eMAGAZINE

Constrofacilitator OCTOBER 2021 www.constrofacilitator.com

Knowledge and b2b portal for
construction and infrastructure
Volume-03 eM-10

Glass in
Buildings

TOPICS INSIDE
Glass facade
Glass In Architecture FOLLOW US
Design
Different Types of Glass
Used in Building
Solar glass
Structural glazing
 Glass in buildings

Glass is one of the most versatile and oldest materials in the building
industry. Glass, a fascinating material, and usually quite viable in most
places, glass has become useful material in architecture. Both classic
and modern, its use in the construction industry has stood the test of
time for over centuries now. The translucent and transparent nature of
the material often accompanied every other material, be it cement,
mud or steel in today's times. It has now moved heights, literally, with
more and more skyscrapers in the world using it with steel as the
prominent construction material.

In this edition of eMag we have focused on topics such as Glass

facade, An overview of advantages and types, Importance Of Glass In
Architecture Design, Di erent Types of Glass Used in Building
Architecture, Solar glass for building architecture and Structural
glazing systems in buildings. In today's time, glass has every quality
desired of construction material, with experiments, all types of glasses
like insulation glasses, fire-resistant, thermal control, etc. are now being
used to make sure that the building can withstand any circumstantial
environments.

Octoberber 2021 • Constrofacilitator 2

 Glass Facade; An overview of advantages
04
and types

Importance of Glass in
07
Architecture Design

Different Types of Glass Used in Building

09
Architecture

12 Solar Glass for Buildings

14 Structural glazing system in buildings

16 News

04 07
09 14

3 Constrofacilitator • Octoberber 2021

 GLASS FACADE

Glass Facade; An overview of advantages

and types

F
açade is a French origin sound and heat insulation, making Load and Wind Load.
word meaning the front them a favourite choice. Modern build-
Advantages of Glass Facades
face. The use of glass in ing designs and constructions use an
the exterior facades pro- extensive amount of glass facades due Ÿ The materials used in glass
vided more light and a to the simplicity of the materials and facades are extremely strong and
good ambiance to the wide ranges of designs are possible durable. They're designed to resist
occupant of the building which gave due to the availability of various design major weather elements, including
rise to the increasing use of glass. Glass options. high winds, rain etc.
wrapping up the building exterior is Ÿ A unique transparent material that
called glass façade. In cities, whether The Curtain Wall is designed to resist allows light to pass through it so
residential or commercial, they tend to and handle all the imposed loads on it that the objects behind the glass
glamorize themselves by way of the as well as keep air and water from pen- are visible clearly.
owner's stylistic choices. One of the etrating the building. The loads Ÿ Has a smooth glossy surface, so it
most preferred ways to instantly imposed on the curtain wall are trans- is dustproof and can be cleaned
enhance the style quotient of a tall ferred to the building structure efficiently. Unlike other materials, it
building is a glass façade. Apart from through a structural interface that atta- is easy to maintain.
lending a contemporary yet open look ches the mullions to the building. The Ÿ Available in a wide range of
to a modern-day building, it also offers curtain wall is designed for both Dead colours, and when we combine

04 October 2021 • Constrofacilitator

 GLASS FACADE

the glass sheet in laminated or KEY ASPECTS OF GLASS FACADE DESIGN

insulated units, it changes in col-
our and appearance.
Ÿ Glass is UV stable since it is not
affected by ultraviolet radiation Architectural / Engineering Testing /
Implementation
and hence cracks, discoloration or visual aspects designs Verification
disintegration will not occur.
Ÿ Glass is an excellent insulator and
Material Design and
does not readily conduct electric- selections detailing
Fabrications
ity,
Ÿ Glass is corrosion resistant, and
only under certain conditions, the
glass is chemically attacked.
Ÿ It can withstand the effects of the umns and floors so that the weight of
wind, rain, or the sun and can the wind can be transferred from the
retain its appearance and integrity façade.
in most of the given conditions.
Ÿ It can transmit 75%-80% of the nat-
ural light in both the directions,
something which no other substi-
tute does.
Ÿ It can be made translucent or
molded in different shapes, it can
offer a lot of flexibility to the archi-
tect in terms of usage in the build- Storefront Wall Curtain Facades
ing.
Ÿ Glass does not rust so it is better Non-load bearing façade type shorter horizontal extrusions span
than iron and does not succumb designed primarily for ground floors. It between the vertical mullions, creating
to its surrounding environmental spans between the ground and the a rectangular frame that binds the
conditions. roof of the building above it and offers glass on all four sides.
Ÿ Reduces weight on the foundation optimal thermal and sound insulation
when constructed using specialised Unitized Curtain Wall
of the building and makes the
building lighter as compared to glasses. It is a cost-effective option and Composed of large units that are pre-
walls. can be customised. assembled and glazed in the factory
Ÿ In addition to all of the functional before shipping to the building site for
benefits of a glass facade, one of installation. With unitized curtain walls
the biggest advantages is how it forming the core component of the
looks. external envelope of the building, ther-
mal efficiency, sound transmission and
Different types of glass facades
fire safety become the key perfor-
Curtain Wall Facades mance criteria of the system.

