiting for? It’s time we take a closer look at glass facades and find out what sort of glass options for these spectacular buildings emerged. Range of types provides exclusive peculiarities and advantages of curtain walls, starting from the breathtaking envelope of skyscrapers and ending with the advanced structural glazing systems integrated into the latest architecture and design. Regarding the types of glass there is coated glass utilising the high heat reflectance feature, tempered glass which is strong and safe for use or insulated glass, which is energy efficient. Thus through understanding these different types we are able to have an in-depth understanding of how glass facades not only beautify our built environment but also add to a sustainable and comfortable built environment.
Let's Explore The Diverse Types Of Glass Facades
As we shall learn more about glass facades, there is much more than meets the eye and technological advancement to the beauty that we see. Starting from hundreds of types and models, glass facades add a new dimension to the architecture, being beautiful and efficient as well as being environmentally friendly. Let’s Discover the promising types of glass facades that are changing the concept of construction.
- CURTAIN WALL SYSTEMS
Curtain walling are external systems of the building which are not load bearing systems. It is hung from the frame of the building and does not support any loads of the construction. They are portable; many of them can be easily moved around and are lightweight, highly insulating and weatherproof. Available in different types, they can be made as translucent or non-translucent in order to suit specific design needs.Â
- STRUCTURAL GLAZING SYSTEMSÂ
Of this type, the most common is the insulated glass, where the glass is adhered to a support structure with a silicone sealant to avoid the use of mechanical fixings. Offers the least framing that is, the most aesthetically pleasing appearance especially to the exterior of the building.Â
- DOUBLE-SKIN FACADESÂ
These facades are a double glazed structure where there is an installation of a variety of glass panels separated by a vacuum, air or gas. The cavity can be made to ventilate and by this the thermal and the acoustic performance of the cavity can be boosted. Brings in better control of energy, control of natural breezes and better sound proofing solutions. The use of composite glass also offers a measure of protection from the natural physical forces.Â
- POINT-FIXED GLAZING SYSTEMSÂ
In this system, the glass panels are supported by point fixings or bolts that run through holes on the glass and fix to the frame of the building.Â
Offers elegant sleek appearance that is not encumbered by the framed grid structure; incorporates large, uninterrupted glazing and high degree of light translucency.Â
- SPIDER GLAZING SYSTEMSÂ
Spider glazing works a little like point-fixed glazing in that it employs exclusive spider fittings to support the glass panel. These fittings are fixed on a steel structure or in some cases on the building structure itself. Provides extensive design freedom and it can be used to create all kinds of architectural shapes and forms.
- UNITIZED GLAZING SYSTEMS
That is why this type of facade is based on the use of prefabricated glass and aluminium units that are subsequently mounted on the building’s walls. Units usually contain a part of the structure, insulation and cladding of the building. Faster construction process, better quality assurance, and lowers the amount of labour needed at the location.
- SKYLIGHT AND ATRIUM SYSTEMSÂ
These systems are utilised to produce vast unbroken areas of glass on the roof or upper floors of structures to admit as much light as possible. Improves the look of the interior of a building structure, allows natural manner of lighting, and can have an additional impact on atmosphere.
