IGS Winter Glass Supper Special Issue 2019

Intelligent Glass Solutions

This is what tomorrow looks like Trends gaining traction

2019

Winter 2019

INTELLIGENT GLASS SOLUTIONS Winter 2019 www.igsmag.com

Out with the old

An IPL magazine

2020 Helloooooo

Dow Innovations Dowsolutions Innovations New for High

New solutions forprotection High Performance Building Performance Building protection

DOWSIL™ Membrane Façade System

DOWSIL™ Façade System • Air-tight andMembrane weather resistant sealing of the building envelope Interior and with high and of low moisture • Air-tight andexterior weatheruse resistant sealing the buildingpermeability envelope • Made with EPDM raw materials from Dow for flexibility and durability • Interior and exterior use with high and low moisture permeability • Made with EPDM raw materials from Dow for flexibility and durability

dow.com/membranes dow.com/membranes

®™Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (‘Dow’) or an affiliated company of Dow. © 2019 The Dow Chemical Company. All rights reserved. ®™Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (‘Dow’) or an affiliated company of Dow. © 2019 The Dow Chemical Company. All rights reserved.

Dow Innovations Dow Innovations New warm edge silicone

warm edge silicone forNew better energy performance for better energy performance DOWSIL™ 3364 Warm Edge IG Sealant 3364conductivity Warm Edge IG Sealant •DOWSIL™ Reduces thermal of insulating glass

• Enhances energy efficiency for warmer buildings • Reduces thermal conductivity of insulating glass • No need for system design change • Enhances energy efficiency for warmer buildings • No need for system design change

dow.com/warm-edge dow.com/warm-edge

®™Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (‘Dow’) or an affiliated company of Dow. © 2019 The Dow Chemical Company. All rights reserved. ®™Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company (‘Dow’) or an affiliated company of Dow. © 2019 The Dow Chemical Company. All rights reserved.

PUBLISHER’S WORD

Main Header The

Truth he Glass Supper which is held in London every December, has become established as one of the world’s most popular meeting places for building lasting business relationships. Old friendships renewed, future business partnerships and collaborations formed, visionary projects discussed, architects speaking frankly and openly about their feelings for glass as a structural element and the challenges they have with the material, then following successful discussions in convivial surroundings, lay the foundations for mutually profitable business further down the line. This year the Glass Supper will be held on Tuesday 10th December in the opulent splendor of Guildhall in Gresham Street, London. As

2

the owner of an Architectural Practice, or a Facade Engineering Company, or as someone accustomed to making decisions on the specification of architectural glass in your normal day to day business, it’s self defeating, perhaps suicidal, not to attend. But that’s up to you; you know what you’re doing right?

We advance with alacrity into a brand new decade, the golden age of glass, consequently the race is on to produce clear and convincing evidence that architectural glass can be “energy-neutral” or even generate more energy than it expends. The glass industry strives to produce indisputable evidence, the facts, about the energy management qualities of this wonderful material that has so much more to give than the universally adored ethereal

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

transparent beauty which allows us to enjoy uninterrupted views of the world that surrounds us. Throughout this new decade on which we are about to embark, the glass industry will show governments and institutions around the world exactly what change looks like, how good life can be. For many years glass was involved in a “Battle for the Wall” (Scott Thomsen ex-Guardian), this decade will bring forth a struggle for the structure. The glass industry has the technological capability to make a glazed facade perform better than an opaque facade, in any climate and for virtually any glass area, but this does not come easy or cheap therefore it rarely happens. It has been proven (via simulation and with measured data from buildings such as the NY Times HQ building) that an all glass facade

PUBLISHER’S WORD

can outperform a code compliant 40% glass building. An intelligent facade can manage thermal loss and heat gain, provide dynamic solar control, allow glare-free natural daylight, bring fresh air to the interior of a building and minimise exterior noise, enhance occupant health, comfort and performance, reduce demand on the utility grid, and generate power through the use of photovoltaics. The truth is unbelievable, but its easier to move forward if you think positive; and believe.

In this issue of IGS we publish a number of articles about the burning intensity of passion architects have for bent and curved glass. We publish a number of exemplary projects that utilise the tremendous complexities of this technology with some breathtaking images,

starting with the image on the cover of this issue - provided by kind courtesy of our friends from Cricursa in Barcelona. Our eternal gratitude goes to those who sacrificed much of their valuable time spending hours preparing articles exclusively for all the beautiful men and women who read IGS - Thank you!

Our next issue will be published in the Spring of 2020 with the focused intention of revealing the next generation of industry leaders, individuals for whom we have great expectations. Also, we methodically feature building projects and interesting developments from different parts of the world in each of our editions in 2020, starting with the Middle East in our Spring issue. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain are all busy making

structural changes and altering the landscape of their countries. Coupled with an exposé of the up and coming entrepreneurs from each of those regions, we aim to bring you the full and complete picture. In the Summer 2020 issue we explore what’s going on in the United States, in Autumn we turn to China and finally an in-depth investigation of European building projects can be expected in our Winter 2020 issue. Should you wish to address the industry in any one of these IGS editions please feel free to contact us for a more personal and tailored discussion at your earliest convenience.

This is IGS, the world’s most popular and beloved glass industry magazine.

Nothing more, nothing less....nothing else!

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

3

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

The glass industry has taken huge steps to control the energy flow in or out of buildings. Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) glass and the latest development of transparent window PV and controlled transparency and a seamless appearance, is just one example of emerging technologies in the architectural glazing industry that is bringing buildings closer to becoming zero energy structures.

Jorma Vitkala, Immediate Past-Chairman of the GPD Organising Committee Page 10 4

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

Depending on climate and region solar protection is only needed for between 10 - 20% of daylight hours. Dynamic shading combined with clear glass ensures the best quality of daylight by reducing its intensity without changing its spectrum. This good light is essential for health, productivity and mood.

Andrew Kitching, Managing Director, Guthrie Douglas Page 20 Finding a single glass for vertical or horizontal applications is therefore not an easy task. Cost can also drive many decisions. Our experience on this project led us to aim for a middle ground of somewhat higher visible light transmittance and very low exterior reflectance for the vertical glass.

For horizontal glass, we chose a much lower visible light transmittance by using a more reflective coating with a frit pattern instead of relying on tinted substrates.

Stephen Katz, Senior Associate & Technical Director, Gensler Page 36 As an architect and faรงade consultant, I understand the aspiration to develop the best solution for the project brief and that this needs to be translated into a design concept. Commonly this is visually presented using computer generated images. It is not often, however, that the concept image is so representative of the finished article.

Neesha Gopal, Meinhardt UK Page 72 One of the most critical components is the rubber gasket (EPDM or Silicone) between the facade elements. It has happened that facade fabricators use the cheapest and mostly incompatible gasket grades, even violating specifications and ignoring recommendations based on negative results of compatibility tests, and are then surprised that the IG units fall apart or the structural glazing joints show adhesion failures.

Dr.Werner Wagner, Sika Services Page 78 With this increased usage of glass comes a high degree of responsibility for how much energy is allowed through the faรงade. With the knock on effect of how much cooling will then be required to dissipate the subsequent energy build up. Many ideas, both theoretical and practical, have been proposed, and used over decades of faรงade design. All trying in one way or other to reduce the amount of energy hitting the glass that we like for our transparency.

Bruce Nicol, Merck Group Page 94 It is true to say that the better the thermal performance of glazing, the bigger the individual contribution of the secondary sealant to the overall IGU thermal performance. The use of a specifically engineered silicone for secondary sealing of a high performance, enhanced IGU can therefore strongly contribute to better overall energy efficiency of a glass faรงade.

Markus Plettau, Global Facade Segment Leader, Dow High Performance Building Page 102

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

5

CONTENTS I G S S P E C I A L G L A S S S U P P E R 2 019 W I N T E R I S S U E IN TRODUCTION 10 SUMMARISING GLASS PERFORMANCE DAYS (GPD) 2019 Jorma Vitkala (Immediate Past-Chairman of GDP) Discussing trends from 2019 that look set to gain traction in 2020 and beyond

E X ECU T I V E BOA R DROOM COM ME N TA RY 22 SAVE MORE GLASS, SAVE THE WORLD! Andrew Kitching (Managing Director Guthrie Douglas) From intelligent shading, lighting to HVAC systems, Andrew explains how glass can contribute to a sustainable future 30 DIVERSITY WILL ENABLE CLIMATE INNOVATION AND RESILIENCE Charlene Clear (Head of Products & Services BREEAM) How diversity of thinking leads to robust effective climate solutions.

T R A N S PA R E N T A R C H I T E C T U R A L S T R U C T U R E S 34 ON A DIFFERENT LEVEL, SEA LEVEL Kjetil Thorsen (Founding Partner Snøhetta) An in-depth look at Europe’s first underwater restaurant from the architect who designed it 38 GLASS SELECTION FOR THE WILLIS TOWER REPOSITIONING PROJECT IN CHICAGO Stephen Katz (Senior Associate Gensler) The process of selecting high performing glass systems for this iconic Chicago building 46 CORSO ITALIA 23 Kent Jackson (Partner SOM NY) with Yasemin Kologlu (Design Director SOM NY) A look at The ALLIANZ HQ in Milan, wrapped in high performance swaddling transparency 54 DOUBLE-CURVED, MIRRORED FAÇADE OF MVRDV’S DEPOT BOIJMANS VAN BEUNINGEN Fokke Moerel (Partner MVRDV) A transparent, double-curved mirrored façade: Revealing the secret formula behind the innovative glass solutions required for this ambitious project 62 COMPLEX GEOMETRIC PRECISION: ONE THOUSAND MUSEUM Chris Lepine (Associate Director Zaha Hadid Architects) Exploring the technical innovation behind the exoskeleton of ZHA’s landmark project in Miami

THE BIG IGS IN TERV IE W 70 INTRODUCING LEON ROST OF BIG Leon Rost (Partner Bjarke Ingels Group) Leon discusses Google HQ, Sustainability, the impact of AI and future technologies and glass in this BIG interview with IGS Magazine

6

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

LET LOOSE WITH GLASS Natural light is the ultimate building material – providing warmth, energy, even soul. Our intelligent shading systems talk over IP to lighting and HVAC systems, and use high performance fabrics to give you the freedom to design in more glass, specify clearer glass, and still exceed g-value requirements.

DESIGN SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY.

Contact us for more info, or to arrange a lunch and learn session at your offices

01926 310850 solar@guthriedouglas.com www.guthriedouglas.com intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

7

CONTENTS I G S S P E C I A L G L A S S S U P P E R 2 019 W I N T E R I S S U E A DVA N C E D T E C H N O L O G I E S I N G L A S S E N G I N E E R I N G 78 GLASS: A LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP! Neesha Gopal (Façade Director Meinhardt) In a collection of case studies, Neesha shows us that understanding the limitations of glass is the key to appropriate glass specification 84 BONDING EXCELLENCE - THE NEW STANDARD Dr. Werner Wagner (Market Field Manager Facade and Fenestration at Sika Services AG) Higher, bigger, fancier, cheaper - THE challenges for glass bonding 88 HALIO®:SMART GLAZING FOR ENHANCED COMFORT Benoit Domerq (General Manager Europe & Middle East HALIO Glass) Taking an alternative look at switchable glass systems 94 THE USE OF CORRUGATED GLASS IN TAIPEI PERFORMING ARTS CENTER David Gianotten (Managing Partner OMA) Learn about the complex corrugated glass façade design of the Taipei Performing Arts Centre 99 TIME TO SWITCH Bruce Nicol (Global Head of Design - Merck Window Technologies) Proven results with rapid change electrochromic glass and glazing systems 104 ENHANCING THE ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF BUILDING FACADES Markus Plettau (Global Façade Segment Leader Dow High Performance Building) A holistic approach to façade efficiency with glass, fixtures and silicone 108 BIOENERGY FACADE 2.0 Dr.-Ing. Jan Wurm (Director Foresight + Research + Innovation at ARUP University) The bioenergy façade that generates heat and biomass at the interface of urban material flows of energy, water and carbon 113 FROM STRENGTH TO IMPREGNABLE Christoph Troska (Global Architectural Marketing Manager Kuraray) Extraordinary Laminated Glass Projects with Kuraray’s SentryGlas® ionoplast interlayer 124 RUN, GLASS RUN! YOU’VE GOT SOME CATCHING UP TO DO! Paul Bastianen (Independent Consultant) A look at innovations in the construction sector, glass needs to pull its socks up!

Intelligent Glass Solutions

This is what tomorrow looks like Trends gaining traction

2019 Winter 2019

INTELLIGENT GLASS SOLUTIONS Winter 2019 www.igsmag.com

Out with the old

An IPL magazine

8

2020 Helloooooo

Front Cover Image: Nordstrom Photo: Cricursa Intelligent Glass Solutions is Published by Intelligent Publications Limited (IPL) ISSN: 1742-2396 Publisher: NIck Beaumont Accounts: Jamie Quy Editor: Sean Peters Production Manager: Kath James

Director of International Business Network Development: Roland Philip Manager of International Business Network Development: Maria Jasiewicz Marketing Director: Lewis Wilson Page Design Advisor: Arima Regis Design and Layout in the UK: Simon Smith

Intelligent Glass Solutions is a quarterly publication. The annual subscription rates are £79 (UK) , £89 (Ireland & Mainland Europe), & £99 (Rest of the World) Email: nick@intelligentpublications.com Published by: Intelligent Publications Limited,

3rd Floor, Omnibus House, 39-41 North Road, London N7 9DP, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 7703 487744 Email: nick@intelligentpublications.com www.igsmag.com

The entire content of this publication is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. None of the content in this publication can be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form, without permission, in writing, from the copyright owner. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, however the publisher does not accept any liability for ommissions or inaccuracies. Authors’ views are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

OFFERING THE BEST OF DAYLIGHT COOL-LITEÂŽ SKN 183 (II) annealed & to-be-tempered solar control coating with 75% of light transmission and a solar factor of 40% in a standard double-glazed unit

for further details: glass.facade@saint-gobain.com

BUILDING GLASS intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

9

INTRODUCTION

Global trends unearthed in Tampere at GPD, acknowledged as the world’s undisputed number one glass industry conference.

© seele

“By sticking to the well-worn path, you become its slave.

To achieve new things, you must wade into the virgin snow.”

10

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

INTRODUCTION

G

lass Performance Days (GPD), the world’s leading glass industry event, was undoubtedly one of the industry’s highlights of 2019.

The conference was established back in 1992 as a way to bring glass processors together, with only 30 participants attending the first event. By 1997, the event had attracted over 800 delegates. Over the years, the event broadened its horizons to include players from the entire glass value chain and encourage market development. How? By creating a forum where ideas and expectations could be shared openly and easily.

The spirit of GPD is well in line with the above quotation: great achievements require readiness for change and constant development. Filled with an immense amount of new information from industry leaders and influencers, the GPD conference is the birthplace of change.

This year, a total of over 1,000 delegates, together with those in the workshops and Management Forum, attended the event.

The conference set records in many ways. For instance, 242 presentations given by a worldclass lineup of 220 speakers gave strength to the program. Keynote speakers included Stefan Blach from Studio Libeskind, Mike Pilliod from Tesla and Dr. Sener Oktik from Sisecam.

This exclusive article written specifically for IGS contains a summary of some of the more interesting and important topics covered

during the highly intense but rewarding threeday event in Finland.

Global glass market trends Notably, glass remains one of the preferred materials to enable structural development across multiple industries. However, we have come to a stage where the world faces several major challenges. From the circular economy, environmental and climate issues requiring reduced CO2 emissions, globalization, cultural effects and the application of smart technologies in buildings and cities. These changes will inevitably reformulate societal decisions and preferences in time to come.

Moreover, this will also affect our urban structures, commercial and residential buildings and overall glass applications across many different fields. So, the glass industry has no time to rest.

The general consensus is that glass products will soon become even more multi-faceted.

This means that their manufacturing will require input from various suppliers, especially from sources outside the traditional glass industry.

Creation of different forms of alliances between industries is one sure way to support and evolve the glass market. In addition, startup companies with vast innovation potential will also encourage wider and deeper integration of new solutions.

Partnerships and collaboration were some

of the main themes running throughout the entirety of the conference. The need for joining forces is obvious, and we can clearly expect many new and even surprising alliances to be formed over the coming years in response to the need to better adapt the glass industry to present-day realities and innovations.

Our ever-changing society sets new requirements on the day to day operations of the industry. Today, this involves strengthening the focus on partners and customers, and how we provide service to them, whether it happens online and remotely, or physically on site.

Global glass design trends One of the most important trends in design this year has been total transparency. This is being driven by architects looking to combine spatial continuity between the inside and outside of buildings, allowing the surroundings to play a major role in the character of the final structure.

Huge glass sheets create the illusion that the outside blends and converges with the inside as one, an uninterrupted comfortable space where the difference is hardly noticeable.

Efforts have been initiated, for example, by DOW to introduce crystal clear silicone spacers for insulating glass units. This feature allows having a transparent spacer in the visible glass edge that adheres easily to glass. The result is a seamless view with maximum transparency, all whilst preserving important technical characteristics of the insulating glass units.

Crystal Clear Silicon, a new innovation.

Valerie Hayez (Dow), gave an interesting presentation at GPD on this product.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

11

INTRODUCTION

Another trend has been the surge in complex façades using advanced engineering solutions, especially in geometry, that can be seen implemented all over the world. Bent, curved and complex glass forms are high in demand and will remain so for the foreseeable future.

The approach is not about the choice of various materials for the structure any longer.

Instead, architects start with an image and work the design toward its realization, using materials that best enable them to fulfill their vision, the architectural intent. Often, the only limiting factor is the machinery to process the materials in such a way as to realize the dream.

Still, modern glass processing equipment and technology are quickly evolving to produce larger glass sizes that can support absolute transparency and extra clear glass for use in complex shapes and forms.