Non-load bearing curtain-like struc- Semi Unitized curtain wall - A type of

tures are attached to the floor of the structural glazing where the primary
building in which the façade is to be Framing Facades structural framing components are
incorporated. Such facades have to erected individually as an erector set. In
Stick system
support only their weight and not the this set, the vertical mullions are
dead load weight imposed by the Built from long vertical extrusions or attached first to the floor slabs and the
building. Connections exist between support mullions that are attached to horizontals are attached to the vertical
the curtain wall and the building's col- the building's structure. Typically, mullions to resemble a grid.

October 2021 • Constrofacilitator 05

 GLASS FACADE

glazing offers huge potential within This decreases the amount of solid
architectural glazing design. Frameless structural elements visible on the pro-
Glazing is an excellent way of maximis- ject, therefore increasing the transpar-
ing the level of natural daylight trans- ency of the facade. The two main types
mitted through a structure, whilst miti- in the industry are tension rod facades
gating the effect on both the glass and cable net walls.
structures' internal and external aes-
Conclusion
thetics.
Recent advancement in tints and coat-
Tension system
ings have now ensured that glass has
Frameless Facades These facades use high tensile cables exceptional performance not only aes-
or stainless steel rods to impose loads thetically and functionally. Architects,
Frameless Glazing systems are more
of the facade on the main structure. developers and users can impart trans-
commonplace in modern-day architec-
parency, vibrancy and vitality to a build-
tural glazing. As a system, frameless
ing facade the way glass does. Com-
bine this with its unparalleled durability
and it being practically maintenance-
free throughout its lifetime and glass
will remain the topmost material
choice when designing a facade, and
arguably rightly so.

Turkey’s Rize applies to certify ‘largest tea glass

building’

T
he people of northern Turkey's pected to open next year. Built on an
Rize will soon have a new land- area of 9,500 square meters, the new
mark and its builders say, once landmark will give visitors access to any-
completed, it will be the world’s largest thing and everything related to tea and
building in the shape of a tea glass. the local culture.
Rize Commerce Exchange, which is In the marketplace spread over several
constructing the 30-meter-high (98.43 floors, visitors will be able to sample ev-
feet) building in Turkey’s tea capital, ap- ery type of tea produced in Rize. It will
plied to the Guinness World Records to also host shops selling local copper-
get this unique, seven-story building ware and textiles, restaurants serving
formally listed. local cuisine and replicas of the prov- one will leave without taking a selfie
ince's natural and historic wonders. here,” he said. Indeed, locals and visi-
Currently named the “Tea Market,” the
tors already crowd the street in front of
building will serve to promote this Black The building will also house a tea history
the towering “glass” for a photo oppor-
Sea province’s most famous export. museum, a cinema screening docu-
tunity.
Overlooking a tea garden, the glass mentaries on tea and a viewing terrace
building embodies the favorite vessel on the top floor. “Paris has its Eiffel Tower and we have
for tea consumption of the Turkish pub- the tea glass now,” Salih Can Keskin,
Erdoğan said the building will contrib-
lic: a “slim-waisted” glass. one of them, said. “Looks like this tea
ute to Rize's tourism. “We will host
has been overbrewed, too strong,”
“This is a symbol of pride for us,” the Guinness representatives later this
quipped Naciye Arıkan Horoz, another
exchange’s Chair Mehmet Erdoğan year. They will make their final decision
local admiring the building as she
told Demirören News Agency (DHA). next spring,” he said.
pointed to the dark-tinted glass on the
Workers are currently putting the final “This is our new symbol and will defi- upper floors. “But still, it is beautiful,”
touches on the building, which is ex- nitely promote Rize better. I believe no she added.