Types Of Glass
Now the type of glass used in design of the glass facades is the most critical determinant of the performance of the building or rather the aesthetic value. They all have the assigned features that make them useful for improving one or other aspect of facade glazing. Knowledge of these glass types is crucial when it comes to the design of glass facade since it reveals ways of enhancing the energy efficiency of the building; safety and durability of the structure. It is necessary to give an idea of the contribution of the types of glasses to the success of the exterior glass facades and the position of the exterior glass façade in modern glass facade constructions.Â
- Â Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is a type of glass that is made up of two or more layers of glass with a layer of plastic in between, and hence makes it more strong and safe. The kind of glass that is used commonly in the glass facade design is the laminated glass because, in the event of breakage, the shards remain held together, thus offering the glass facades enhanced security. That is why laminated glass can be considered as base glass in glass façade buildings, in which noise reduction and impact safety are given values.Â
- Â Â Insulated Glass Units (IGUs)
IGV’s or insulating glass valves are specially made with two or more spaced layers of glass that are encased with an air or gas spacer which enhances thermal efficiency. It is thus suitable for facade glazing in current glass facade design since it provides energy efficiency and temperature control for exterior glass facades. IGUs are also incorporated into glass façade buildings where saved energy is noted due to reduction in heat transfer thus improving the comfort of the building.Â
- Â Â Low-E Glass
Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass entails a layer that reflects the infrared radiation while transmitting the visible light. This type is very important for modern glass facade design since the external glass facades require means of controlling heat gain and heat loss. Low-E glass enhances the performance of a glass facade building in that it minimises the dependence of the building on heating and cooling devices.Â
- Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is another form of toughened glass and can be used in glass facade designing since the glass is strong and safe to use. The heat-treated process used in producing makes the material four times stronger than the normal glass necessary for the exterior glass façade that is exposed to stresses from the environment. In a modern glass facade structure, for example a glass facade building, the use of tempered glass provides both the safety and the structural requirements of a modern glazing system.
- Reflective Glass
Low-emissivity glass is a glass that has a metallic layer applied to it that helps in reflecting the sunlight hence minimising on gloriousness and heat. This kind of glass is commonly employed for facade glazing to provide an appealing look and performance advantages to the glass facade concept. In exterior glass facades, reflective glass plays a role in regulating the amount of heat from the sun and privacy since it is quite common for glass facade buildings in sunny locations.Â
- Â Â Fritted Glass
Tempered glass is a type of glass that has a ceramic pattern permanently etched onto the surface of the glass and which is both aesthetically pleasing and which serves a purpose. This type of glass is applied in the design of glass facade so as to achieve unique aesthetic effects and improve the functionality of exterior glass facades. In a glass facade building, fritted glass appears as a facade glazing material that plays a role in achieving solar control and in prevention of glare.Â
- Â Â Tinted Glass
Tinted glass contains colourant right from the time of production to minimise the passage of light and the allowance of heat from the sun. It is also used in facade glazing to regulate the level of brightness and temperature in the glass facade system. In exterior glass facades, the use of tempered tinted glass is deemed functional for applications in a glass facade building because it provides privacy and thermal control of the interior.
Your Vision, Our Expertise: Build Your Perfect Facades With TPRS
When it comes to glass facades for construction and development, TPRS Glass Solutions is the ideal partner for achieving the most flawless solution – the best in expertise and technology for glass making. We provide a vast choice of high-quality resistant glass and a great number of facade systems which correspond to the highest level of protection, durability, esthetic appeal and functionality. All our glass facades allow for excellent insulation standards, thermal insulation, acoustics insulation as well as energy-efficient characteristics.
In addition, we boast of our flexibility, where we can offer modified invocations of glass services to suit the specific demands of our clients. From simple elegant lines to complex designs which incorporate the architecture of the building into the sign, TPRS can make your vision a reality using state-of-the-art technology and superior workmanship. It is now time to bring in the best and ensure your vision is turned into the ideal facade; at TPRS Glass Solution we offer you a full-service package, just get in touch so let us assist you with your next project.
6. Customized Glass Applications
Custom-made glass applications, be it pooja rooms, wardrobes, mirrors, or skylights, the list is endless. Glass can also be custom-made according to the design and, hence, interiors remain unique and personalized.
Benefits of Using Glass
- Sustainability: Glass is one of the sustainable materials since it can be entirely recycled and reused. It provides the factor of saving on energy because of the lighting from natural light in a place that otherwise might require artificial light.
- Easy Maintenance: Glass surfaces are simple to clean and maintain and are suitable for bathrooms and kitchens. They are nonporous to moisture and stains, which ensures fade resistance of the surfaces.
- Enhanced Privacy and Security: The development in glass technology has enabled the addition of privacy and security features through coatings and interlayers. Frosted and tinted glass options allow you to afford the luxury of privacy without sacrificing light flow.