Ever more companies are using glass in ways previously considered unthinkable. One way this has been achieved is by staying true to the initial design intent. This involves defining the limitations of the process equipment and then figuring out the choices for overcoming them.

Š Cricursa 3D glasses are newcomers, company logos can be visual

When we have architects and machine builders working together and discussing openly as they do at forums like GPD, both parties can discuss what is possible. Machine builders can then design the equipment early enough to help architects realize their visions. Using this approach, when a company designs new products featuring glass, advanced properties and shapes become an essential part of their toolbox.

Digital trends in designs In addition, digitalization and IoT are being used more in the evolution of glass building design.

So, we see many engineers in the glass industry looking for ways to tap into digital work processes and fabrication methods, and the real boom is soon to follow. Within the digital arena, we are able to experiment with forms and shapes faster and more effectively than ever before, creating room for improvement when trying to achieve the designs envisioned.

Organic forms, for example, have been an inspiration for designers since the very beginning. And today, we have technologies, including 3D glasses, that allow us to achieve unusual, free-form structures. This creates the ability to achieve unusual, free-form structures.

12

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

INTRODUCTION

Copyright Iwan Baan

Such technologies are not only helping us explore new design expressions, they also have the potential to reduce material consumption, fabrication time and of course costs.

Global architectural glass trends The 90’s was an era of strong growth in coated glass applications. Since then, huge technological leaps have taken place. Although glass processing companies supply locally, they use global suppliers. This allows them to tap into opportunities to provide locally even more advanced and energy efficient glass products from the insight they have gained through their global outlets.

Major trends governing the architectural sector include a strong focus on environmental issues and how they can be addressed with glass.

For example, interest in thin and ultra-thin glass is starting to enjoy accelerating growth.

After all, this is a proven (together with coating technology) way to get totally new products, reduce the weight of the glass structure and decrease CO2 emissions.

Copyright Iwan Baan

In the architectural sector, large-size glass is always a fascinating topic. The only thing that has changed in the past 10 years is that now we have moved from jumbo, to extra-large sizes. This allows architects to create more transparency and help eliminate boundaries

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

13

INTRODUCTION

between the external and internal spaces within buildings as mentioned before.

For this, glass processors are pushing toward ever-larger full-height and extra-large sizes, with glass panes reaching beyond the jumbo dimensions up to 21 meters, and beyond.

In the constant search for original designs, many architectural projects have been driving global innovation in engineering and faรงade design.

14

This can be seen in unique landmark projects where architects push the industry to develop new, advanced and challenging products.

Curved glass trends One of the more specific trends that is clearly on the rise is the possibility of bending glass in a tighter radius. This gives designers the capability to make more impressive and transparent buildings.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

Historically, however, the actual limitations of bent glass products were the sizes and shapes with sharp curves. It is known that glass coatings, especially Low-E or solar-control coatings, do not withstand tight radii bends.

Since this imposes a challenge to creating irregular designs, lots of developments are focused on providing solutions that would allow efficient bending of Low-E glass. Concave and convex bending technologies are one such example.

INTRODUCTION

© seele / Andreas Keller The “Luxury Façade” of the ICONSIAM shopping centre in Bangkok, Thailand consists of 333 glass fins and 333 front glass panels, measuring up to 16m in length. Façade contractor seele was responsible for design, manufacture and installation of the 300m long façade structure.

Chemically tempered double-curved or threedimensional glass with smaller and wider radii plays a significant role here as well. Such threedimensional glass products are experiencing growing demand. For example, prismatic glasses and 3D-chemically tempered and laminated glasses with large sizes have already been applied in top-end projects around the world.

Beyond evident trends governing the architectural industry, a strong emphasis is being placed on the use of cold-bent and warped glass units in façade application, which has represented a state-of-the-art approach during the past 10 years.

Recently, these new techniques have challenged the design and engineering of glass units and frame elements, pushing for the exploration of new concepts.

Worldwide automotive glass design trends For automotive glass, the right balance of multiple product attributes is important. This includes the appropriate tint levels, thermal properties, optics, transmission of signals and additional engineering requirements. In fact, automotive glass today is a piece of highly smart material packed full of elaborate features.

If we look at the semi-truck market, heavy impact resistance is key. Researches reveal that people are really afraid of breaking windshields in semi-trucks. However, the technology that would allow the production of giant, complex, wrap-around and, most importantly, exceptionally safe windshields is indeed available. Industry leading car manufacturers have already begun to successfully use this technology.

As presented in the keynote speech at GPD of Mike Pilliod of Tesla, one of the emerging trends is the ability to scale up the glass design.

His company is focusing on finding new ways to use larger glass in the industry for highvolume production. And indeed, Tesla has already proven that huge pieces of glass can be industrialized – from the front of the windshield all the way to the back.

Global glass energy trends The glass industry has taken huge steps to control the energy flow in or out of buildings.

Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) glass and the latest development of transparent window PV and controlled transparency and a seamless appearance, is just one example of emerging technologies in the architectural glazing industry that is bringing buildings closer to becoming zero energy structures.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

15

INTRODUCTION

Pioneers using BIPV, for example, are proactively addressing global warming issues. Glass is an inherent part of this solution, as BIPV would not be possible without glass.

In the EU, buildings are currently responsible for about 36% of the CO2 emissions. Yet, glass used in buildings has the unique potential to supply approximately 30% of the EU’s energy demand.

Making glass a more sustainable option is the next step forward. Using rare gases and selective coatings improves the insulation and reflectivity properties of glass.

The global movement of pure design freedom is becoming more limited, constrained by the balance between what a client requests and what global energy codes mandate.

Until recently, large-scale glass façades with a nearly seamless appearance could only be achieved with the use of both coated, tempered and laminated safety glass. However, these are becoming more the norm in the beginning when a building is being designed, as a result of the increasingly stringent energy efficiency requirements that are being enforced.

The thermal transmittance of a façade is the primary factor driving the overall glassprocessing industry to balance glass energy properties with its aesthetic qualities. And many new developments are expected in this area.

Impact of energy trends A special focus on the glazing renovation of residential or commercial buildings is an upcoming necessity. The potential impact of high-performance glazing on energy consumption and CO2 emissions is compelling.

According to a 2019 report submitted by Glass for Europe, the theoretical potential of the final energy demand can be reduced in building stock by 29.2% by 2030 and 37.4% by 2050 if conventional windows are replaced with highefficiency glass.

The change is visible also in our decisions regarding various material choices. It is becoming increasingly widespread to support waste-free principles when it comes to selecting glass material.

However, to ensure the best solutions for the sustainable future of the industry, more innovations are needed as the industry collectively becomes more aware of recycling and circular economy opportunities.

For example, better ways are coming to the market to delaminate glass effectively. Some options have been developed, but are not yet in wide-scale use. An Australian company Delam recently launched a patented system for delaminating flat and curved glass, and more such companies are emerging in the market.

These are huge steps forward.

© seele / Andreas Keller For static reasons, the glass façade of ICONSIAM had to be suspended from the ceiling, wherein the glass panes are inclined in two directions and arranged in a zig-zag-shape

16

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

INTRODUCTION

Global glass quality trends Although the visual quality of glass has improved tremendously in the last 30 years, we still need to do better when it comes to roller wave distortion, overall and edge bow, warp and anisotropy.

Eliminating visual distortions in curved glass panels has long been a challenging but important task, especially for the automotive and aerospace industry where distortions may cause visual misjudgments and safety concerns.

New methods to quantify different types of distortion helps glass processors achieve higher glass quality. Specifically in the area of anisotropy, quality control equipment has been developed to better evaluate the phenomenon and gain knowledge of how to reduce its visual impact.

When it comes to ensuring the high quality of glass, new measurement devices and efficient AI tools come to our assistance. For example, a first-ever mobile phone application for counting fragments eliminates the risk of making mistakes when performing a tempered glass fragmentation test. Launched this summer by Glaston, the Glaston Siru mobile app is unbelievably simple, yet such a helpful tempering quality control solution for all glass processors.

A new and innovative way to measure the concentration of argon in triple and doubleglazed insulating glass units is with an online and offline system from Helsinki-based Sparklike. The non-destructive capability of the technology allows glass processors to deliver tested IG units, test already installed units or integrate automated testing to their production.

We can see a growing number of companies starting to make use of innovative quality control methods and delivering a completely different glass quality. In this way, they are opening up new areas of application, paving the way for a long-awaited change in the quality aspect of the business. Quality is key after all.

New technologies In the glass business, new technical innovations are emerging continuously, in surprising forms and combinations.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

17

INTRODUCTION

The glass market awaits new sensor concepts and glass-integrated electronics. Active glass and active façade performance, media façades and touch-screen applications will all become more commonplace.

Initiatives toward the combination of different technologies can be decisive for the peak performance of glass panes. For example, magnetic or dynamic levitation for sliding solutions. Providing unmatched window operability, offering zero friction three-axis movements of the windowpane, ensuring absolute water and air tightness, something unachievable with the standard bearing solution. Or transparent photovoltaic glass, vacuum insulated glass, switchable glass, piezoelectric touch-sensitive surfaces or ultrathin glass – are all in full development. And these are expected to change our approach to glass in the near future. Already now, the usage of programmable materials and artificial intelligence methods are driving new glass applications that were recently considered impossible. The game is changing.

The extended functionality of smart glass is another area with huge potential for the future, this area is expected to enjoy rapid development. Many new players are coming to the market with exciting innovative solutions.

It’s a time of waiting to see which ones will breakthrough to help alleviate global warming.

For instance, smart glass products offer greater possibilities for energy savings, especially when it comes to reducing energy consumption in air-conditioned spaces.

Another new technology for glass is to allow signals, such as the 4G or even new 5G mobile communication radio waves, to easily pass through glass. Recently, various different applications have been introduced to the market that help the signals pass through the glass, this touchy subject has been a long standing unspoken challenge for the industry.

The glass industry is still actively exploring the digital world and, in some areas, the use of digitalization or IoT has progressed quite far.

The automation of glass processing is relatively well established. Automated glass processing lines do exist, and automated IGU lines are part of the more advanced glass manufacturing facilities.

From here, the next stage is making some of the most promising new technologies go mainstream, while further improving their capabilities, reliability and economy of scale.

Collaboration is key What I learned over the 27 years since starting GPD in 1992 is that collaboration with various companies and other stakeholders in the glass industry is key to moving forward. Through collaboration, we can better support startups and bring new innovations to the market faster.

Even from Tampere, Finland, a small city far up in the north, it is possible to create a global network and common understanding to make great things happen in glass industry.

By working together, the impossible becomes possible. When you have the passion and a dream – it spreads.

I truly believe now that the future of the glass industry is as bright and clear as glass itself.

This image shows the benefits of heated glass, for a slightly higher outlay this technology is more cost-efficient as there is no need for internal heating. This heated glass overcomes the problem of the cold wall effect.

Photo: Finnglass Heated Glass, Kakslauten Arctic Resorts, Finland https://www.finnglass.com/

18

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

INTRODUCTION

GPD in numbers: - 14,000 delegates - 3,500 presentations - 11,000 pages of technical documents – GPD 2019: The latest GPD conference was held in Tampere, Finland, in June 2019. The event attracted more than 1,000 international participants from some of the industry’s leading companies.

– Step Change: Since many new innovations in the future will come outside the glass industry, the Step Change program was introduced in 2017 as part of the conference for startups or scaleups to present their ideas to the world. This helps the glass industry develop faster and enables startup companies to introduce their own new innovations to the entire group of GPD participants.

Jorma Vitkala is the founder of the Glass Performance Days Conference (GPD) and has been chairing the organizing committee since the beginning. He is the first recipient of the “The Jorma Vitkala Award of Merit” awarded by the international glass industry.

The prize was announced and handed over at the opening of the GPD conference in the summer of 2017. On the same occasion, Vitkala received several recognitions: the special awards of the HKFA (Hong Kong Façade Association) and the KAFA (Korean Architect Façade Association), the USGlass plaque and honorary membership of GANA (Glass Association of North America).

Finnish Flat Glass Association has nominated Vitkala the Glass Builder of the Year 2013, and he received the Tampere Congress Award in 2001.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

19

EXECUTIVE BOARDROOM COMMENTARY

20

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

Reprints

Whenever your company products or services are mentioned in IGS, whether it’s an article, case study or new innovation we can produce a tailor-made reprint for you to use in your future marketing and promotional campaigns. Reprints can vary from a single page to multiple page brochures.

To order your reprints simply contact us at the following email address: nick@intelligentpublications.com or go to igsmag.com ADVANCED

ADVANCED

TECH NOLO

GIES IN GLAS

S ENGIN EERIN

TECH NOLO

GIES IN GLAS

S ENGIN EERIN

See what’s new

G

G

Halio : g for smart glazinomfort enhanced c ®

TRANSPAREN

T ARCHITECTU

RAL STRUC

intelligent

TRANSPAREN

RAL T ARCHITECTU

TURES

glass solutio

ns | winter

89

2019

STRUC TURES

, Brussels, Belgium Gare Maritime

intelligent

88

glass solutio

ns | winter

2019

is a key nal outdoor spaces g Providing inspiratio health and wellbein and SOM have to addressing forms component llianz Real Estate ed courtyard e. A redesign on site with their in the workplac campus. recently gone for the Corso Italia 23 the heart of the renovation scheme S.p.A. Milanese former Allianz designs for d with SOM’s in the heart of n and “We are delighte headquarters on innovatio focus a Gio s With architect pment as Corso Italia 23. y designed by Fornaroli Milan. Originall we see this redevelo pi and Antonio sustainability, Gio Ponti’s original g Portalup Piero the s enhancin Ponti, nal building on and the project transform an insular a truly aspiratio in the early 60s, and creating from the future.” said design intent Italia complex for today and 45,000 sqm Corso into a vibrant Allianz workplace campus headquarters d , CEO West Europe single-tenant most advance Alexander Gebauer employing the office campus e, wellbeing Real Estate. flexibility, workplac while sustainability, concepts. This, including a 200 and smart building with the original design. conference centre, s and A full-service dialogue large meeting maintaining m, facilitates ual fit out seat auditoriu audio-vis d to integrate nity m to seminars. A fully is a great opportu the auditoriu “Corso Italia 23 lighting allows to rters building and specialty Ponti’s headqua space in addition reposition Gio a performance of Milan.” says also serve as of the tenant. it into the heart and integrate business needs for the project. meeting the Design Partner chose to Kent Jackson, sustainability: happy that Allianz s all facets of “We were also reuse project, The project embrace management and as an adaptive this / h resource approac our carbon footprint environment, both LEED® and significantly reducing aspires to meet people, and s. energy.” d Standard embodie WELL Gold Building t approach, for the an inside-ou Design Director The project takes by providing Yasemin Kologlu, needs of users share the belief supported “At SOM, we addressing the le office space project states: about resource ility is not only flexible and adaptab me of amenities that meet that sustainab but also operational costs, by a robust program orary users. efficiency and solutions that s of contemp proactive design the demand g“ encompasses hub health and wellbein from central support users’ benefit floors ion The office rters a vertical connect of Allianz Headqua for the former spaces that create ate offer a range SOM’s design nity to reinvigor building and Meeting historic opportu through the e district represents an for use by tenants. provide into a new workplac most common space Corso Italia area and lounge areas the one of the as rooms Milan ng spaces, phone tion and the for the city, cementi in Europe and acting as a nd for collabora to new the backgrou metropolises ns which lead vibrant interactio ment. develop serendipitous catalyst for future ideas.

À

3 Corso Italia 2 (SOM) Kent Jackson gs & Merrill Skidmore Owin EXECUTIVE BOARDRO

intelligent

glass solutio

ns | winter

Get your ticket incl. free public transport*:

2019

frontale.de/ticket

Sell more glass,

save the world

ent of glass and intellig Joint specification s is and HVAC system shading, lighting . façade performance quietly improving

G

in this lass is the enemy. Who h age of Sir David Attenboroug would and Greta Thunberg building choose a skin for their heat and which lets in all the a small uncomfortable that makes the inside so of carbon must be fortune and a truck-load lighting and heating? spent on artificial cooling,

skyscrapers that The glass and steel much to global have contributed so place in our city warming [,…] have no re.” Bill di Blasio or on our Earth anymo

22

Latvia

intelligent glass

solutions | winter

2019

parallel to

that the general public It seems quite likely generation of investors and even the next be persuaded to feel and designers could by headline grabbing this way, not helped from high profile ‘anti-glass’ statements of New York City, and figures like the Mayor spoilt for headlines who are others in search of statistics on the energy choice for staggering consumption of buildings.

intelligent glass National Museum,

The Trade Show. Window. Door. Facade.

47

TARY2019 OM COMMEN ns | winter E BOARDRO EXECUTIVintellig ent glass solutio

OM COMMENTARY

46

Nuremberg, 18–21.3.2020

solutions | winter

2019

23

*in the Nuremberg/Fürth/Stein areas.

FF20_93x258_EN_GB_Intelligent_Glass_Solutions_BES_Verena.indd 1

15.10.19 10:45

EXECUTIVE BOARDROOM COMMENTARY

Sell more glass,

save the

Joint specification of glass and intelligent shading, lighting and HVAC systems is quietly improving faรงade performance.

National Museum, Latvia

22

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

EXECUTIVE BOARDROOM COMMENTARY

world G The glass and steel skyscrapers that have contributed so much to global warming [,…] have no place in our city or on our Earth anymore.” Bill di Blasio

lass is the enemy. Who in this age of Sir David Attenborough and Greta Thunberg would choose a skin for their building which lets in all the heat and makes the inside so uncomfortable that a small fortune and a truck-load of carbon must be spent on artificial cooling, lighting and heating?