06 October 2021 • Constrofacilitator

 GLASS ARCHITECTURE DESIGN

Importance Of Glass In
Architecture Design

G
lass is a magical mate- dimensionally stable building material, Glass curtain wall
rial which has so many odor-neutral, hygienic and easy to
different properties maintain. That is why it is used in win- A curtain wall is an outer covering of a
and uses, that it has dows, on facades and as roofs. In building in which the outer walls are
presented Architects buildings, transparent sliding ele- non-structural, utilized only to keep the
with many new possi- ments, such as in kitchens and bath- weather out and the occupants in.
bilities and designs. In their quest for rooms, or transparent partitions in Since the curtain wall is non-structural,
transparency and safety, Architects large office rooms are made of this it can be made of lightweight materials,
often use reinforced, toughened and material. Glass is also used in architec- such as glass, thereby potentially
laminated glasses. ture for elevators or balcony railings. reducing construction costs. An addi-
tional advantage of glass is that natural
Advantages of Glass Glass has various uses that makes it a light can penetrate deeper within the
fascinating material, special impor- building. The curtain wall façade does
Ÿ Can absorb, refract or transmit tance in architecture. not carry any structural load from the
light. It adds beauty to a building building other than its own dead load
when used in transparent or translu- Glass window pane weight.
cent applications. Glass transmits
up to 80% of available natural day- A glass pane is built into the frames of
light. your window to create a spotless view,
Ÿ The use of natural light can lower eliminate air flow and insulate your
electricity bills, brighten the rooms home.
of a building, and can also boost
the mood of the occupants. Panes of glass vary in shape and size
Ÿ Resistant to weather and can hold from one window to the next. Some
up to the effects of the wind, rain, or panes of glass might have films on
the sun. them to provide better insulation, which
Ÿ Rust is resistant and does not is known as Low-E glass. Other panes
degrade because of the effects of of glass will vary in thickness, depend-
chemical and environmental condi- ing on the quality of the window. As win-
tions. dows age, the glass panes become
Ÿ Recyclable and it does not degrade thinner and more vulnerable to the ele-
during the recycling process, and it ments.
can be recycled again and again
without loss of quality or purity.
Ÿ Unaffected by noise, air, water.
Sealed glass panes transmit very lit- Glass roofing material
tle sound, and hence can be a good
sound insulator. Glass roofs are hugely effective at
Ÿ Glass has a smooth, glossy surface transforming the interior aesthetic of a
so it is dust proof and can be easily property, and present some of the most
cleaned. versatile and impactful glazing solu-
tions. It's a bit misleading, however, to
Glass in contemporary architecture simply refer to 'glass roofs' as though
they were a single product or entity -
Glass is also a more resistant and there are many different types, styles,

October 2021 • Constrofacilitator 07

 GLASS ARCHITECTURE DESIGN

Glass partitions tems are gaining in popularity over tra-

ditional drywall installations. Interior
Glass partition walls are ideal for creat- designers and architects both appreci-
ing comfortable and practical office ate these glass wall systems for their
working environments. When you allow scalability and translucent properties.
and designs, and there are all sorts of natural light to flow into a given space, it
things you'll need to consider when changes how shapes, colors, patterns, Glass doors
choosing one. Depending on your textures and people interact. Glass par-
property and your requirements, differ- tition walls are also one of the simplest One of the most common types of
ent types of glass roof will be most ways to update an office or commercial home and business glass outside of tra-
appropriate. space. These glazing systems sys- ditional windows is glass doors. Safe
for interior and exterior use, modern-
day glass doors are made of tempered
glass, energy-efficient and come in a
variety of styles. Glass doors can be
customized to fit your space and per-
sonal design aesthetic. From opaque
shower or etched closet doors to clear
French doors that lead into a dining
room or living space, Doors can be
made with large panes set in a frame,
like those used for sliding doors and
storm doors, or they can be made of
materials like hardwood, metal or com-
posite, with smaller windows inset
within the door.

