Architectural Glass
Selecting Architectural Glass for Façades
Façade glass is chosen as a build-up. Each layer answers a requirement, and the requirements rarely agree with each other.
Start with what is mandatory
Safety glazing requirements, structural demands and any fire or security conditions narrow the options before aesthetics enter the discussion.
Heat-treated and laminated constructions are commonly required depending on the location in the building and the governing standards of the market.
Then resolve the competing criteria
The remaining decisions are trade-offs, orientation by orientation.
- —Thermal transfer against daylight admission
- —Solar control against colour neutrality
- —Acoustic attenuation against weight and thickness
- —Reflectance against surrounding context
Do not forget handling
Large-format glass is limited as much by transport, lifting and site access as by manufacturing. A build-up that cannot be delivered and installed is not a viable specification.