It seems quite likely that the general public and even the next generation of investors and designers could be persuaded to feel this way, not helped by headline grabbing ‘anti-glass’ statements from high profile figures like the Mayor of New York City, and others in search of headlines who are spoilt for choice for staggering statistics on the energy consumption of buildings.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

23

EXECUTIVE BOARDROOM COMMENTARY

Wellcome Trust HQ, London

“The glass and steel skyscrapers that have contributed so much to global warming [,…] have no place in our city or on our Earth anymore.” Bill di Blasio Façade industry insiders understand that behind the dramatic rhetoric lie admirable ambitions and sensible plans to improve performance standards and reduce the environmental footprint of our buildings. A quote from the Mayor’s office of Sustainability issued swiftly after di Blasio’s speech didn’t make the headlines but better articulated an agenda we can all get behind: “We have to fight for every square foot of efficiency in a city that has a million buildings.”

However, perhaps the Mayor’s more extreme rhetoric is necessary, given the uncomfortable truth for the construction industry that many new buildings are still too hot, too bright and too environmentally dirty. Air conditioning use alone now accounts for about a fifth of electricity used in buildings, or 10% of all global electricity consumption today , and is expected to triple by 2050.

Heat vs Transparency – Revolution or Evolution?

With 1.3 billion square meters of glazed facades now constructed each year (the equivalent of the area of the city of London), façade professionals are at the forefront of this challenge and must fight for a positive narrative.

Step forward the construction eco-warriors.

24

Architects, engineers and builders with radical new ideas for carbon busting, planetpreserving buildings that are also healthy, energizing, productive places to be. PLP, Wayne Hemingway and Stefano Boeri spring to mind with their smart buildings and vertical forests. Combine that with the amazing developments of smart glass itself over the past few years, and we have the beginnings of a revolution.

However, sometimes it is the quieter evolutions that have the most impact, and there are dramatic and fast gains to be had from a more collaborative approach to façade design with better coordination of existing technologies. Traditional shading systems such as blinds are a good example of this, which over the past decade have slowly but surely moved them from the desks of interior designers and fit out contractors to become an important weapon in the façade engineer’s armoury, increasingly placed in the package of the façade contractor. Why? Firstly, because façade designers have been driven to look for creative ways to meet ever-tougher performance criteria. While some still see blinds as decoration or an anti-glare measure, others have realised that they can have a game changing impact on thermal performance, and on the glass specification itself.

1. % reduction in energy use for heating, cooling and lighting, by using a performance blind

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

Red: Double glazing Orange: Low-E glazing Blue: Solar control glazing

Even with the most effective solar control glass, the right kind of blind can save almost half of the energy typically used for air conditioning and lighting (see Chart 1). To put that into a context that we can all understand, a recent PhD study at South Bank University examined a block of flats in Camden where the internal air temperature in summer reached 45°C, the same as a typical day in Death Valley. The study found that even medium performance blinds could make a difference of as much as 18°C.

EXECUTIVE BOARDROOM COMMENTARY

Oxford University

Case Study – Dundee Waterfront Combined glazing and shading analysis proves that joint specification can result in better performance at a reduced cost.

The M&E consultant for this project conducted a thermal analysis and specified glass with a g value of 0.33 (without shading) in order to achieve a summer design temperature of 24 ±2˚C assuming a certain cooling capacity. Shading was considered necessary for glare control, and roller blinds with dark fabrics having an openness of <5% were specified.

Guthrie Douglas undertook an analysis of the combined g-value for the specified glass and roller blind fabric. For comparison, this was then compared with a similar analysis for a combination of clearer glass and a high performance metallized fabric called Panama Chrome, which has a solar reflectance value of 75%.

The results are shown in Table 2.

Glass

Blind fabric

CLX 7033 Panama Pro black 3% CLX 7033 Panama Chrome 3% Planitherm One Panama Chrome 3%

g-value

Direct radiation g_e

Thermal radiation g_th

Convection factor g_c

Ventilation factor g_v

0.30 0.12 0.23

0.01 0.01 0.02

0.13 0.05 0.08

0.09 0.03 0.06

0.07 0.03 0.08

Table 2. Wouter Beck, Hunter Douglas Europe.

The specified glazing combined with a basic black glare reduction screen fabric of 3% openness (‘Panama Pro’) results in a g-value of 0.30, compared with 0.33 for the glass alone. The total proportion of convective heat amounts to 0.16, to be handled with Air-Conditioning.

Fitting the same glass with the metallised Panama Chrome fabric results in a g-value of 0.12. This represents a 60% improvement on the g-value recommended as by the M&E consultant and a significantly reduced cooling load.

Using a clearer glass (Planitherm One) combined with Panama Chrome, a g-value of 0.23 can be achieved with a total convective part of 0.14. Both g-value and convective load are lower than the baseline specification.

Cost calculations were undertaken which show that a clearer low-e double glazing unit fitted with a high quality metallised roller blind is £10-15 cheaper per m2 than a ‘high performance’ sun protective glazing unit combined with a standard blind. In other words, better all-round performance can be achieved at a lower cost.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

25

high quality metallised roller blind is £10-15 cheaper per m2 than a ‘high performance’ sun protective glazing unit combined with a standard blind. In other words, better all-round performance can be achieved at a lower cost.

EXECUTIVE BOARDROOM COMMENTARY

Cost calculations were undertaken which show that a clearer low-e double glazing unit fitted with a The Europeans get it!

• quality Austria restricts glazing areas, which can be bypassed by using solar high metallised roller blind is £10-15 cheaper per m2 than a ‘high performance’ sun protective shading. glazing unit combined with a standard blind. In other words, better all-round performance can be • Belgium applies a low rate of VAT on external shading. achieved at a lower cost.

• France emphasises solar shading as a way to achieve high energy

• •

performing buildings.

In Italy there are income tax incentives for installing solar shading.

Norway legislated a minimum gtot of 0.1 for all mechanically cooled non-domestic buildings.

The Europeans get it!

In Denmark the high conversion factor applied to mechanical cooling is • Austria restricts glazing areas, which can be bypassed by using solar a deterrent to excessive solar gain. shading.

In contrast to other countries, the UK lacks both subsidies and tax breaks incentivising the take-up of solar shading.

• Belgium applies a low rate of VAT on external shading.

“I’m told that approximately 90% •

of all new ‘energy • France emphasises solar shading as a way to achieve high energy smart buildings’ end performing buildings.

Better Quality Daylight Better Quality Daylight The 3 keys to Effective Shading Design up underperforming • In Italy there are income tax incentives for installing solar shading.

In our enthusiasm for achieving energy savings, n our enthusiasm for achieving energy savings, it would be easy to start designing buildings be easy to start designing it would buildings 1. Early collaboration • Norway legislated a minimum gtot of 0.1 for all mechanically cooled compared to targeted with powerful solar control glazing that with powerful solar control glazing that eliminates natural daylight, to the detriment of our non-domestic buildings. eliminates natural daylight, to the detriment Today’s dynamic building envelope must health. The diagrams below show the spectrum of light entering a building with and without levels. In my opinion, health. The diagrams• below In Denmark the high conversion factor applied to mechanical cooling is of our show the include integration of shading, lighting and solar control glass and shading, and herein lies a USP from the shading industry that every spectrum of light entering a building with and HVAC systems that constantly respond to their a deterrent to excessive solar gain. the reason for this glass salesperson should have in their bag: to control the quantity of daylight entering a without solar control glass and shading, and surroundings. The only way to get it all right

• In contrast to other countries, the UK lacks both subsidies and tax room without changing its nature. herein lies a USP from the shading industry that is proper collaboration between specifiers, is lack of early every glass salesperson should have in their engineers, and product manufacturers early in breaks incentivising the take-up of solar shading. bag: to control the quantity of daylight entering the design process. In most cases, this is still not coordination.”

•

(SOURCE: International Energy Agency)

a room without changing its nature.

happening. Reliance is often placed on building services engineers in the unrealistic expectation that they should somehow know it all.

Better Quality Daylight

Anders Hall,

Depending on climate and region, solar Somfy International protection is only needed for between 10-20% of daylight hours. Dynamic shading combined “I’m told that approximately 90% of all with clear glass ensures the best quality of new ‘energy smart buildings’ end up In our enthusiasm for achieving energy savings, it would be easy to start designing buildings daylight by reducing its intensity without underperforming compared to targeted levels. façade engineering practices who do have with powerful solar control glazing that eliminates natural daylight, to the detriment of our Clear Sky CRI 100% changing its spectrum. This “good light” is In my opinion, the reason for this is lack of early the potential to facilitate genuine early 2-pane Solar Control Glass: g 0.39/ TL 2-pane Insulation Glass with shading; g 65% / CRI 86% <0,10 / TL 10% / CRI 97% essential for health, productivity, and mood. coordination.”

Anders Hall, Somfy International. collaboration. Those that do this successfully health. The diagrams below show the spectrum of light entering a building with and without will produce buildings that truly harness solar control glass and shading, and herein lies a USP from the shading industry that every There are a growing number of more the power of light and shade as positive Depending on climate and region, solar protection is only needed for between 10-20% of holistic ‘Environmental Design Consultants’ environmental and architectural features, rather glass salesperson should have in their bag: to control the quantity of daylight entering a daylight hours. Dynamic shading combined with clear glass ensures the best quality of as well as integration and controls experts than creating problems to be overcome later. daylight by reducing its intensity without changing its spectrum. This “good light” is essential room without changing its nature. operating within the larger, multi-disciplinary

for health, productivity, and mood.v

Clear Sky CRI 100%

2-pane Insulation Glass with shading; g <0,10 / TL 10% / CRI 97%

2-pane Solar Control Glass: g 0.39/ TL 65% / CRI 86%

(SOURCE: European Solar Shading Organisation)

26

Depending on climate and region, solar protection is only needed for between 10-20% of intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019 daylight hours. Dynamic shading combined with clear glass ensures the best quality of

EXECUTIVE BOARDROOM COMMENTARY

Covent Garden, London

2. Informed product choice Like in any industry, new shading products are being developed all the time. The advancements in the metallisation of fabrics alone over the past few years is such that it could have a big impact for faรงade designers and the performance criteria they must safely meet. Development of new mechanical blind systems is also moving at a pace, meaning that facades of complex geometry can be shaded in ways that were not possible just a few years ago. These advancements can only be implemented with early collaboration and involvement of a network of product manufacturers and engineers that can offer an un-biased view of all the latest products available.

Covent Garden, London

3. Intelligent, integrated automation Dynamically responsive facades are needed due to the fundamentally dynamic nature of the sun and the sky. The benefits of a solar shading system for large faรงade projects can therefore only be realised if the system is automatically controlled. It will then work properly even when people are absent, reacting to the environment without the need for human attention. The temptation to save money on up-front costs by swapping to manual systems is very expensive in the long run. This was proven in a 2014 ESTIA study which concluded that facades with manually operated blinds are twice as inefficient than those with an automated system, and found that manual blinds in large buildings are moved on average less than twice per week .

Integration of control systems for solar shading with other dynamic faรงade elements such as

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

27

EXECUTIVE BOARDROOM COMMENTARY

Broad Museum, Los Angeles

energy harvesting, controllable lighting and HVAC systems is becoming easier as the sensors and controls industry continues to develop AI and IoT based technologies with open protocols. Blinds, lights and A/C units can finally talk to each other, figure out our needs and respond accordingly.

Beautiful, Intelligent Facades It is no longer enough for our façades to separate indoors from out; they must be beautiful, transparent, and energy efficient, all at the same time. In fact, we ask for so much from our building skin these days, it’s hardly surprising that even with an army of services engineers hovering over their calculators at the design stage, we often find ourselves sweating or squinting at practical completion.

Broad Museum, Los Angeles

28

Square boxes with no windows would be a good answer for energy efficiency, but they won’t exactly inspire the next great heights of human existence. So what if glass could change its g-value, clarity, and aesthetic instantly in response to environmental conditions, energy requirements, and individuals, all for less than

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

a standard glazing specification? And what if facades could themselves decide and act on what we, our buildings and our planet need before we even realise it?

Glass is not the enemy. Let’s sell more of it, integrated with intelligent shading, lighting and HVAC systems. Let’s help to save the world.

Andy Kitching Managing Director, Guthrie Douglas Guthrie Douglas are a team of specialist engineers with the sole focus of creating technical shading systems for extraordinary spaces. We collaborate with designers who share our love of inspirational and sustainable architecture. www.guthriedouglas.com

EXECUTIVE BOARDROOM COMMENTARY

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

29

EXECUTIVE BOARDROOM COMMENTARY

Diversity will enable climate innovation and resilience

There are strong cases for organisational Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) and action on climate change. Diverse and inclusive cultures bring about ideas, effective problem solving and, ultimately, greater chances of success. Built environment leaders must be proactive and decisive in driving the EDI agenda across the sector if we are to bring forward more effective climate solutions.

30

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

EXECUTIVE BOARDROOM COMMENTARY

T

he business case for diversity in problem solving and decision making has been made. There are a multitude of reference points to draw upon which reinforce the link between a diverse cultural and a company’s financial performance and growth.

These include this year’s piece from Harvard and the Mckinsey 2018 report which suggest that organisations pushing on Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) are more profitable; up to 33% more than the typical market player in some cases.

This healthy advantage can be put down to a range of business benefits including: • More easily attracting, and retaining staff – competition for the best talent is fierce and a 2014 Glassdoor survey of 1,000 job seekers found that 67% considered workforce diversity when evaluating an offer.

• A stronger, more responsible market identity – there is evidence relating diverse boards, which are typically less likely to take uncalculated financial risks, to significantly lower return volatility.

• The creation and effective deployment of more innovative ideas and solutions – one of the strongest arguments for embedding an EDI culture as the modus operandi i.e. creating a place where healthy disagreement and debate builds consensus through diverse ideas and challenge to established thinking. Which in turn leads to innovative, inclusive and, ultimately, more effective decisions.

Arguably, the business case for action on climate change has also been made. If the rhetoric of Extinction Rebellion doesn’t speak to you, then perhaps the suggestion of $26 trillion being unlocked from a greener economy might? Then there is the 2018 IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report . This makes clear that unprecedented global weather trends and severe localised events are to be the new norm and pose significant risks to our economy (in the billions of pounds worth), to our society and to our life on earth.

Consequently, we must not underestimate the need for, or benefits to be had from, decisive action on climate change. Neither should business leaders overlook the value of EDI in better decision making and in the implementation of effective innovation.

As you may already see, there are connections between the EDI agenda and solutions for the major challenges society faces today. However all too often these connections are not made EDI as a requisite for effective action on climate change mitigation and resilience being one quite stark example. Climate change mitigation means to limit the magnitude or rate of longterm global warming, whereas climate change resilience means to anticipate and prepare for climate related risks, two of biggest challenges we currently face.

As a start at unpacking this connection, we should look back on the unfolding of the COP 21 discussions. One of the event’s stand out quotes for me is still that from Mary Robinson (former UN Human Rights Chief and Ireland’s first female president) who shone a light on what was a predominantly male line-up of leading ministers by stating:

“If you don’t have women here, how can you say this is about people?”

Given that the global gender split is approximately 50.4% male and 49.6% female, she makes a good point. The relationship between diverse representation and effective decisions can also be seen within the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Goal 5 (of 17) champions the need for global gender equality and is recognised as being integral to achieving all other aspects of sustainability: “In short, all the SDGs depend on the achievement of Goal 5” (UN Women).

These arguments may appear to stem from a sound ethical cause however they do have research underpinnings. In particular, a 2017 study found a positive link between more gender-diverse boardrooms, an increased level of carbon disclosure reporting, and better direct carbon emission performance. There are other examples, with some good reads being available from the Women’s Environment and Development Organisation.

To bring this into the context of the built environment, if urban development and investment decisions relating to climate action do not truly reflect the needs of all their stakeholders, they are unlikely to deliver on resilience. This is not just a missed financial opportunity but actually threatens the stability of the sector if funds end up being ploughed into assets at risk of becoming stranded in future.

Market leaders already taking action to mitigate this include BlackRock (the world’s largest asset manager) and L&G (a trillion pound investor).

Both have called out organisations with low female board representation and publicly stated their EDI expectations of the companies that they are willing to invest in. L&G more explicitly make the link between gender diversity, better decision making and the need for climate action. Both overtly recognise the value in EDI and diversified decision making.

Despite this however, there is still some way for the built environment sector to go on delivering on EDI and having an increased chance, therefore, of effective action on climate change.

The 2018 US survey from Sheryl Sandberg’s ‘Lean In’ movement and Mckinsey found

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

31

EXECUTIVE BOARDROOM COMMENTARY

that women still remain significantly underrepresented in senior roles across most sectors with approximately 1 in 5 being women and only 1 in 25 being women of colour. This translates almost directly into US property management and investment. The pipeline charts below show that typical board rooms in this sector are made up of 81% men and 19% women, against an average 78% and 22% split in favour of men across all sectors.

The same patterns can be seen in the EU and in other sectors. The proportion of women on the boards of Europe’s listed real estate companies was 28% as of 2017. The situations in the transport and energy sectors are lower still with just 17.5% of senior roles in EU transport, and 20-25% of senior roles across the energy sector globally being held by women.

The challenges of the EDI agenda are complex.

However, the age-old arguments of ‘women not wanting to work in STEM sectors’ (entry level roles are relatively equal across the board) and ‘women would rather raise families’ no longer stand.

Instead, studies are suggesting that an innate and unconscious bias is more likely to be behind the lack of female representation at senior levels, with women being less likely to be promoted (despite their qualifications and experience) than men. This can be described

32

in several ways from ‘boys club’ type cultures to the ‘performance bias’ (in which women are typically judged by their track record but men on their potential). Micro aggression is seen as another cause of women leaving the industry (aka casual sexism). This doesn’t just impact women but also men who do not identify with typical male personas or stereotypes (if you haven’t already seen it, the Gillette advertisement does a good job unpacking this).

These may feel like uncomfortable subjects however business leaders should not be hesitant; the stakes are high and the opportunities significant.

How do we embed EDI throughout our organisation and sector? (I hope you’re now asking yourself).