Conclusion

Glass acts as an unique architecture

material that is utilized mainly due to its
special features and advantages. With
proper planning, architects and engi-
neers can design a beautiful structure.

08 October 2021 • Constrofacilitator

 GLASS BUILDING ARCHITECTURE

Different Types of Glass Used in Building

Architecture

G
lass is a hard substance
that may be transparent
or translucent and brittle.
It is manufactured by a fu- Transparency
sion process. In this pro-
cess sand is fused with
lime, soda and some
other admixtures and then cooled rapidly.
Glass is used for architectural purposes in
engineering. There are different types of
glass used each of them are discussed be- Recycle
Strength
low. property

Sheet or Flat Glass Properties

Flat glass, sheet glass or plate glass is a type of Glass
of glass that is initially produced in plane
form. It is commonly used for windows,
glass doors, transparent walls, and wind-
shields. For modern architectural and auto-
motive applications, the flat glass is some-
times bent after the production of the plane
U value Transmittance
sheet. It is commonly used for windows,
glass doors, transparent walls, and wind-
screens. For modern architectural and auto-
motive applications, the flat glass is some-

October 2021 • Constrofacilitator 09

 GLASS BUILDING ARCHITECTURE

times bent after the production of the plane cane-resistant construction, laminated glass on one side. Energy-efficient glazing incor-
sheet. is often used in exterior storefronts, curtain porates low-emissivity coated glass to pre-
walls, and windows. vent heat from escaping through the win-
Laminated Glass dows. This makes the windows highly ther-
Shatterproof glass mally insulating hence improving the en-
Laminated glass is constructed of two plies ergy efficiency of your building.
of glass that are bonded together with Shatterproof glass is laminated glass; two or
interlayers to form a permanent bond. The more sheets of glass bound together with Wired Glass
interlayers work to support and hold the an invisible interlayer of polyvinyl or resin,
glass to create a strong, uniformed layer though other compounds are sometimes Wired glass is being used for decades now
even when broken. Laminated glass comes used. The interlayers of shatterproof glass and it prevents the glass from shattering in
in varying thicknesses and can be created help to reduce sound transmission; your case of emergencies. The glass is reinforced
using different glass combinations or coat- home will be significantly quieter. UV rays with wire mesh during manufacture, which
ings to provide different qualities, such as are also reduced by this type of glass, keep- makes it durable, fire-resistant when com-
low emissions or increased insulation. Lami- ing the sun from fading fabrics and furni- pared to float glass. It is also known as Geor-
nated glass is used when there is a possibil- ture. gian wired glass and wire mesh works as a re-
ity of human impact or where the glass inforcement. In case due to some higher im-
could fall if shattered, and for architectural Energy-efficient Glass pact activity the glass breaks, it is held by
applications. Skylight glazing and automo- the wire in position. This lessens the
bile windshields typically use laminated Energy-efficient Glass is manufactured by chances of anyone around getting hurt. The
glass. In geographical areas requiring hurri- glazing float glass with a special thin coating wire mesh glass is available in diamond
grids and square grids.

Stained glass

Stained glass refers to coloured glass as a

material and works created from it.
Throughout its thousand-year history, the
term has been applied almost exclusively to
the windows of churches and other signifi-
cant religious buildings. Although tradition-
ally made in flat panels and used as win-
Sheet or Flat Glass Laminated Glass dows, the creations of modern stained glass
artists also include three-dimensional struc-
tures and sculpture.

Toughened Glass

Toughened glass is physically as well as ther-

mally solid, and research shows that it can
withstand surface compression of at least
10,000lbs per square inch, which is why
toughened glass is considered to be safety
glass. They are also known to be four to five
times stronger than annealed glass and
Wired Glass Shatterproof glass three times stronger than heat-
strengthened glass. As these glasses are ro-
bust, they reduce the risk of damage if they
come in contact with a calamity or disaster.
Toughened glass is manufactured when reg-
ular glass is exposed to extreme heat and
then cooled rapidly. Due to this excessive
heating and cooling process, the chemical
composition of the glass goes through an al-
teration making it more resilient.