There isn’t an exact recipe and it is not a numbers game. However diverse organisations have an equal and/or significant proportion of women, and a mixed ethnic and social composition within their leadership and decision-making forums. This must form a part of a wider, integrated EDI agenda and culture. If women and other cultural/ethnic groups are not treated as equal, and don’t feel safe to articulate their ideas, then organisations will fail to unlock EDI’s true potential and find themselves sitting in camp ‘tokenism’. EDI must be delivered through a comprehensive business strategy that speaks to the individual,

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

permeates throughout organisational divisions and which influences third party/partners decision making.

There is a wealth of guidance available including a comprehensive piece from the UK Governments Equalities department and the aforementioned McKinsey report.

However, these can be difficult to digest in one sitting and it is likely more helpful to initially focus on a few measures which have the strongest potential impact. Although these will vary by company, at the Building Research Establishment (BRE) we are channelling energies into an action plan which covers both our actions and our products: At the individual scale: • Raising self-awareness – deploying coaching and awareness programs that help individuals understand biases, speak up ideas and welcome constructive challenge from peers (as uncomfortable as this may be at first).

This can help foster inclusivity and belonging, and ensure that different voices are informing decision making.

• Identifying individual (and collective) strengths – linked to the above, Clifton Strengths (there are other models) helps foster a deeper understanding of individuals unique talents, and the recognition of said strengths from peer to peer. This can improve dialogue,

EXECUTIVE BOARDROOM COMMENTARY

working relationships and confidence, and also feed into the selection of teams based upon talent and aptitude (rather than nepotism or supposition).

• Supporting role models – A board level sponsor can drive the cultural changes needed from the top and support those individuals willing and/or acting as role models.

Throughout the organisation: • Championing flexible working – there are a range of policies needed to embed EDI; however, a solid stance on supporting flexible working is recognised by far as being critical to success. Not only is flexible working increasingly expected by millennials, but those with dependants (often women but increasingly men) cannot operate at their best if they feel torn between their home and work life responsibilities.

• Reforming recruitment practices – using gender neutral language in advertisements, having diverse interview panels and pushing for a gender balance on shortlists helps to attract and secure applicants from a broader, more diverse talent pool.

• Increasing EDI visibility – supporting women’s and other EDI staff networks, events and endeavours, and ensuring that organisational communications clearly articulate the direction of travel and intent to existing and prospective employees.

As market influencers: • Supporting the wider talent pool –

actively engaging with, and supporting industry EDI initiatives such as awards, training and ‘returnships’ helps connect mentors with mentees and build the local talent pool. BRE’s internal Women’s Network partners on events and hosts EDI networks at our Innovation Parks to share knowledge and support debate (the next tour being on the 3rd Sep, 2019 with Women in Property).

• Necessitating EDI through supply chains and wider networks – procurement policies should set out our requirements relating to EDI. Client power, like BlackRock’s and L&G’s, pushing for better sector representation helps create a broader, stronger mandate for change.

• Championing EDI throughout the design and procurement of the built environment – ultimately places must work for people; all people. Sustainability certification schemes; BREEAM for Communities and CEEQUAL include criteria relating to stakeholder engagement, inclusive design, responsible sourcing and, more recently, modern slavery.

Places and infrastructure designed and built to these schemes will have embedded climate resilience measures derived through responsible procurement policies, and rigorous and inclusive forms of public consultation and engagement (thus increasing the chances of their success).

effective action on climate change is needed.

The agendas of EDI and climate change are interlinked; successfully tackling the latter is dependent on the former. There are immediate measures that business leaders can take to drive EDI both within their organisations and across the sector. Built environment leaders cannot afford to ignore or be timid towards EDI if the sector is to respond to the climate challenge.

Charlene Clear MSc. CGeog Head of Products and Services: BREEAM A passionate built environment sustainability professional with a multi-disciplinary skill set developed via consultancy and standard/ certification development, and applied at various urban scales in China, Europe, and throughout the UK. A published researcher, industry influencer and champion of Women and the wider EDI agenda.

To conclude, diversity of thinking leads to robust and more widely appropriate and accepted solutions and innovations. It lowers risk and increases the chances of ultimate success. Against this, urgent and more intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

33

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

On a different level

Sea level

U

nder is a story of contrasts; the contrast between the landscape and the sea; above and below. The contrasts between the warm oak and textiles of the interiors, and the rough concrete façade that can withstand the most powerful storms and waves. It is a metaphor for the contrasts of life; the rough and delicate; the brutal and tender; the thunder and quiet.

Still, the project’s significance spans far beyond the building’s aesthetic qualities and dramatic location at Norway’s southern tip. Under is not only Europe’s first and the world’s largest

34

underwater restaurant, but it is the first of its kind to promote an equal focus on architecture, gastronomy and marine research. With its multidisciplinary approach, Under offers new ways of understanding life in the sea and how to best preserve it.

As Europe’s first and the world’s largest underwater restaurant, Under has already manifested itself as a new landmark for Southern Norway. Located at the southernmost point of the Norwegian coastline, where the sea storms from the north and south meet, the project is situated at a unique confluence.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

Under allows the visitor to peek into the North Sea, deciphering the life that emerged here some four billion years ago. With its multidisciplinary approach, with architecture, gastronomy and marine research at the core, the project underscores the delicate ecological balance between land and sea and draws our attention to sustainable models for responsible consumption.

Initially, Under started as a proposal for an underwater restaurant attached to Lindesnes Havhotell, with its kitchen placed in the hotel itself. Seeing as Norway is a nation that is closely

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

Copyright: IVAR KVAAL

Copyright: IVAR KVAAL

Copyright: AndrĂŠ Martinsen

connected to the sea, both culturally and economically, we convinced them to build the restaurant a few hundred meters away, in the sea, with much rougher surroundings. With this came serious challenges, as Lindesnes is known for its intense weather conditions and building an underwater restaurant under these conditions means that you must consider both the water pressure, being five meters below the surface, and the extremely rough weather. The building process was challenging too, as Under was built on a barge as a concrete shell twenty meters from the site, before being submerged into the sea and delicately moved into place.

To connect the bolts on the concrete slab, the construction team filled the structure with water to make it sink, and after ensuring all bolts were fully tightened, drained the water away before allowing the interior work to begin.

Under allows the visitor to peek into the North Sea, deciphering the life that emerged here some four billion years ago (repeated sentence).

The project underscores the delicate ecological balance between land and sea and draws our attention to sustainable models for responsible consumption. By focusing on the coexistence of life on land and in the sea, Under proposes a new way of understanding our relationship

to our surroundings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; above the surface, under the water, and alongside the life of the sea.

Half-sunken into the sea, the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 34-meter long monolithic form breaks the surface of the water to rest directly on the seabed five meters below. The structure is designed to fully integrate into its marine environment over time, as the roughness of the concrete shell will function as an artificial reef, welcoming limpets and kelp to inhabit it. With the thick concrete walls lying against the craggy shoreline, the structure is built to withstand pressure and shock from the rugged sea conditions. Like a sunken periscope, the

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

35

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

restaurant’s massive window offers a view of the seabed as it changes throughout the seasons and varying weather conditions.

The interior materials are chosen not only for their aesthetic qualities, but also for their sustainable characteristics and ability to create a good indoor climate. Advanced heating pump technology that utilizes the stable seabed temperature functions to heat and cool the building year-round. Upon arrival, the visitor’s impressions of the unruly outdoors quickly dissolve as they are ushered through into the hushed, oak-clad foyer. Here, rough, wooden finishes and the scent of timber transition into an elegant, oak staircase, descending into the restaurant. Dark, raw steel railings with brass tube handrails lead downwards to a softer interior as the ceiling surface changes from oak to textile. The warm, welcoming atmosphere inside the restaurant instills a sense of awe and mystery. As a metaphor for the journey of descent, the color of the textile-clad interior turns darker and more intense the deeper one goes below water. The bespoke textiles stretched over custom acoustic panels, reference the colors of a sunset dropping into the ocean, accompanying one’s passage down the stairs. At the entrance, the ceiling’s neutral color deepens into a sunset pink, intense coral,

small European lobster larvae, i.e. 5-6-millimeter creatures that have only ever been studied in controlled laboratory environments but never actually observed in nature before, on the restaurant window. The surface of the window has also become a popular habitat for starfish and other small creatures clinging to the window.

Copyright: Inger Marie Grini/Bo Bedre Norge

sea green, and finally culminates in a midnight blue as one arrives at the dining room. The subtle elegance of the finely woven ceiling panels lends a serene ambience to the building.

Under’s facilitation of marine research provides unique observation opportunities for researchers that are studying marine biology and fish behavior at the site. The building is designed so that it is particularly well-suited for studying the small organisms that are typically not picked up by camera. Researchers from the Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomic Research (NIBIO) can already report on having observed

Copyright: IVAR KVAAL

36

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

The researchers’ aim is to document the population, behavior and diversity of species that are living around the restaurant, through cameras and live observation. The ultimate goal of the research is to collect data that can be programmed into machine learning tools that monitor the population dynamics of key marine species on a regular basis, thereby creating new opportunities to improve official marine resource management.

The culinary philosophy of the restaurant aims to bring attention to underappreciated seafood, aiming to inspire and educate its guests on marine diversity and the many possibilities of eating in a more sustainable way. To manage and reduce bycatch – species unintentionally netted while catching target species – the restaurant team has a unique focus on also integrating those ingredients into their menu, reducing what would otherwise go to waste.

Our subscribers are a key part of our family Annual subscription is available at:

£59 (postage within UK) £70 (postage within Ireland and mainland Europe)

Name..................................................................................................................................

Company........................................................................................................................

Address............................................................................................................................ .................................................................................................................................................. ..................................................................................................................................................

Tel...........................................................................................................................................

Fax.........................................................................................................................................

Email...................................................................................................................................

£96 (postage to rest

of the world)

Individual copies are available at £40 per copy

Please contact me by Tel to discuss subscription options ¨ Please send me a subscription form by fax or email ¨ (Tick as appropriate) Post this form to: Nick Beaumont, Intelligent Publications Limited, 3rd Floor Omnibus House, 39-41 North Road, London N7 9DP, United Kingdom. Or Telephone: +44 207 607 9907

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

Glass Selection for the Willis Tower Repositioning Project in Chicago Stephen Katz, AIA, LEED AP BD+C Gensler, Chicago, U.S.A

38

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

Introduction Few buildings are as iconic as Willis Tower.

Generations of Chicagoans have a collective memory of this building playing a role in their entire lives. We mark time with Willis Tower, but time has caught up with this aging supertall.

The way the building engaged with the city and its occupants needed a fresh approach.

Understanding how Willis Tower is being reimagined by its new owners is crucial to the success of old and new supertall towers around the globe. A new city block-sized

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

Rendering Aerial View of New Podium (courtesy EQ Office)

podium structure and substantial infrastructure improvements are part of this work, and the results have a dramatic effect on a piece of civic history while transforming the building into a destination for tenants and visitors alike. It is only fitting that since Chicago is the birthplace of the skyscraper and the supertall building typology, the solutions to how we ensure a vital urban center, which includes legacy tall buildings from the late mid-century modern movement, is explored with this project. The design team was conscious of supporting

a people-centric planning approach and understanding how people move in the city and how the new podium building is part of their daily routines.

This article will describe how the Gensler design team along with Thornton Tomasetti Façade and Structural Engineering selected several high performing glass systems for this project on behalf of the building owner’s EQ Office and The Blackstone Group. Crucial to the success of the glass systems was the involvement of

Glass Solutions, Inc. and Novum Structures who performed design-assist façade contractor roles under the General Contractor, Turner-Clayco Joint Venture. Other critical partners on this project include RL Edward Partners who served as program managers and Environmental Systems Design who performed as MEP engineers and energy modelling consultants.

Project Design Drivers In 2015, The Blackstone Group purchased Willis Tower with a goal of taking this signature

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

39

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

View of Wacker Drive and Jackson Boulevard (courtesy EQ Office)

property into the future with substantial building and infrastructure upgrades. Gensler was engaged to study and research possibilities for how this iconic building could meet the needs of current and future tenants and the surrounding urban environment.

The design team and ownership identified many drivers for the success of the project. We will look at a few of the drivers which directly relate to the selection of faรงade glass systems.

The goal was to create an inviting and scaleappropriate destination for building tenants and the city at large. The result had to be a new icon that merged the legacy Sears/Willis iconography with both old and new Chicago building iconography.

Porosity, Transparency and an Active Streetscape An important lesson from earlier street level designs of Willis Tower was the need for a porous and transparent grade level faรงade. The Gensler team knew this approach would help activate the streetscape, particularly at night when the building could become a beacon of sorts, letting people know that there are food and beverage businesses open after the workday ends. This was important to the 40

FS-1 Solid Steel Member (photo credit Gensler)

ownership as they looked to extend the time that the building was generating revenue and to create a living urban streetscape. The original tower plinth design at street level featured large expanses of stone clad walls and storefront systems with dark tinted glass which did not create an environment that welcomed human activity. Success for this new project meant an

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

active streetscape and an inviting presence.

The design team therefore proposed street elevations that incorporated oversized glass units with no tint and a visible light percentage of 65% and 79%. Gensler set the faรงade rhythm to the existing tower grid and worked with our Landscape Architect partners, OLIN, to carefully align the building grid with the paving and

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

FS-1 Solid Steel Member shop drawing (image credit Glass Solutions, Inc.)

streetscape design. The result feels orderly and has a degree of openness that welcomes views into and out of the new building. Retail canopies made of steel and glass mitigate the scale of the new building at street level while secondarily afford opportunities for signage and lighting.

Main Lobby Façade System 1 (FS-1) and Exterior Glass 1 (EGL-1) The Main Lobby of Willis Tower is located on Wacker Drive and is enclosed by Façade System 1 (FS-1). This façade is composed of custom solid steel mullion members which are 3 ½” wide by 9” and 18” deep. Solid steel mullion members were incorporated into the design in order to facilitate oversize glass units (5’ wide by 12’-6” high) and to achieve the 35’ vertical span for this elevation. The major members of this façade system also carry the load of the lobby skylight and pedestrian bridge above. A pre-finished aluminum carrier frame secures the IGUs to the solid steel members. The carrier frame system was beneficial for setting large glass units due to the lack of construction staging areas in this dense part of downtown Chicago.

FS-1 Solid Steel Member Facade (photo credit Gensler)

Façade System 1 uses glass type EGL-1 which is a Viracon IGU composed of all Pilkinton Optiwhite low-iron extra clear substrates with a laminated inner light. The outer light is 5/16” (8mm) thick with Viracon VE-85 low emmistivty coating on the #2 surface. A 1/2” (13.2mm) argon gas filled space separates the laminated inner light composed of two pieces of 1/4” (6mm) Optiwhite and a .06” (1.52mm) clear PVB interlayer. This overall composition yields a Visible Light Transmittance of 79%, a U-Value Winter of .26 Btu/(hr x sqft x degF), a Shading Coefficient of .69 and an Exterior Reflectance Value of 13%. This coating was specifcally chosen for the high visible light factor which is a key element in connecting the lobby to the streetscape and urban fabric. The lobby elevation is inset from the main building line and receives shading from the canopy and side walls which makes the high vislible light factor work with the adjacent building massing.

Podium Façade System 3 (FS-3) and Exterior Glass 3 (EGL-3) The new Podium Building portion of Willis Tower houses retail, food and beverage tenants at Levels 1, 1.5 and 2. On Level 3 are spaces devoted to meeting rooms and

large gatherings. Façade System 3 (FS-3) is composed of unitized curtain wall panels with custom extrusions by Glass Solutions, Inc. The unitized façade panels are typically 5’ wide and range from 25’ to 30’ feet high with glass units spanning up to 11’-4” high. The lack of construction staging areas drove the decision to unitize the curtain wall and the large panel sizes enabled the contractor to efficiently install their work while also benefiting from the ability to shop glaze the panels.

Façade System 3 uses glass type EGL-3 which is a Viracon IGU composed of all Pilkington Optiwhite low-iron extra clear substrates with a laminated inner light. The outer light is 5/16” (8mm) thick with Viracon VNE-63 low emissivity coating on the #2 surface. A 1/2” (13.2mm) argon gas filled space separates the laminated inner light composed of two pieces of 1/4” (6mm) Optiwhite and a .06” (1.52mm) clear PVB interlayer. This overall composition yields a Visible Light Transmittance of 65%, a U-Value Winter of .24 Btu/(hr x sqft x degF), a Shading Coefficient of .33 and an Exterior Reflectance Value of 10%. This coating was specifically chosen for the need to respond to two different programmatic uses behind the glass. The grade

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

41

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

Wacker Drive New Podium and Main Lobby (courtesy EQ Office)

FS-2 Solid Steel Skylight Members (photo credit Gensler)

level retail and food and beverage tenants need low exterior reflectance values. These tenants want people walking by to be able to see into the spaces instead of seeing their own reflection. The upper level meeting room areas, however, need more solar control even with the use of black out shades when projectors or television monitors are in use for presentations. Since this is the majority of glazing for the new building, the energy performance has to be very good. The design team felt this coating also worked well at night when internal illumination can be seen in the immediate neighborhood.

Main Lobby Skylight Façade System 2 (FS-2) and Exterior Glass 2 (EGL-2) Transparency extends to views of the iconic tower itself. The amount of programmatic square footage required for the project and the footprint this would occupy on the site created a challenge for the goal of exposing views of the tower. Gensler incorporated several design moves in order to provide a visual connection for building occupants and visitors. The first is a 75’ wide by 30’ long skylight at the Wacker lobby. This skylight joins to the tower itself and affords views straight up to the top. It also greets tenants and visitors

42

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

as they enter the building and provides a visual connection to where they are headed. The skylight is supported by custom solid steel beams which are 3 1/2” wide by 18” deep and solid steel 3 ½” wide by 6 ½” deep purlins.

The IGUs are secured onto the solid steel purlins and beams and sloped away from the existing tower.

Skylight Façade System 2 uses glass type EGL-2 which is a Viracon IGU composed of all Pilkinton Optiwhite low-iron extra clear substrates with a laminated inner light. The outer light is 3/8” (10mm) thick with Viracon VRE-38 low emmistivty coating on the #2 surface. A frit pattern composed of 1/8” diameter high opacity white dots in an offset pattern with 20% coverage was utilized to aid in solar control for the lobby space below. A 1/2” (13.2mm) argon gas filled space seperates the laminated inner light composed of two pieces of 1/4” (6mm) Optiwhite and a .06” (1.52mm) clear PVB interlayer. This overall compostion yields a Visible Light Transmittance of 32%, a U-Value Winter of .24 Btu/(hr x sqft x degF), a Shading Coefficient of .24 and an Exterior Reflectance Value of 45%. This glass assembly composition was specifcally chosen for its ability to control

FS-4 Atrium Skylight (photo credit Gensler)

Catalog Atrium Space (courtesy EQ Office)

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

43

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

internal glare in the lobby without the use of tinted glass substrates. Thornton Tomasetti Façade Engineering performed a reflection analysis of this skylight to determine if the reflected daylight would cause issues with adjacent neighboring properties. They concluded that there was a very low risk of incidence.

View from Wacker Lobby up to Tower (photo credit Gensler)

Skylight glass selection is extremely challenging.

A careful balance needs to be struck between designing for worst case sunlight days, overcast days and energy performance. Tinted glass substrates are often used but these can alter the quality of light in the space below with less than desirable results. The design team felt that the EGL-2 glass type found a proper equilibrium by using a somewhat more reflective coating combined with a frit pattern in lieu of relying on tinted glass.

Atrium Skylight Façade System 4 (FS4) and Exterior Glass 4 (EGL-4) The other skylight occurs over the Jackson Boulevard atrium known as Catalog. This is a custom, double curved 75’ by 85’ skylight which frames spectacular views of the tower, serving to remind visitors of the iconic power of the SOM designed building. The skylight framing is composed of 4” wide by 8” deep hollow steel sections with steel connection nodes by Novum Structures. The toggle glazed IGUs are set off the HSS members with stainless steel posts and a proprietary system of clamp plates.

The double curved geometry of the skylight is rotated 45 degrees from the tower grid with a system of faceted 6’-8” by 6’-8” IGUs. The skylight Wacker Lobby and Skylight Views (photo credit Gensler)

curves upward approximately 15’. This upward curve allows the atrium space below to reveal itself especially at night.

Skylight Façade System 4 uses glass type EGL-4 which is a Beijing Wuhua Tianbiao (WHTB) IGU composed of all low-iron substrates with a laminated inner light. The outer light is 3/8” (10mm) thick with WHTB DFR146 low emmistivty coating on the #2 surface. A frit pattern composed of 1/8” diameter high opacity white dots in an offset pattern with 30% coverage was utilized to aid in the control of the amount of sunlight in the atrium space below. A 1/2” (13.2mm) argon gas filled space separates the laminated inner light composed 44

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

of two pieces of 5/16” (8mm) low iron and a .06” (1.52mm) clear SGP interlayer. This overall compostion yields a Visible Light Transmittance of 32%, a U-Value Winter of .28 Btu/(hr x sqft x degF), a Shading Coefficient of .30 and an Exterior Reflectance Value of 35%. This glass assembly composition was specifically chosen for its ability to control internal glare in the atrium without the use of tinted glass substrates. Thornton Tomasetti Façade Engineering performed a reflection analysis of this skylight to determine if the reflected daylight would cause issues with adjacent neighboring properties. They again concluded that there was a very low risk of incidence.

The design team again faced the challenge of balancing the desire for abundant natural light in both sunny and overcast conditions but still

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

being able to meet intense energy savings goals. This atrium space had the added issue of being less of a transition space than the lobby as people will be resting here or having a meal during the day. The frit pattern coverage was therefore increased to 30%, lowering the exterior reflective value, a benefit at the occupied green roof level above the atrium.

Conclusions Glass selection for buildings with mixed use programs is inherently challenging. Each program will have its own target levels of acceptable visible light, shading coefficients and exterior reflectance values to name a few.

Some of these spaces will be transitory while others will have occupants spending greater amounts of time. Energy codes effectively place limits on glazing system performance as the

mechanical system of a building can only offset a limited amount of lower performing glass.

Glass must therefore perform at a high level and from an aesthetic design perspective, a uniform or at least complimentary appearance is desired. Finding a single glass for vertical or horizontal applications is therefore not an easy task. Cost can also drive many decisions. Our experience on this project led us to aim for a middle ground of somewhat higher visible light transmittance and very low exterior reflectance for the vertical glass. For horizontal glass, we chose a much lower visible light transmittance by using a more reflective coating with a frit pattern instead of relying on tinted substrates.

These two methods supply a degree of uniformity over the faรงade while also being flexible when the orientation of the surface required a different result.

Stephen Katz, AIA, LEED AP BD+C Senior Associate and Technical Director Gensler Stephen Katz is a Senior Associate, Technical Director and Regional Office Buildings Practice Area Leader at Gensler. Stephen has worked and lectured in the United States, Asia and Europe and has authored papers about faรงade design, intelligent building technology and sustainability. Stephen is the founder of Gensler Enclosures; a group dedicated to innovation and research for building enclosure design. Stephen has played strategic positions on award winning projects including the Johnson Controls Asia-Pacific Headquarters, the Willis Tower Repositioning Project and the Kohler Global Communications Headquarters to name a few. He favors an inclusive design process which recognizes the importance of teamwork, listening and the power of imagination. Stephen is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the AIA National Building Performance Advisory Group and is a LEED Accredited Professional.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hobart College and a Master of Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

45

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

Corso Italia 23 Kent Jackson Skidmore Owings & Merrill (SOM)

46

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

À

llianz Real Estate and SOM have recently gone on site with their renovation scheme for the former Allianz S.p.A. Milanese headquarters in the heart of Milan. Originally designed by architects Gio Ponti, Piero Portaluppi and Antonio Fornaroli in the early 60s, the project transforms the 45,000 sqm Corso Italia complex from an insular single-tenant headquarters into a vibrant office campus employing the most advanced sustainability, flexibility, workplace, wellbeing and smart building concepts. This, while maintaining dialogue with the original design.

“Corso Italia 23 is a great opportunity to reposition Gio Ponti’s headquarters building and integrate it into the heart of Milan.” says Kent Jackson, Design Partner for the project.

“We were also happy that Allianz chose to approach this as an adaptive reuse project, significantly reducing our carbon footprint/ embodied energy.”

The project takes an inside-out approach, addressing the needs of users by providing flexible and adaptable office space supported by a robust programme of amenities that meet the demands of contemporary users.

The office floors benefit from central hub spaces that create a vertical connection through the building and offer a range of common space for use by tenants. Meeting spaces, phone rooms and lounge areas provide the background for collaboration and the serendipitous interactions which lead to new ideas.

Providing inspirational outdoor spaces is a key component to addressing health and wellbeing in the workplace. A redesigned courtyard forms the heart of the Corso Italia 23 campus.

“We are delighted with SOM’s designs for Corso Italia 23. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, we see this redevelopment as building on and enhancing Gio Ponti’s original design intent and creating a truly aspirational workplace campus for today and the future.” said Alexander Gebauer, CEO West Europe Allianz Real Estate.

A full-service conference centre, including a 200 seat auditorium, facilitates large meetings and seminars. A fully integrated audio-visual fit out and specialty lighting allows the auditorium to also serve as a performance space in addition to meeting the business needs of the tenant.

The project embraces all facets of sustainability: environment, resource management and people, and aspires to meet both LEED® and WELL Gold Building Standards.

Yasemin Kologlu, Design Director for the project states: “At SOM, we share the belief that sustainability is not only about resource efficiency and operational costs, but also encompasses proactive design solutions that support users’ health and wellbeing “ SOM’s design for the former Allianz Headquarters represents an historic opportunity to reinvigorate the Corso Italia area into a new workplace district for the city, cementing Milan as one of the most vibrant metropolises in Europe and acting as a catalyst for future development.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

47

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

DESIGN STATEMENT A New Gateway The repositioning of the former Allianz Headquarters represents an historic opportunity to develop a new workplace district in the heart of Milan. The Campus acts as a catalyst for the renovation of an area which has been neglected in recent transformations of the city and that will soon see major development with the future opening of the new underground metro line M4 connected to Linate Airport. CI23 re-establishes the role of the medieval gateway Pusterla di Sant’Eufemia, one of eleven gateways that allowed entrance to medieval Milan.

The Campus SOM’s proposal for Corso Italia 23 aims to transform an insular headquarters into a vibrant office campus which respects its heritage while meeting the company’s needs today and in the future.

48

The proposed interventions seek to reinstate our understanding of some of Gio Ponti’s original aspirations for an open courtyard and greater connectivity within the buildings. It has been important throughout the design process to create a greater level of connection to the urban environment, opening the office campus to a diverse group of users, with new courtyards, and dining venues, creating a vibrant atmosphere of activities that extend beyond the typical workday. Office floors are enriched by the insertion of central hubs, which are anchored by communal staircases that encourage movement throughout the buildings.

Key interventions bring the campus in line with contemporary workspaces and include the addition of new lobbies, suitable for various occupant profiles. By employing a unified set of materials, detailing and finishing, a ‘continuous landscape’ is formed at ground level, stitching the new elements of the campus together,

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

including simple elevation changes that navigate both visitors and the office community to the Fitness Centre, Business Centre, and Food Hall. Tenant lobbies link directly to the public realm, while spiral staircases visually connect the office spaces with the landscape and further collaborative and amenity spaces encourage informal gathering, promote physical activity and wellbeing throughout the work environment.

Heritage When it first opened in 1962 Corso Italia 23 embodied Gio Ponti’s idea of what the future of work would look like. With parking for the majority of employees, it solved city-centre congestion problems, a courtyard was landscaped with trees and flowerbeds, giving workers views to greenery, and a state-ofthe-art data centre, packed with ceiling-high calculators, anticipated the spread of computer technology in Italy.

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

Our approach to heritage is rooted in our understanding of the values and key elements of the original architecture and design intent.

Preservation is about managing change, acknowledging that some adaptation is necessary for buildings to remain in use over time, and that this must be undertaken whilst ensuring that the spirit of the original design is always maintained. The right balance needs to be found between heritage, innovation, sustainability, cost and identity.

Our design aims to maintain an individual character for each building on the campus, one which relates to its specific context and adjacencies. The level of intervention made to each building is dependent on its heritage value and its specific role within the campus.

The Honeycomb Façade The building which fronts Corso Italia defines the campus’ new identity and announces its presence on the main road to the city centre.

Originally designed by Gio Ponti for residential use, the building was incorporated into the RAS headquarters after construction to be used as office. Later, during a 1980’s renovation, the original façade was altered.

In its latest iteration, the building is completely redesigned as a translucent object. Clad with a three-dimensional unitised glazed system, the

façade’s language draws on Ponti’s interest in tessellation and reflectivity.

Sustainability and Wellbeing The proposal aims to meet LEED® Gold certification standards with a range of strategies highlighted in low and mid-impact scenarios.

Aligned with the project’s detailed and comprehensive design rigour, the proposal also aspires to achieve WELL Gold.

The design approach for the project and surrounding area considered four key sustainability themes: Water, Energy, Carbon and Wellbeing. The strategy comprises

advanced energy and water meters for monitoring and reporting, significant facade enhancements, energy generation through PV panels, purchasing green tariffs or energy certificates and grey water recycling. Advanced air filters, cleaning protocols, water testing and treatment and physical ergonomics also contribute to meeting the principles set out in the WELL standard.

Wellness is a key driver in this scheme, with emphasis placed on improving daylight in the workspaces, encouraging physical activity and using sustainable and local materials. Vertical transportation forms part of the wellbeing

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

49

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

strategy, with feature spiral staircases in the atrium encouraging physical activity.

The Courtyards The existing courtyard is reimagined and given a completely new identity as an active green space which connects the buildings to each other and to the wider community.

The landscape design enables connectivity between the various parts of the campus, with greater visual permeability between inside and outside spaces. The landscaping is sculpted to provide quieter spaces: One slopes down to create a double height auditorium, while another steps down to a food hall/courtyard.

From this dynamic landscape environment, users are led to a more contemplative series of courtyards. Here, tenants can hold casual meetings, meditate or relax with their colleagues.

A green space is situated on top of the “Fungo” building and overlooks a sunken courtyard where tenants can work outdoors.

This distinctive space is calm, shaded, and surrounded by the Conference Centre, Lounge, and Office spaces. The courtyard’s new design gives continuity at ground floor, rationalising what was previously a fragmented series of spaces across multiple level changes.

50

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

Amenities C123’s diverse range of new amenities aims to completely revitalise the workspace experience, starting in the courtyard and continuing throughout the building up to a series of ‘lanterns’ at the campus’ crown. Along with the courtyards, these include a business centre, facilities for sport and leisure and retail on the street front, creating connectivity with the wider community.

The former underground car park is transformed into a new food-court, accessible from the centre of the main courtyard. The space is inspired by Gio Ponti’s original design, which imagined a wide opening at ground level to bring natural light into the car park. The new food hall will host multiple food outlets ranging from a restaurant and coffee shop on the ground floor to a market hall on the lower ground level and a clubhouse on the top floor.

The direct relationship to the open courtyard takes advantage of the landscaping and provides opportunities for external dining.

Conference Centre and Performance Space A full-service conference centre facilitates large meetings and seminars with a focus on

hospitality and full audio-visual integration.

This amenity can be used by any of the building’s tenants, relieving them of the need to provide large conference rooms as part of

their individual lease holdings. The conference centre’s rooms are reconfigurable and can be resized to accommodate the specific needs of any gathering.

PROGRAMME PHASE I International Competition: September 2016- February 2017 PHASE II Design and Permitting: October 2017- September 2019 PHASE III Construction: October 2019- First quarter 2022 SURFACE AREAS Total Area: 45,000 sqm Office Area: 24,125 sqm External Area: 2,180 sqm Roof Area: 1,510 sqm TEAM CLIENT: Allianz Real Estate ARCHITECTURAL PROJECT AND GENERAL COORDINATION: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (Europe) LLP

CONSULTANTS Proger: Local Architect, Architect of Record, Cost Consultant Fire and Life Safety BMS: Structural Design Manens-Tifs: MEP, Sustainability and Smart Building Design Filippo Cannata: Lighting Design Systematica: Transport and Vertical Transportation TA Architettura: Heritage Consultant Jacobs Italia: Project Management

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

51

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

A 200 seat auditorium incorporates a fully integrated audio-visual fit out and specialty lighting also allows the venue to serve as a performance space for the fine arts in addition to meeting the business needs of the companies on the campus.

Smart Ready We believe that a ‘Smart Building’ should be measured not only by how well it responds to the long-term needs of asset investors and owners, but also to the immediate and ongoing needs of its occupants. Corso 1talia 23’s Smart Building infrastructure is approached as a dynamic and responsive ecosystem of devices that speak to, respond to and support one another.

Given the rapid advancement of smart technologies, our design focuses on goals as much as on devices. High quality individual component systems contribute to an overall architecture that ensures an environment of shared information which will enhance Corso 1talia 23’s workplace and provide benefits that go beyond capital savings.

Corso 1talia 23 offers occupants a considerable number of progressive and customisable landlord-provided Smart-Ready features, including: • People counting & analytics • Wi-Fi coverage throughout all common areas • Environmental comfort, using real-time monitoring of temperature, light intensity, air quality, and relative humidity conditions to ensure a responsive and efficient workplace.

• Indoor / outdoor environmental conditions monitoring to create high quality indoor microclimates • Resource & tracking monitoring for place finding (meeting rooms) or people finding.

This system can be implemented to track public transport conditions, car parking or bike sharing availability, the day’s menu in the Food Court, or to book a fitness lesson in the gym or outdoor garden.

Yasemin Kologlu Yasemin is a Design Director in the New York office of SOM. She joined the firm in 2004 and has since worked at SOM’s New York and London offices. Her experience encompasses a diverse portfolio of projects, including innovative headquarters, complex adaptive reuse projects, large-scale commercial and residential, and mixeduse developments. She also has extensive experience in European projects including the JTI Headquarters and the United Nations headquarters, both in Geneva, and Karlatornet in Gothenburg—the tallest residential tower in Scandinavia. All these projects contribute to SOM’s reputation as a leader in sustainable design and wellbeing. In the last few years, Yasemin has been leading a cultural shift at London office and pursuing a forward thinking and holistic approach to design that integrates wellbeing, environmental and technology.

She is a LEED® Accredited Professional and an ambassador of the Sustainable Design Group for the firm’s London office.

Yasemin has been actively involved in leadership and mentorship activities with organisations, such as RIBA and the UK Green Building Council. She is committed to pluralism and diversity of design in practice and leads the company’s Year One and Women’s Initiative programs in London. She is also a strong advocate for equality, diversity and innovation in the design industry, and leads company initiatives that contribute to the promotion of women in this sector.

The Smart Building infrastructure is designed to allow for the introduction by tenants of additional features that include digital signage, room booking, hot desking, space management, electronic access control and audio-video entry systems, as well as predictive maintenance and building analytics.

52

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

Kent Jackson Kent Jackson is a Design Partner in the London office of SOM. His experience encompasses a wide range of scales and uses, including corporate offices, airports, residential developments and large mixed-use urban schemes. Kent leads an architectural team in developing innovative approaches to design which respond to individual context and enable integration of both the natural and built environment. In collaboration with his clients, Kent focuses on developing creative solutions that meet both aesthetic and pragmatic requirements, allowing buildings to positively impact the environment, whilst addressing the specific needs of inhabitants.