Chromatic Glass

Chromatic glass can control the transparent

efficiency of glass and protects the interior
from daylight. The chromatic glass may be
Energy-efficient Glass photochromic which has light-sensitive lam-

10 October 2021 • Constrofacilitator

 GLASS BUILDING ARCHITECTURE

ination, thermos-chromatic which has heat-

sensitive lamination and electrochromic.

Self-cleaning Glass

Self-cleaning glass is a specific type of glass

with a surface that keeps itself free of dirt
and grime. The field of self-cleaning coat-
ings on glass is divided into two categories:
hydrophobic and hydrophilic. These two
types of coating both clean themselves
through the action of water, the former by
rolling droplets and the latter by sheeting
water that carries away dirt. Hydrophilic
coatings based on titania (titanium dioxide),
Stained glass Float glass
however, have an additional property: they
can chemically break down absorbed dirt in
sunlight.

Float glass

Float glass is a sheet of glass made by float-

ing molten glass on a bed of molten metal,
typically tin, although lead and other vari-
ous low-melting-point alloys were used in
the past. This method gives the sheet uni-
form thickness and very flat surfaces. Mod-
ern windows are made from float glass.
Most float glass is soda-lime glass, although
relatively minor quantities of specialty boro-
silicate and flat panel display glass are also
Toughened Glass produced using the float glass process. Float
glass is essentially a super smooth, distor-
tion-free glass which is used for designing
other glass items such as laminated glass,
heat-toughened glass, and so on. With a nat-
ural greenish hue and translucent nature, it
is capable of transmitting the incident light.

Heat-strengthened glass

Heat-strengthened glass is similar to tem-

pered glass except that the cooling is done
at a much slower pace. Annealed glass is
heated to approximately 650-700C, but
the cooling process is slower than that for
tempered glass. Heat-strengthened glass is
about twice as strong as annealed glass of
Heat-strengthened glass Chromatic Glass the same size and thickness. Heat-
strengthened glass is a semi-tempered
glass that retains the normal properties of or-
dinary float glass.

Conclusion

Given above are different types of glass that

could be used for building architecture.
Glass is used as a transparent glazing ele-
ment in the building envelope. This in-
cludes windows in external walls and inter-
nal partitions.
Self-cleaning Glass

October 2021 • Constrofacilitator 11

 SOLAR GLASS FOR BUILDINGS

Solar Glass for Buildings

S
olar glass or solar control solar glass can be used for either of them. conductor-based photovoltaic-or solar-
glass is a specially coated It can also be used for both external and cells by sandwiching them between two
glass that is designed to internal purposes. sheets of glass. Buildings with a substan-
reduce the amount of heat tial number of photovoltaic panels could
entering the building. This Modern solar glass is perfect for architec- potentially produce some of their own sus-
glass reflects and absorbs the tural projects where aesthetic matters tainable energy, reducing not only their
sun's rays and helps control the glare. and can be integrated in projects as energy costs, but also their carbon foot-
Solar glass only allows a small amount of diverse as solar carports or facades. They print. In climate zones, where too much
heat to pass when compared to normal even come equipped with leading glass in a building would create a heat
glass. It has many applications in the con- monocrystalline technology and can be issue, this reduced transparency could
struction industry. Roof, windows, sky- seamlessly integrated. also save on air conditioning costs. For
lights, facades- solar glass can be used in projects in which more light is desired, fab-
Types of solar glass
several ways in a building. Whether it's a ricators are rising to the occasion with vari-
commercial building like business centres, ations, like slitted glass, that has gaps
Solar glass incorporates transparent semi-
shopping malls or residential property, between the solar cells to allow for

12 October 2021 • Constrofacilitator

 SOLAR GLASS FOR BUILDINGS

greater light penetration. It comes with

double or triple glazing, and in a variety of WHY SOLAR GLASS?
different colors, gradients, and patterns.
They are available in two different types;
Energy &
Sustainability
Thin-film modules - can be designed into
the fabric of a building and can perform in
conditions/locations where crystalline sili-
con panels cannot. Health &
Wellness
PV glass - comes with varying levels of
opacity. It can be up to 50% transparent –
much more than traditional PV. They can
be used for instance in balconies, skylights Carbon
or in facades. Thin film panels work in Embodiment
non-optimal conditions, in lower light and ing it in the construction of buildings is an
higher temperatures. environment-conscious decision.
Advantages of Solar Glass for Build- Multi-faceted Uses Occupant
ings Benefits
Can be easily paired with other types of
Energy-Efficient glass to achieve multi-functional glazing
as per your requirements. Whether you
want noise reduction, thermal insulation UV rays giving you an extra cover to main-
or you desire to enhance the safety and tain natural glow and smoothness.
security quotient. Optimum Light Transmission
The high performance metal oxide coat-
ing on the glass allows higher light trans-
mission providing you natural lighting, sav-
ing you money on artificial lighting costs
during the day.