Having worked in SOM’s Chicago and London offices, Kent has an overarching understanding of the practice and a diverse range of experience across all aspects of architectural design. Kent joined the London office in 1999, and under his leadership the office has won a number of significant projects including the renovation of the United Nations Office at Geneva – Palais des Nations complex; JTI Headquarters, in Geneva; Karlatornet, Scandinavia’s tallest building, in Gothenburg; and Manhattan Loft Gardens, an iconic 42-story residential tower located adjacent to the legacy site of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Kent’s work has been published in various international publications including Wallpaper, DETAIL, Interior Design, and SOM Journal. He has also lectured at a number of conferences and architectural schools around the world. In 2015, he was invited by TEDxUCL to present an innovative research project focused on the need to deliver high-quality, livable homes in large quantities to address the housing crisis in London.

Kent is a registered architect in both the United States and United Kingdom. He serves on the UK Advisory Board for the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, and is a leading advocate of SOM’s pledge to meet the AIA 2030 Commitment towards a carbonneutral built environment.

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

© Hufton+Crow © Hufton+Crow

AGC INTERPANE CONGRATULATES ALL THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED TO ACHIEVE THIS CONGRATULATES ALL FANTASTIC THOSE AGC INTERPANE LONDON SKYLINE OFTO INNOVATIVE GLASS FACADES WHO CONTRIBUTED ACHIEVE THIS FANTASTIC LONDON SKYLINE OF INNOVATIVE GLASS FACADES

The Shard - The News Building - Fielden House - 20 Fenchurch Street 10 Fenchurch Street - The Scalpel - 22 Bishopsgate - 30 St Mary Axe The Shard - The -News Building- 70 - Fielden House 20 Fenchurch 6 Bevis Market St. Botolphs St Mary Axe -- Heron Tower Street 10 Street - The Scalpel - 22 Bishopsgate - 30 St Mary Axe 150Fenchurch Bishopsgate - Broadgate Tower 6 Bevis Market - St. Botolphs - 70 St Mary Axe - Heron Tower 150 Bishopsgate - Broadgate Tower

www.interpane.com - www.agc-yourglass.com

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

53

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

Double-curved, mirrored façade of MVRDV’s

Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen Fokke Moerel MVRDV

© MVRDV

54

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

A

s one of the most important cultural buildings built in Rotterdam this century, the new art storage facility for the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen – known as the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen – demands world-class architecture.

For MVRDV it is a privilege and an honour to shape such a crucial building in our hometown.

Due to complete construction next year with the building opening scheduled for 2021, our design, one that is simultaneously bold and unusual, but also respects the surroundings with its bowl shape that reduces the building’s footprint to the minimum possible size, and its mirrored façade that reflects the life of the park and museums around it.

The combination of its shape and exterior finish, however, required an innovative solution: double-curved, mirrored glass façade panels, which meet all local regulations for glass safety, and which in places merge seamlessly with transparent glass sections to make the building’s windows blend into the rest of the façade. Achieving this effect required significant research and an innovative approach, not only from MVRDV as architects, but also from the project engineers, manufacturers, contractors, and even from the municipality of Rotterdam.

Origins of the Depot The Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen will be the primary art storage facility for the Museum

Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam’s premier art museum with a collection of 151,000 artworks, spanning all regions of the world and all artistic periods from medieval to contemporary art. Until now, this collection was housed in multiple locations around the city, including a large number of works that were kept in the basement level of the museum itself.

Storing priceless art underground in a city that is, itself, below sea level, is inadvisable. The need for a new, more secure storage facility was first discussed in 2005, and discussions about the project were accelerated with every flood that threatened the artworks in the leaky storage spaces below.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

55

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

MVRDV won the design competition for the new facility in 2013 with a proposal for a fully accessible art storage facility. The proposal not only provides safe, modern storage facilities, but implements open storage principles to allow visitors to browse among 70,000 artworks that are not included in the formal exhibitions at the museum. The building also offers the chance to see the research, conservation, and restoration work that takes place behind the scenes of the museum.

56

Architectural Design Architecturally, the Depot comprises a 36.5-metre-tall, round, bowl-shaped volume with a public lobby space on the ground level and a dramatic central atrium. The public route zig-zags through the atrium as it rises, providing glimpses into the various storage spaces and work areas, and terminates in a steel-and-glass pavilion structure on the roof. This pavilion houses a restaurant and is surrounded by a rooftop sculpture garden complete with 75 birch trees planted on the building’s roof.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

From street level however, the most striking aspect of the building’s appearance is its façade of 1,664 glass panels that are double-curved to give the building its smooth bowl shape, and given a mirror finish. Though considered ‘flashy’ by some, the mirrored façade and the shape of the Depot were primarily informed by a commitment to the social impact of the building. The building is located next to the Boijmans Museum itself, at the northern end of Rotterdam’s Museumpark – a park designed in 1994 by architects OMA and landscape

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

© Ossip van Duivenbode

© MVRDV

architect Yves Brunier, and which is surrounded not only by the Boijmans Museum but also the Kunsthal, Het Nieuw Instituut, the Natural History Museum Rotterdam, The Chabot Museum, and Villa Sonneveld. Taking space away from the park to be replaced by a building the size of the Depot was, from the beginning, a contentious proposal.

The bowl shape of the Depot was therefore proposed to reduce the footprint of the building, preserving key routes through the

© Ossip van Duivenbode

park, and to ensure that the building has no ‘backside’, while the rooftop garden was proposed as a way to replace the park space appropriated by the building with an even larger, publicly accessible green space above with the added value of a panoramic view over the city. The mirror effect, meanwhile, ensures that the Depot emphasises the importance of its setting over its own presence in the Museumpark. It allows people to see into the park from further along the street, reflects the life and activity of the park back on itself, and

celebrates the city by offering those on the ground a view of the skyline of Rotterdam.

While the Depot, as an art storage facility, does not require as many windows as most building types, it does still need openings in some key locations, and in this sense the mirror finish brought its own set of challenges. Windows are integrated into the design using a ‘dissolve’ effect, where a gradient is created between the mirrored glass and the transparent panels. This masks the edge of the windows; during the day,

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

57

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

the natural reflectivity of glass windows means that these openings blend into the rest of the façade.

Glass Manufacture The glass plates for the Depot are manufactured in China, by the only manufacturer we could find with the capability to carry out all three processes for mirroring, bending, and adding a gradient to the windows in the same factory. The panels are made from laminated, un-tempered glass, since the tempering process is not compatible with a mirror coating.

The panels are produced by first cutting flat glass panes to the correct size and shape.

Because the curvature of the Depot is not continuous, as you might see in a shape based on a sphere, but instead curves more dramatically nearer the bottom, the panels have different curvature depending upon their eventual position on the building. Because of this, the building’s 3D model was used to calculate the correct 2D shape for each panel.

The mirror coating is then applied to what will eventually become the inside of the outer laminate layer and the glass panes are formed in the oven, where gravity is used to form the heated glass into an appropriate mould. To minimise inconsistencies, both layers from each laminated panel are formed simultaneously, with a film between the two that allows the glass panes to slide against each other as they bend. The heat in the oven is slowly reduced so that the panes are cooled as slowly as possible, in an attempt to reduce any deformations during the cooling process. Once the panes have cooled and been removed from the moulds, they are laminated in the autoclave with a central PVB layer, before being shipped to the Netherlands.

The double-glazed windows are made using a similar process, with the inner and outer panes laminated separately before being assembled into the window frame. The dissolve effect around the edge of the windows is achieved using a spotted ‘halftone’ gradient, which fades from a fully opaque mirror at the very edges of the windows to complete transparency over a distance of one metre.

No standards have been created that provide tolerance specifications for double-curved glass. For this reason, we imposed the strictest standard available for single curved glass (the 58

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

© MVRDV

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

59

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

© Rob Glastra

German ‘F-merkblatt 009/2011 - Leitfaden für thermisch gebogenes Glas im Bauwesen’) which provides for size tolerances of +/- 4mm and a deviation in curvature of +/- 2mm.

To ensure compliance with this, the panel tolerances are checked at three points: both before and after shipping, and before installation.

Panel Construction To create a panel that can be installed on site, each glass pane is mounted to a steel frame that matches its curvature. Because the glass is not tempered, it cannot be drilled or otherwise mechanically connected, so this process is achieved using glue. A layer of glue 15mm thick is applied to the circumference of the steel frame, with small gaps at points to allow for water drainage from the panel. The glass is placed in a concave mould to ensure that it holds its shape as pressure is applied to glue the two parts together. The glue layer also helps to accommodate any minute differences between the curvature of the glass and its steel frame.

For safety reasons, the Municipality of Rotterdam required a mechanical failsafe in the event that the glue attaching the glass fails. This was achieved with small steel ‘hands’ that are mounted to the steel frame after gluing and wrap around the edge of the glass, although they do not touch the glass, which would risk distortions in the mirrors. There are 12 of these per panel – four each on the top and bottom and two on each side – ready to catch the glass if the glue fails and hold it in position until the panel can be removed safely.

60

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

Panel Installation Anchor points for the façade panels were installed in the concrete structure of the Depot by being embedded in the concrete of the lowest two floors, which are formed of in-situ concrete, and drilled into place on the upper floors, which were made with concrete panels.

Connection consoles are then attached to these anchor points, while the insulation panels for the façade are laser-cut to ensure that they fit over these consoles without any spaces for airflow.

The connection consoles are located at the corners of each panel, and therefore each supports a different corner of four different panels with four hooks in total. The panels are hung onto these hooks using steel rods embedded in the panel frame. Once mounted, the position of the panel can be adjusted both

vertically and horizontally to provide optimal alignment. The vertical height of the lower hooks on the connection console (which support the top corners of the panels) are adjusted by simply turning a bolt, while the upper hooks (supporting the bottom corners of the panels) are adjusted using a specially designed key. Meanwhile, the horizontal position of the panel is adjusted by turning a bolt that moves a collar on the steel rod, moving the panel relative to the hook.

The Limits of Tolerances Despite the stringent tolerances imposed on the glass manufacture, absolute perfection is an unattainable goal and as such, we anticipated some imperfections. As expected, the panels did not give a perfectly smooth reflection, and the reflection did not always line up between two panels.

However, as more of the structure receives its mirrored finish, the spectacular effect we envisioned is gradually emerging. One could even say that the Depot is an art work in its own right, with the imperfections serving as a metaphor for the fragmented world we live in.

We are confident, therefore, that the finished building will be a sympathetic neighbour, adding value to the Museumpark, and a building that not only celebrates the existing skyline of Rotterdam, but contributes to it as well. We hope it will be worthy of the art it will keep safe, worthy of its location in Museumpark, and worthy to be mentioned alongside the many architectural icons of Rotterdam.

© Allard van der Hoek

Fokke Moerel MVRDV partner Fokke Moerel (Breda, 1970) was one of the first architects to join MVRDV in 1998. She leads projects with a focus on public and cultural works, transformations and interior design all around the globe. Fokke has completed award-winning designs such as the Baltyk office tower in Poznan, Poland, the Book Mountain Library in Spijkenisse and the Lloyd Hotel & Cultural Embassy in Amsterdam.

Currently she leads the interior architecture department at MVRDV and she is overseeing the construction of Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, the first publicly accessible art depot in the world, which will open its doors in 2021 in Rotterdam.

Fokke’s personal drive is to collaborate on the design and realization of buildings which have a strong connection to and impact on their direct surroundings, such as (semi) public buildings, refurbishments of monumental buildings which can revive their neighbourhood, and buildings with a clear end-user. Fokke has taught at Harvard and Cambridge together with MVRDV cofounder Nathalie de Vries, and at the Silpakorn University in Bangkok, Thailand.

She is currently tutoring at The Hague Royal Academy of Arts and is an external critic at the Academy of Architecture Rotterdam.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

61

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

Complex Geometric Precision

One Thousand Museum 62

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

Chris Lepine Zaha Hadid Architects

Introduction Our One Thousand Museum tower has been a tremendous challenge and an incredible experience, one that has tested me personally, our office and the entire design team. Together we met the challenge of delivering a highly ambitious design to the highest quality standards within the demanding parameters of commercial viability. The latest addition to Miami’s skyline owes its success to the dedication of everyone involved and the foresight to implement the most innovative design and construction techniques available.

It is especially exciting to see One Thousand Museum nearing completion in Zaha Hadid’s adopted home of Miami where it will stand prominently on the skyline.

Zaha Hadid Architects’ constant pursuit of innovation, quality design and construction to the highest standards are driving forces that compel our architecture. As a result, One Thousand Museum is visually and physically pioneering, yet it is structurally efficient and perfectly suited to fulfil its programmatic requirements. The 62-storey, 84 unit luxury condominium tower features deep balconies, broad vistas, generous amenities, and parking levels all configured and expressed in an unexpected way to create one synthesized design.

Set within an inspiring setting where bay and ocean frame a diverse and energetic city, the design for One Thousand Museum captures and reflects this exceptional location especially through the key design feature, a dynamic structure that allows for large, expansive units

with incredible views where city, architecture and setting can be enjoyed.

The energy of Miami and positive outlook of the people is enticing. There is a broad mix of cultures and an interest in design with emerging areas and events such as the Design District, Wynwood, Art Basel, and of course Museum Park across from our site that offer a fantastic, flavourful, rich experience.

One Thousand Museum is the perfect addition to the ensemble of buildings forming Museum Park, perfectly located to take advantage of the activity of the Adrienne Arsht Center, American Airlines Arena, and easy access to the beach.

Innovation and Quality as a Core Principle The innovations seen in OTM trace a direct lineage to ZHAs constant endeavours to innovate and to deliver a high quality solution.

Years of research and development from exploring, then pushing beyond software limitations, expanding our knowledge base through our excellent consultant teams, and acquiring lessons from our built work, have all contributed to the realization of one of the world’s most ambitious towers.

Technical Innovation A world first construction system was developed for OTM’s defining feature, the exoskeleton, which posed the greatest design and construction challenge for the project.

Referred to as a “permanent formwork solution”, factory-made Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) panels, provide both formwork and

Photos: Alëna Graff

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

63

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

architectural finish. They are assembled around steel reinforcement cages, then filled with high strength, self-compacting concrete and remain permanently in place once the concrete has cured. The permanent formwork solution holds many advantages over other traditional building methods that were investigated and evaluated to achieve the exoskeleton design.

required high degree of geometric precision and quality finish. Although the construction of the in-situ concrete structure would be more forgiving, as it would later be concealed in this scenario, the formwork of the underlying superstructure would still be complex.

Carefully coordinated and calibrated brackets would then be required for panel installation.

In-situ concrete relies heavily on the quality of the formwork and concrete. Since the concrete is the architectural finish, high grade, white concrete and a perfect pour every time, with no margin for error is required. Furthermore, it was doubtful that conventional cast-in-place forming methods could achieve the required level of detail and articulation.

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;permanent formworkâ&#x20AC;? hybrid solution ultimately used for the construction of OTM benefits from the advantages while eliminating many of the disadvantages of the more traditional in-situ and cladding construction methods. Factory finished panels, made to exacting material and geometric specifications, are the formwork. Panels are positioned, clamped together, filled with structural concrete and then remain in place to become the exterior and interior finish. The need for one-off, highly complex formwork, the risk of

Cladding solutions using panels of Pre-cast concrete or Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) were also considered to achieve the

64

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

ensuring a perfect pour every time, expensive, stainless steel cladding brackets, and difficult super structure and sub-structure / cladding coordination are all eliminated. These and other advantages of the system achieved unparalleled architectural results while reducing construction of the exoskeleton by 6 months.

Additionally, this method required far less material and formwork wastage compared to in-situ concrete systems, thus, contributing to the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Platinum status with the Florida Green Building Coalition.

CNC cut moulds were built in Dubai using information generated directly from the architectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s digital model. GFRC panels were formed in the moulds, with a specified architectural finish to the face mix. Following factory test assemblies and mock-ups, the panels were shipped to Miami for use as the formwork. Overland transportation was minimal since the panels were transported between two waterfront cities, Dubai to Miami.

All 4,800 panels were designed to fit within the shipping containers and sequenced to ensure delivery to Miami when needed for installation.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

65

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

A Synthesis of Structure and Architecture ZHA has long explored fluid, expressive structures, where the formal properties are driven by structural principles, especially for tower design. Advancements in digital technology, together with novel construction methods have made possible this vision for OTM. Constructing the 709-foot concrete exoskeleton to precision, at height, and to a demanding construction program was a challenge that required collaboration, testing and an innovative technical solution.

66

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

withstand wind pressure on the 709-foot tower would have demanded more abundant and much thicker shear walls, especially around the elevator and stair cores, substantially reducing sellable area while restricting floor plan flexibility.

Here, in built form, architecture, structure, exterior façade, and interior finish are all truly synthesised through an innovation in construction.

In addition to the novel construction methods employed to achieve the exoskeleton design, the structure itself was an innovative deviation away from the typical, moment frame structure used for nearly every residential tower. Miami experiences seasonal hurricanes, so the building was designed to withstand winds of up to 180mph. A traditional approach to

The structural engineer, DeSimone worked with the architect to optimize the exoskeleton. The architectural, curving “x-braces” were employed as a bracing system and joined at “nodes.” In this configuration, the braces work in unison with the shear walls so that they are thinner and more efficient.

Balconies appear to scallop from the exoskeleton at each corner through the lower levels of the tower. Though, a visually effective signature feature, these scallop shapes are essential structural brackets supporting balcony slabs that cantilever over 35 feet. A traditional design approach would have resulted in a 20-inch-thick post-tensioned slab. Instead, this is reduced to 11 inches using these features sculpted out of the exoskeleton.

Digital Workflow An assortment of 2D and 3D platforms were used to design and deliver OTM. While the primary digital tools were Microstation, Rhino, and Maya, many others were used including Structural Engineering software, AutoCad, and Revit. The fluid movement of information between parties, digital platforms, and from 3D design to 2D documentation was critical to ensure the precision and coordination required for such an ambitious tower design.

Interoperability was key, requiring software where complex, curvilinear 3D geometry could be seamlessly passed back and forth.

We were able to combine the best talents and abilities of staff, and the strengths of each different software, therefore, opening broad possibilities without limitations to design input and development. Maya was used for early, quick sketch modelling, Rhino, a universal surface modeller, for surface modelling refinements, and Microstation for precision modelling and 2D documentation. Both ZHA and the local executive architect, ODP, used a

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

67

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

A transformation of the building massing envelope to avoid the typical tower resting on base configuration. The volume integrates the base into the composition so that the tower appears continuous and unified. The exoskeleton reinforces this design intent, and together with the balony scallops and recesses brings articulation and rhythm to the tower design 68

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

TRANSPARENT ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES

combination of Microstation and Rhino. Early in the collaboration, CAD, 3D and data exchange standards were agreed and implemented streamlining data flow between London and Miami.

A sophisticated file referencing system for 3D models and 2D documentation allowed multiple team members, across London and Miami, to work on areas of the project

independently. Team members could view a complete snapshot of the project at any given time in an up-to-date compilation “master” file.

This greatly facilitated a team effort, efficiently combining everyone’s contributions. Studies were directly referenced into the master file for quick checking on design consistency or clash issues. Microstation served as an umbrella application to coordinate a complete 3D model from which 2D drawings and construction documentation were directly produced.

Microstation and Rhino’s parametric capabilities to shape, refine, and rationalize were essential for conceiving and delivering the design. The entire exoskeleton was rationalized as a series of straight segments and arcs with minimum variation in radii. Although sinuous, sculptural and geometrically complex, the exoskeleton is symmetrically designed, facilitating constructability through repetition in panels, moulds and formwork. Additionally, with a minor exception at the base of the tower, all twisting and double curved panels were eliminated, while retaining the integrity and dynamism of the design.

Parametric design was used to generate many of the 3D patterns that give the design its unique character. The top of tower feature wall and the perforation pattern across the

geometrically complex parking garage cladding are examples of this method for designs that could not be achieved otherwise. The nearly 6 story high curvilinear “surf boards” arrayed across areas of the parking garage like gill slots represent a parametric progression of the same underlying form.

The structural exoskeleton required close collaboration and immediate feedback from our structural engineers, DeSimone. The 3D model exchange between architect and engineer enabled a quick turnaround confirming the efficiency of the structural system. The combined process allowed for precision engineering of the sinuous components, which may not have been achievable a decade ago.

The construction stages, required extensive design and engineering coordination between the panel design and fabrication firm in Dubai, the architectural teams in London and the US, multiple engineering and peer review firms, the contractors, and the inspection authorities.

The team conducted weekly meetings via the internet, using interactive 3-D modeling to study and solve a multitude of on-site construction and engineering challenges, many of which had never been encountered before, as the team successfully implemented a brand new construction method.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

69

THE

BIG

INTERVIEW

IGS introduces Leon Rost, Partner at Bjarke Ingels Group & Design Leader of Google's HQ Buildings around the world

70

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

THE

1. Your architectural firm, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), was commissioned to design Google North Bayshore and Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cross Central. What tipped the scales in your favour for the client to choose your design?

In the beginning Google with direct involvement from Larry Page sent out a request for qualifications to a handful of firms in the form of a Ted Talk; essentially an 18-minute video that describes our firm and our initial thinking for a potential headquarters for Google. The story goes that Larry was drawn to both BIG and to Heatherwick Studio, and he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t decide between the two, or at least saw different strengths and potential with each of us, so he decided to pair us together in a sort of arranged marriage. I think what resonated with Google in our work was a pragmatic and rational

approach but with an unexpected whimsy, which really embodies what Google is all about.

2. Being tasked with creating such highprofile projects seems daunting. Does the history attached to these sites and these companies ever intimidate you? There must be a sense of pride attached to breathing life and encouraging human interaction into areas where that was previously not the case?

I would say that the primary response is never intimidation, but excitement at endless opportunity. Even with a rather generic project, it is the job of the architect to see it in the most flattering, optimistic light, and to visualize the sheer potential; so, you can imagine that for a project such as this we were bursting with enthusiasm.

BIG

INTERVIEW

It would be an understatement to say there is a sense of pride that comes with completing a building or project; especially with projects that take over five years from the first site visit to the ribbon cutting ceremony. Although it takes a long time to conceive, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also satisfaction of knowing the building will stand for 20 to 50 years; or in these cases with Google the intent is for them to survive 100 years. Seeing how a building use evolves and survives different social and economic forces is also one of the joys of being an architect and I do hope to visit these buildings when I am towards the end of my career.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

71

THE

BIG

INTERVIEW

3. AI, robotics, the IoT and digital transformation are all disruptive technologies. There is a danger that if we all use the same design engines, the same drivers, we will all make the same mistakes and buildings will become same old, same old, thereby stifling the talent of the individual. What are your thoughts on this? How do you maintain your differential?

Technology has always been able to progress the profession of architecture; often taking away the most mundane tasks and allowing human time and creativity to be focused towards emerging or experimental domains.

As a very basic example, if you look at old hand drawings like that of Frank Lloyd Wright, someone spent an awful amount of time crosshatching large fields of drawings, and not to mention meticulously making detailed models. When hatches became possible at a 72

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

click of a button, team sizes didn’t shrink – it allowed those architects to spend more time on design, or dive deeper into the possibilities of a project concepts or details. A more recent example is BIM which allowed us to save enormous amount of time when laying out to the drawings, and when done correctly an entire drawing set can be generated at the click of a button. Similarly, physical models can now be 3-D printed, laser cut, or machined, which has also freed up the time of architects to again focus more on design quality rather than design representation.

Looking to the future I am optimistic that AI and other future technology will allow us to further advance the profession of architecture, freeing humans up to do what they do best think creatively. We have begun research and development internally on a ‘BIG Bot’ that would be able to begin automating parts of the

THE

BIG

INTERVIEW

design process which are unique to our firm, but consistent across our projects, such as site analysis, program analysis, and initial massing ideas.

4. As Project Leader for Google North Bayshore and Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cross Central, you play a critical role in delivering the project to fruition. Have you experienced any notable challenges, and if so, how have you overcome these?

We were put in a uniquely challenging position at the beginning of the project. We like to think of ourselves as the creatives in the room, and usually we are dealt a dry brief, program, and site constraints, and it is our responsibility to make the magic; however in our initial conversations with Larry Page, it became clear that his visions were so idealistic, that it was our responsibility to ground these ideas in reality - to turn fiction into fact. For example, the original brief included a wave pool embedded within the workspace!

More predictably, most projects share the challenge of meeting the budget. In our case the initial concept was developed without a budget in mind intentionally, and we were then asked to execute it with quite a modest budget. There was a critical concept adjustment phase that required us to reimagine the entire family of buildings while keeping the original principles and vision intact. A similar exercise occurred later in schematic design development, where we had to reconceptualize the materiality of the building, from being a polished, museum-like interior to being more of an industrial aesthetic.

Looking to the future I am optimistic that AI and other future technology will allow us to further advance the profession of architecture, freeing humans up to do what they do best think creatively.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

73

THE

BIG

INTERVIEW

5. North Bayshore - Quoting BIG, “Silicon Valley has been an engine of innovation driving technological evolution and global economy.

So far the majority of these vast intellectual and economic resources have been confined to the digital realm – Google North Bayshore expands this innovative spirit into the physical realm.`` In what way does the architecture bring these digital sentiments into the physical realm?

You could say that the building behaves as a platform, almost as an operating system that is flexible to accommodate all its potential uses, for decades to come. The large span canopy provides almost half of the building’s energy

74

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

and lets in just the right amount of light to provide an egalitarian, perfectly lit workspace below. The workspace for Charleston East, the largest of the buildings, is a horizontal expanse of 2,500 workstations, subdivided into flexible neighborhoods, able to expand and contract and accommodate any future use that Google may throw at it, from software design to hardware design to experimental ventures. The ground floor is a bustling social arena which becomes the meeting and mixing chamber for the building community.

The building is also equipped with what we call ‘soft architecture’, a Burning Man-like kit-of-parts that helps the city underneath the canopy to reconfigure and reinvent itself. The founders of Google are seasoned ‘Burners’ and referred to the event often as an inspiration for the workspace.

THE

With building construction and operation accounting for approximately 40% of the world’s carbon emissions, the trajectory towards carbon neutrality, energy efficiency, and health are top of mind for us.

BIG

INTERVIEW

6. Taking into account the local character of the areas and context in which these projects are being built, how have the designs reflected the surrounding built environment and history of King’s Cross and Silicon Valley respectively?

At Kings Cross the site outline itself echoes its previous use as a train shed for Kings Cross station. At 300 m long yet only 20-60 m wide, it is roughly the bulk of the London Shard laid on its side. We wanted to embrace the spatial experience of these linear hangers, but stacked on top of each other, to achieve the density of an urban office building. We were also mindful to lift the building and create a lively pedestrian scale experience along the street to further activate this newly developing district.

In the case of Silicon Valley, we were most inspired by the heritage of the NASA buildings on the adjacent Moffett airfield, which contains three monumental hangars and what I believe is North America’s largest wind tunnel structure.

Beauty and simplicity to Google is personified in those hangars – as pure expression of engineering.

7. Climate change, energy efficiency, sustainability, occupant comfort, these are some key factors when designing buildings today. Leon, when you are commissioned to design a building, Google HQ is just one example, is it in the forefront of your mind to ultimately make the world a better place?

With building construction and operation accounting for approximately 40% of the world’s carbon emissions, the trajectory towards carbon neutrality, energy efficiency, and health are top of mind for us. We often seek ways to go above and beyond the brief and beyond established sustainability guidelines to give an unexpected ‘gift’ to the world – often in the form of ‘hedonistic sustainability’ – meaning that sustainability can be an indulgence. For example, the Urban Rigger floating dorm in Copenhagen are cheaper, quicker to build, and more self-sufficient than a typical dorm, PLUS it’s a better experience, with panoramic water views and a courtyard for each inhabitant.

Furthermore, our master planning projects provide the biggest opportunity to start building a better world. For example, our proposal for Oceanix City embodies one attitude towards the future of cities, that takes the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals as the driving brief. Our resiliency work in the SF Bay Area and Manhattan is a manifestation of

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

75

THE

BIG

INTERVIEW

the concept of Social Infrastructure – creating a protective barrier while ultimately creating a better place to live.

8. Could you give us some insight into the design of the facades for both projects? Are there any innovative features that stand-out in your mind?

In the case of Charleston East and Bayview the entire surface of the roof canopy is covered in thousands of 1 m x 1 m glass photovoltaic shingles. We have developed the material to be unique to this project, and to be a beautiful material in its own right to buck the trend of PV’s being an afterthought or hidden away atop a building. We strived to integrate the material into the building tectonic. We worked with Sunstyle in Switzerland to create a shingle with a textured silver-ish quality, that look like Gehry-esque metal shingles from afar, without significantly impacting its performance. Also worth noting on all of the vertical façades is bird frit placed at 2 x 4” intervals to ensure a safe building for our airborne friends.

In the case of London Kings Cross, the largest challenge of the project where it’s enormous 300 m long east-west facades which had the potential to create enormous heat and glare loads. We could not simply have a purely passive shading system, without impacting the daylight levels for the workspaces within.

Through intensive analysis we arrived at a hybrid system that passively blocks a portion of the light, with a shading system that regulates the rest. Furthermore, we created triple-height, triple glazed spans of glass that alternate with triple-height mass timber mullions that also act as shading – the first system ever at this scale.

9. Can you give our readers an idea of the glass used in these projects? How integral to the design has glass been? And what role is it playing in realizing your design goals?

The choice of glass is always an important aspect for creating the balance of daylight performance, heat gain and insulation, and clarity for views.

Notably for London Kings Cross – we ended up with triple glazing, low iron on all panes with Interpanes Ipasol Ultraselect 62/29 coating on surface 4 and Low-E Iplus Alpine CT on surface 6. All panes are heat strengthened and the PVB layer is clear Saflex.

76

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

10. Can you introduce us to some of the projects that you are particularly proud of, and perhaps give us a heads up on some projects in the pipeline that look set to gain traction and change the game in 2020.

We of course love all our children equally, but most recently I am very excited about the opening of Copenhill, the waste-to-resource energy plant in Copenhagen, which has an artificial ski slope on its rooftop. I really believe this will be a game changer in how we think about large infrastructural or industrial scale projects.

THE

BIG

INTERVIEW

Leon Rost began his collaboration with Bjarke Ingels in 2005 at PLOT in Copenhagen.

After completing architectural studies at California Polytechnic University, Leon has worked with renowned offices in Japan, Scandinavia, and Portugal, designing a variety of cultural, residential and master planning projects around the globe, including the New Oslo Central Station and the Ginza Swatch Building in Tokyo.

Leon joined BIG with the launch of the New York office in 2011 and in 2018, he became a Partner. He has worked closely with all partners on some of BIG´s greatest projects, including the successfully completed Mountain residence and Helsingør Psychiatric Hospital in Denmark. He led the design for Grove at Grand Bay in Miami which was completed in 2016, and the winning competition designs for both the Kimball Art Center in Park City and the Tirana Cultural Center & Museum for Religious Harmony. Currently, Leon is leading the design of Google’s visionary masterplan and headquarter buildings, with over 3 million SF currently under construction.

Relatedly we are currently working on a series of master plans in California, Japan, South America, and the Middle East which look at new forms of mobility, new developments in districtwide thinking, and new types of architecture vernacular which we think will set a positive tone for the collective vision for future cities. We are also continuing to look at work on other planets, which is exciting in itself, but also sheds light on how we should be thinking about efficiency and self-sufficiency on our own planet.

11. And Finally, what are your thoughts on glass as a structural material? Does glass perform enough functions to satisfy your creative

designs? Or is there something you would like glass to do that it currently does not do...to your knowledge?

We have had great success with glass as a structural material for Audemars Piguet’s museum in Switzerland. It is a beautiful unobstructed columnless spiral supported by curving glass walls. I think what prohibits us from using it as a structural material in more applications is purely cost, scale, and its weakness in seismic locations. But we are excited by its rapidly increasing potential and we will continue to provoke our structural engineers to validate its feasibility as its technological advances. intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

77

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Glass

a love-hate relationship!

Neesha Gopal Meinhardt UK

G

lass – we love it – it lets light into buildings enhancing well-being.

It allows views out so occupants can relate to their surroundings and it helps to form part of the building envelope to provide a safe and comfortable environment. It all sounds rather perfect! However, so often the visual outcome is not what we are expecting as the glass we specify does not provide the effect we want – so we hate it! I have learned through experience that glass has certain limitations and that what is specified does not always give us the result we seek.

The following are a few examples of projects that have enabled me to have a better understanding of these limitations and through this understanding has informed me how to specify glass more appropriately for particular applications.

The visual myth!

As an architect and façade consultant, I understand the aspiration to develop the best solution for the project brief and that this needs to be translated into a design concept. Commonly this is visually presented using computer generated images. It is not 78

Figure 1. What we want to see – Image of the Architect’s (Zeidler) concept. (whitbybird engineers)

Figure 2. In reality what we achieve.

Photograph of the completed building. (whitbybird engineers)

often, however, that the concept image is so representative of the finished article. A presentation I made at the CWCT Members Meeting in March 2013, titled ‘Architectural Glass, Challenges Specifying Visual Quality of Glass’ illustrated this using the following example of a project which whitbybird façade engineers were appointed on when I joined them. This very transparent façade was

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

represented in the design images. At this stage it is unlikely the requirements for the solar control of the glass or the reflectivity of the glazing were known and how this could impact the transparency of the façade.

What designers and the client need to appreciate is that although they may wish the glass to be completely transparent as shown by

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Figure 3: Anon project – view perpendicular.

Figure 4: Anon project – view becoming

(Ramboll, 2013)

oblique. (Ramboll, 2013)

Figure 3: Anon project – view perpendicular.

(Ramboll, 2013

Figure 4: Anon project – view becoming oblique.

(Ramboll, 2013)

Figure 5: Anon project – view at extreme angle.

Figure 6: Anon project – the phenomena was

(Ramboll, 2013)

recurring. (Ramboll, 2013)

It was after investigation when it was suggested that the glass was experiencing multi-layer lensing effects. Figure That5:isAnon to project say the ofangle. glass when laminated together wereFigure creating asphenomena the roller – viewpanes at extreme 6: Anon lenses project – the was recurring. (Ramboll, 2013) waves in(Ramboll, each2013) pane did not correspond.

Figure Waves inwas tempered on an incline and so the internal pane Figure 7: Roller7: waves in tempered laminated was treated as overhead. Additionally, due glasslaminated – matching glass – matching.

to the possibility of thermal stress breakage this inner glass was also heat strengthened. the glass was also proposed as Figure Waves inExternally tempered Figure 8: Roller8: waves in tempered laminated safety glass as it was subject to possible BMU glasslaminated – mismatch glass – mismatch impact and again laminated heat strengthened creating lenses creating lenses. glass was proposed. It was after the glass When the design progresses and a preferred was installed that the distortions in the glass the computer rendering, the façade must still sample(s) are chosen, then it is important to became apparent. The images in figures 3 to meet certain performances that will influence order project specific samples with the glass 8 are excerpts from my dissertation which I its appearance.

For example, coatings applied This phenomenon can be really disturbing to the occupants and for this project some of the glass was type – annealed / heat treated, correct pane completed for the MSc in Façade Engineering to the glass to reduce solar gain can cause replaced. For the replacement glass, the specification was changed to reduce the allowable roller thicknesses including any laminated panes at the University of Bath in 2015. the glass to appear dark and reflective. If no wave and each glass pane was reviewed at the factory in an inclined view so that it could be viewed and the correct coating on the face required. other means of solar shading is used, then in its proposed final position.