By selecting solar glass, you can reduce

the amount of heat entering the interiors.
This can improve energy utilisation and
decrease the operating cost of cooling sys-
tems, thereby reducing your electricity
bills. Since the amount of natural light
entering the indoors is not affected due to
solar control coating, your property's inte- Protects from Harmful UV RAYS
rior will not only remain cooler during the
summer months, but it will also be Reflective glass's high performance metal Conclusion
brighter and airier. This will lessen your oxide coating protects you from harmful
Solar glass is being used in new and exist-
need for artificial lighting and will further ing buildings, including office blocks in
reduce energy bills while making your Canary Wharf. Organic polymer
property an energy-efficient zone. photovoltaics could conceivably replace
Sustainable all windows/glass in new builds, once it is
transparent. It will always be ever so
As solar control glass acts as green glass, slightly tinted but not pixelated like its pre-
it can be used to enhance sustainability by decessors. Solar glass derive clean, pure
creating sustainable structures. energy from the sun. Installing solar pan-
Sustainability, energy-efficiency, and els on your home helps combat green-
reduction of carbon footprint lies at the house gas emissions and reduces our col-
core of solar glass and hence incorporat- lective dependence on fossil fuel.

October 2021 • Constrofacilitator 13

 GLAZING SYSTEM

Structural glazing system in buildings

S
tructural glazing systems are between the natural world and our the great advantages of using struc-
types of curtain wall systems buildings, while still protecting us from tural glass.
consisting of glass that is the elements. It allows sunlight to flood
bonded or anchored back to a home without any attendant annoy- Ÿ In structural glazing the two mate-
a structure without the use of ances that have previously hampered rials predominantly used are glass
continuously gasketed aluminum pres- glass structures. and aluminium, which neither cor-
sure plates or caps. The glass can be rode nor decay when comparing
monolithic, laminated, dual-glazed or Advantages of structural glazing other conventional building mate-
even triple-glazed insulating glass units rial like wood, iron, steel etc.
(IGUs). The back-up structure may use Structural glazing can offer a greater Ÿ Light penetrates the structurally
horizontal and/or vertical aluminum coherence and connection between glazed building through the glass
mullions or be a glass mullion, steel the natural world and our buildings, facades and hence their employ-
blade, cable or stainless steel rod. Struc- while still protecting us from the ele- ment translates to reduced energy
turally glazed systems create a greater ments. It allows sunlight to flood a bills.
transparency than traditional captured home without any attendant annoy- Ÿ The processed glass used in the
systems. ances that have previously hampered structural glazing system also insu-
glass structures, such as overheating lates the building from heat and
There are many benefits to using struc- and the subsequent loss of heat at sound.
tural glass within a building, it can offer night. In fact, advances in technology Ÿ Fulfills the architectural view for
a greater coherence and connection mean that insulation is actually one of the external decoration and

Constrofacilitator • October 2021 14

 GLAZING SYSTEM

beauty.
Ÿ Using glass in the interior of the
building saves the space inside the
building.
Sound
Ÿ Glass cladding in building fulfills Lightweight
Insulation
the functional requirement of
lighting heat retention and energy
saving.
Ÿ Glass is an excellent material for
thermal insulation, waterproofing,
and energy conservation.
Ÿ The glass is a bad conductor of Structural Excellent
heat, hence it saves energy in air Heat
conducting of the building. Insulation Glazing exterior
characteristic
Toughened glass can have a good
Ÿ
interior design with the use of glass
Benefits
in the transparent staircase, col-
ored shelves, ceiling etc.
Ÿ Provides excellent sound insulation
Ÿ An easy-to-clean surface.
Ÿ Gives protection for the load-
Vibration Weather
bearing structure.
Damping ability
Type of structural glazing systems

Ÿ Unitized Curtain Wall - factory man-

ufactured finished panels, trans-
ported to site and erected to the tem, with the exception of an exte- Ÿ Stick Glazing - frames are
building façade with fixings and rior aluminum pressure plate and machined at the factory and
brackets. The wall system uses pre- cap with gaskets to hold the glass brought to the site as knockdown
fabrication methods and produces in place. conditions. Glass panels are
highest level of quality with less Ÿ Semi Unitized factory finished, installed to frames with pressure
works. transported to site and erected to plates and gaskets.
Ÿ Stick Built Structural Glazing Sys- building façade with fixings and Ÿ Frameless system - transparent
tem - assembled from similar com- brackets. Involves considerable façade with less frames or struc-
ponents to that of a captured sys- work at the site. tural members. Used in large
spaces, airports, lobbies etc.
Ÿ Point supported glass systems - can
be custom engineered to fit any
opening. From the exterior, they
have silicone sealants between the
joints.

Conclusion

Structural glazing is used with the most

impact on large, commercial buildings,
but has many other applications,
including glass entrance-ways, sky-
lights, canopies, and glass elevator
enclosures. These are streamlined cur-
tain walls of glass that are attached
using silicone bonding, or anchored by
means of rods, cables, glass fins or
other unobtrusive ways.

15 Constrofacilitator • October 2021

 NEWS

Peter Pichler completes angular Efficiency Lab for Architecture

concrete-and-glass villa in Italian designs Telluride Glass House
vineyard

Efficiency Lab for Architecture is a Brooklyn-based US

studio, which this year completed the construction of a
luxurious mansion on the steep walls of Telluride Box
The folded form of this villa, designed by Peter Pichler Canyon in Colorado. The house is surrounded by Aspen
Architecture for the owners of a vineyard in South Tyrol, trees – namely the Populus tremula – and has the distinc-
is intended to merge with the existing landscape and tion of having been built in just a few weeks. However,
form a shield around its central courtyard. to be able to create the luxurious residence, character-
The Milan-based studio won an invited competition in ised by simple, minimal features and set in a geographi-
2018 to design the property, which replaced an existing cally and geologically difficult environment like that of
structure within the Kastelaz vineyard in the Termeno the canyon, it was necessary to invest five long years in
district in Italy. the design phase. As Aybars Asci, the president and
founder of Efficiency Lab explains in relation to the phi-
The estate's owners wanted to build a contemporary
losophy with which the project was developed: “I came
home on the elevated site, which enjoys spectacular
up with the idea of creating something breathtaking in
views of the surrounding Alpine landscape.
just a few weeks, but it took years of careful refinements
The design of the house responds to its setting, nestled to bring the vision to life, while the general concept was
among trees and vines and looking along the valley to- quite simple, the project was a reminder that sometimes
wards Lake Caldaro. complexity is the path to achieving such levels of sim-
"The geometry of the villa evolves from local site condi- plicity”.
tions," the studio said. "It creates a flowing and harmo- Structurally, the house is configured as a series of three
nious transition with the landscape and is barely notice- single-height square-plan volumes placed one above the
able from the nearby village." other, following and carefully optimising the offset of
The angular structure appears to emerge from the earth the contour curves. As the architects describe in a press
of the hilltop, with its sloping walls connecting release: "Each 45′ × 45′ glass box is positioned in a mo-
seamlessly with the roof. ment of suspension, providing a horizontal approach to
the vertical terrain". The Telluride House is character-
The horseshoe-shaped plan wraps around an internal ised not only by its unique shape, but also by the fact that
courtyard that is protected from the winds funneling up each exposed side of the three volumes is covered in
the valley from Lake Garda to the south. glass, thus opening up wide panoramic views of the Col-
The building's external surfaces evoke the tone and tex- orado landscape for its inhabitants. In a lot that covers
ture of the chalk-stone retaining walls found throughout nearly 1.5 hectares, Efficiency Lab has in fact obtained
the surrounding vineyards. almost 650 square metres of floor area.
Source: www.dezeen.com Source: www.floornature.com

16 October 2021 • Constrofacilitator

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