This project specific glass sample should also Following investigation of the installation, it solar control performance coatings are needed be incorporated into the visual mock-up. The was suggested that the glass was experiencing to ensure the building is comfortable for the Something learned from this is that if a specification is needed with laminated heat-treated glass, then mock up needs to be viewed in natural lighting multi-layer lensing effects. That is to say that the occupiers and that the façade design does not it is essential to to review the roller wave The and value 0.3mm for when laminated together were conditions theof sample mustinbethe keptBritish until Standards panes of glass contribute an excessive cooling load. specification.

Heat Strengthened and Fully Tempered glass can be tightened.

As a base for our specification completion of the project. creatingwe lenses as the roller waves in each pane require Renderings 0.15mm and this can be tightened further to 0.08mm. This does come with some did limitations not correspond. are a great tool though and however not allis glass and processors will agree to this and comes at a cost Safety glass – we love what it isit does thisas example over 15manufacturers years old. Since then but sometimes hate the way it looks!

This phenomenon can be really disturbing to modelling techniques have advanced and now In the last 10 years I have seen a rise in the the occupants and for this project some of the glass suppliers can also use these models and specification of laminated safety glass. With glass was replaced. For the replacement glass, apply the visual attributes for different glass this build-up particularly when the inner the specification was agreed and updated to build ups and coatings to better inform the and outer pane of a double-glazed unit reduce the allowable roller wave and each glass client and design team of the potential final (DGU) specification has been heat treated pane was reviewed at the factory in an inclined visual. It is also important to get initial samples and laminated, there have been some quite view so that it could be seen in its proposed of the proposed glass and view these in natural disturbing visual attributes. final position. daylight conditions.

It is sensible to source from different suppliers as the products differ in ‘colour’ depending on the base material and types of coatings they offer.

The next example needed safety glass for the inner and outer pane of the DGU. Internally, the glass needed to be safety glass as the DGU

A key lesson learned from this is if a specification requires laminated heat-treated glass, then it is essential to review the roller

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

79

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Figure 9: National Holdings Headquarters Building, Abu Dhabi. (Mathematics in industry, 2015)

Figure 10: National Holdings Headquarters Building, Abu Dhabi. (pjc light studio, 2015).

Again, technology is advancing and there are certain processes being developed to improve the quality for tempering glass that eradicate roller waves such as tempering glass on an air bed.

Curving challenges.

Certain projects during our careers enthuse us.

A key project I worked on whilst at Ramboll did exactly that and inspired my dissertation for the Façade Engineering MSc, ‘The consequences of panelisation on visual inconsistency of curved glazed façades’.

Figure 11: Bronze glass with coating air side (Ramboll, 2009)

Figure 13: Light gold glass coating airside.

(Ramboll, 2009)

wave specification. The value of 0.3mm in the British Standards for Heat Strengthened and Fully Tempered glass can be tightened. As a base for our specification we require 0.15mm and this can be tightened further to 0.08mm.

This does come with some limitations however as not all glass manufacturers and processors will agree to this and it comes at a cost premium. In addition, it is also subject to the glass thicknesses being proposed as panes less than 5mm are more difficult to heat treat and more susceptible to roller wave.

80

Figure 12: Bronze glass with coating mould side (Ramboll, 2009)

Figure 14: Light gold glass coating mould side (Ramboll, 2009)

There are several steps that can be taken to mitigate the risk of disagreements for installed glass. A key is to agree the visual acceptance criteria for the glass at tender stage. Distances for internal and external viewing and angles at which the glass are to be inspected must be agreed. If this is not done until the glass installation, then any misunderstandings of the specification are unlikely to be rectified for the installed glass, as this will inevitably affect the programme. Ensure that full size project specific samples are included in the visual mock-up and ensure these samples are kept as a record.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

The project was never built due to the economic crisis in 2008. However, this project gave me insight into the pitfalls of specifying curved glass. The project was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and the colour of the glass was to be like ‘sand dunes at sunset’ as requested by the client at a meeting I attended.

The first challenge was to define the panelisation. There was little repetition and the project would require both hot and cold bent glass. The hot bent would need to be both slump formed and roller formed. The cold bent could use both forced bent and laminated. All these different bending methods have different visual attributes. The façade was proposed as a double skin. The outer skin was to be single glazed to create the complex form and the inner skin double glazed forming the weather and thermal line with an accessible ventilated cavity between.

Having finally tracked down 2 glass samples that in certain conditions resembled ‘a sand dune at sunset’, the samples were subjected to curving using the slump formed hot bending method.

The glass had a hard coating and the samples were tested with the coating side down and coating side up on the mould. The tests gave some quite dramatic results and showed how the colour was affected by the hot slumping process as seen in figures 11 to 14.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Figure 15: Coating inconsistency between the curved and flat glass. (MFT, 2015).

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

81

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Figure 16: Image of the BBC W1 (Ramboll /Whitbybird)

Figure 17: Image of the cyclorama laminated glass BBC W1 (Ramboll /Whitbybird)

For my dissertation I looked at other examples of curved glass and the effects of the curving on the coatings. The example in figure 15 was sent by one of my colleagues at Meinhardt Façade Technology (MFT). They had been requested to review colour inconsistency between curved and flat glass. In this case, the façade contractor had suggested different low e coatings for the curved glass and flat glass, stating that post bending both would match.

Unfortunately, that was not the case.

The lessons learned from both these projects is that sampling and testing are vital for every project. So often samples and testing are omitted at tender stage due to cost savings.

This inevitably leads to subsequent disputes on site.

Be tolerant!

My next project is an example of how precise the glass industry is when a challenging specification is adopted. The project is well known and seen on the news daily. It was the BBC Broadcasting House extension and was the first major project I was involved in as a façade consultant at whitbybird engineers.

The glass screen to the cyclorama of the building was composed of laminated glass with 2 different frit patterns. This was to give a chequered effect to the glass. The glass panels, many of which exceeded 2m x 2m were all laminated by hand. The pattern was set to very tight tolerances of +/- 1mm and if these were exceeded then the overall effect was distorted.

82

Figure 18: Image of the out of tolerance laminated glass BBC W1 (Ramboll /Whitbybird)

The team at whitbybird had to inspect every panel very carefully, although it was very easy to see when the tolerances had been exceeded and some panels had to be replaced.

What was remarkable and credit to the manufacturer was that very few panels did not meet the tight criteria. However, the tight tolerance in the specification limited the number of suppliers able to tender the project.

Glass Tips!

These are some of the experiences that have made me think more carefully about glass specification. If there were particular aspects to be considered regarding the specification I would recommend the following: Be pragmatic and clear in your specification.

Asking for the impossible will add cost and limit

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

the suppliers you can go to. However, this may be appropriate for very high-end and unique projects.

Always request samples and for unusual specification specify a mock up. Do not discard the approved samples before construction is completed.

Agree acceptance criteria for the glass at tender stage. In particular viewing distances internally and externally and the viewing angles allowed.

Carry out factory inspections and ensure benchmarking is established. Only inspect the glass when it is clean.

Glass is only glass – so specify it in a way that will not give you surprises when it is finally installed!

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Glas Trรถsch Group

Architectural glass solutions up to 9 Meters

www.glastroesch.com

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

83

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Bonding Excellence - the new standard Dr. Werner Wagner Anton Ettlin Sika Services

Higher, bigger, fancier, cheaper - THE challenges for glass bonding The headline hits pretty well the trends in the construction industry. What does that mean for glass facades, for fabrication, service life, quality?

With its process materials for glass curtain wall facades, Sika plays an important role in the facade industry which has become increasingly demanding in recent years. We have to cope with the challenges of a thrilling industry, driven by ever more exciting design and construction details, the use of new materials (innovative or just cheaper), stricter building regulations (energy, fire, health and safety) and an increasing decoupling of planning and execution in a globalized economy. The biggest challenge definitely constitutes cost pressure.

The challenges - Higher The race for the tallest high-rise buildings has become a fierce competition all over the world, led by Burj Khalifa in Dubai, finished in 2010 [1], at 828 meter it is the highest building for the moment, but surely it is just a matter of time before Jeddah Tower will pass the 1000 meter mark. What does that mean for structural glass bonding? The production of the facade elements is virtually unaffected by the building height. It is all about joint dimensions to cope with the high wind loads and the movements of the building. Burj Khalifa sways 2 m at the top, causing continuous expansion and contraction stress on the structural glazing adhesive. Overstretching can only be prevented with proper joint dimensions, big enough to cope with the movement â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a cost factor.

84

Bigger The biggest insulating glass unit ever produced measures 3.51 m x 20 m, produced by the German glass processor Sedak [2]. Time will tell the durability of these gigantic units, as the stress by thermal dilatation of the glass pane and the spacer is tremendous. The challenge with such big IG units is not only the production of the IG units itself or making then a structural glazing unit, which is mainly done in a conditioned factory. It is the installation, in particular the application of the weather sealant on site. The thermal dilation of a 20 m glass pane is 3 mm in a day-night cycle of 20 °C

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

temperature difference. This movement exposed to a slim joint (architects do not like big joints) can cause unwanted and irreversible joint deformation or in the worst case even cracks during cure. This dilemma can only be overcome by qualified professionals applying high-performance Silicone sealants at the right time (the right season with less temperature differences) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; again a cost factor.

Fancier During the last two decades, we have learnt a lot about the mechanical performance of glass, its behavior under stress and about glass

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

processing such as tempering and laminating.

This gives innovative architects new freedom of design setting new architectural trends. One of these new trends is curved facades with coldbent glass, which is a lot more cost effective than hot-bent glass. Viviana Nardini wrote in a paper in 2018 [3]: “With reference to SSG joints, investigation has focused on proposing simplified equations to evaluate cold-bending stress and studying relaxation and creeping behavior of Sikasil® structural silicones to exploit material performance beyond standard limits.

Such an investigation process allows identifying where opportunities for systems optimizations are and clarifies that effective cold-bending solutions cannot be uncoupled from new principles of system design, pre-manufacturing and installation.” That means that not only the glass industry has to develop the knowledge about glass and the facade fabricators and installers have to learn new methods but also the silicone industry has to dig much deeper into the long-term behavior of the adhesive with new test facilities and test regimes, going far beyond EOTA ETAG 002 [4]. But these highperformance structural glazing adhesives have to be produced and applied in sufficient and constant quality. Complying with EOTA ETAG 002 requests the development of robust, highperformance adhesives. At least the production plant for CE marked silicones adhesives is audited twice a year, which represents one of the worldwide strictest quality monitoring systems and valuable contribution to the safety of bonded glass facades – yet another cost factor. Nevertheless, a profound quality control system at the adhesive manufacturer is a prerequisite.

Cheaper The last challenge is the most demanding one for the adhesive supplier. The construction industry is driven by investors, chasing higher profits. This puts a lot of pressure on both material and labor cost (time is money) and last but not least the quality. When Structural Glazing spread over from US to Europe, the main metal frame was anodized aluminum.

The industry got used to handling this common surface more or less properly, anodization standards have been established and organizations such as “Qualanod” [5] strongly supports the process and the quality management with technical literature, audits and certificates. Nevertheless under constant cost and time pressure to “optimize” the process, often the final seal bath, micro pore

structure, and the quality of the aluminum surface can vary significantly. Laboratory adhesion tests showed that the formation of the adhesion of the silicone on aluminum profiles from the same anodizer can take from one day up to three days. Here, widely underestimated is the chemical fact, applicable to all silicone adhesives, that the curing (crosslinking) of the silicone adhesive and the formation of its adhesion to the substrates are two different chemical reactions at different speeds. Even if the adhesive is cured and stiff it still can form the adhesion to the final level.

If the facade units are moved and shipped too early (time is money), the already partially formed level of adhesion can be destroyed during transport. Adhesion failure can be the worst consequence. Therefore, the applicator should follow the QC procedure in the EOTA ETAG 002 closely and do regular bead adhesion tests on each batch of aluminum profiles during application, in parallel to the storage of the produced facade elements.

A similar challenge comes with organic coatings on aluminum profiles. Widely used are polyester powder (PPC) and polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) coatings. With PPC, besides the basic formulation, the oven parameters (temperature, airflow, and dwelling time) influence the quality of the bonding surface.

“Under-baking” due to energy and cost/time saving is most critical. PVDF coatings (Kynar®, Hylar®) can be applied as powders but also as liquids, which opens to the coater endless possibilities of modifications (additives, wetting agents), influencing strongly the quality of the bonding surface as well. Both coatings

require, before any adhesive application, a reliable adhesion test on profile samples equal to the coating used in the project, not just on architectural, decorative samples, which often lack the finish coat. Organizing samples takes some effort and tests take some time (test duration mostly 4 weeks), thus proper project management and communication is essential.

Sufficient test duration is often put at stake by late decisions on color or even supplier. Then fabricators are pushed to start the production before the final results of adhesion tests.

Furthermore careful regular bead adhesion tests during the adhesive application are selfevident.

With organic coatings comes the use of primers and activators, which brings us to the general topic or surface pre-treatment, often considered as a “simple” job done by less qualified staff. Qualification and fluctuation of staff is a big problem here, however a clean bonding surface is key for a durable adhesion.

It must be free from dust and dirt (easier to see), but also from oil and grease (much more difficult to recognize). The two-cloth wipe is a must and has to be trained well. The application of the right amount of a primer is a big issue.

As primers are considered a cost factor (actually a minor part of the value of the whole facade) they often are applied too sparsely. A minimalistic cotton pad, soaked with a touch of primer should be enough for the whole 10m perimeter of a facade unit. This does not work.

The other substrate in curtain wall facades is glass. For energy saving reasons, dual and triple-pane insulating glass units are most

We have to cope with the challenges of a thrilling industry, driven by ever more exciting design and construction details.”

Dr Werner Wagner

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

85

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

common, at least one pane coated with a low-E coating. As these coatings contain one or more silver layers they have to be stripped off before the IG production. This edge-deletion process is done with a polyurethane resin disc containing abrasive grains. As the stack of coating layers can pile up to 20 individual layers, including extremely hard Silicon Nitride, the process requests high pressure on the wheel and high revolving speed in order to achieve good results, such as visual appearance and electric resistance. This leads to wheel surface temperatures as high as 190 °C, causing the disintegration of the resin and formation of a residue film on the glass surface. The resin film is hard to remove in the washing machine and can influence the speed and duration of the formation of the adhesion or can even prevent sufficient adhesion. Therefore, bead adhesion tests on glass samples prepared with the chosen combination of glass coating, edge-deletion wheel and process parameters must be done before the IG production. These adhesion tests should include water immersion conditions, similar to tests for structural glazing, as adhesion failures may only be noticed after artificial weathering. During production IG fabricators should follow closely the QC procedures in EN 1279-6 [6]. The norm takes into consideration that edge-deletion process is a severe manipulation of the glass surface and requests regular adhesion tests on original edge-deleted glass samples, in parallel to the storage of the produced IG units. They may indicate that the IG units have to be stored longer than usual – an additional cost factor, especially when the container for overseas shipment is already waiting in front of the factory.

Last but not least, we have to address the topic of compatibility. As seen in Fig. 1 in a typical structural glazing facade element many types of chemical components are in direct and indirect contact with each other.

One of the most critical components is the rubber gasket (EPDM or Silicone) between the facade elements. It has happened that facade fabricators use the cheapest and mostly incompatible gasket grades, even violating specifications and ignoring Sika recommendations based on negative results of compatibility tests, and are then surprised that the IG units fall apart or the structural glazing joints show adhesion failures. This effect is significantly accelerated by standing water on the facade if drained insufficiently and sealants 86

are smeared into every gap to repair the bad craftsmanship during installation (Fig. 2). The cost saving strikes back brutally. Approved and compatible gaskets cost only ~20 % more than the cheapest incompatible ones. However, it has happened more than once where the facade had to be replaced completely for millions after a few years.

A Way out of the dilemma – Education and Training Since the beginning of structural sealant glazing in the late 1960’s a kind of standard project workflow has been established in the facade industry (Fig. 3). It starts with the design phase (drawing reviews and joint calculations) followed by the test phase (adhesion and compatibility tests with samples identical to the substrates used in the project). The first two phases are important in the preparation of the project. However, the crucial phase is the application phase. For Sika, it is not enough only to deliver our reliable and certified products. We always have been strongly supporting facade fabricators and insulating glass producers in establishing a safe production and bonding process and setting up comprehensive quality control management preventing any failures.

In 2019 we have intensified our education efforts and restructured our training sessions to respond to the ever growing complexity in the construction industry with the BONDING EXCELLENCE quality program.

Fig. 1. Simplified Structural Glazing Detail

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

Fig. 2. Poor craftsmanship of facade installation

The BONDING EXCELLENCE quality program The main focus of this wide-ranging program is on people and their qualifications. Training and sharing knowhow across the teams, this is what Sika understands by “Driving Professional Standards”. It is the essential pillar for successful project realization. The BONDING EXCELLENCE quality program is mainly a training and audit program for fabricators and applicators alike, but it already starts with our own global facade team to assure that the correct information is passed on to the applicators. These uniform messages are given locally and spread globally.

The ample BONDING EXCELLENCE quality program covers all the various, sometimes delicate aspects of structurally bonded facade projects, thus helping that our structural sealants and adhesives are applied observing the most professional methods, following industry standards and meeting Sika rules established over decades in comprehensive guidelines.

During live training sessions, the fundamental aspects of successful bonding are trained such as surface pretreatment, correct product application and quality control scheme. Our experts have established comprehensive training sets (theoretical and practical exercise), to forward best-demonstrated practice and latest knowhow to our fabricators. Factory and deglazing audits by Sika are performed and documented to check out that the lessons learned are also put into practice. These “graduates” are certified as “Trained Applicators”.

Sika, however, has no influence what happens in the factory after the audits.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

FABRICATOR

TRAINING/AUDIT/ WARRANTY • Technical Guidelines • Documentation • Certificates

DESIGN • Design Review • Joint Calculation

BONDING EXCELLENCE Fig. 4. Levels of qualifications

APPLICATION • Product application • Quality Control

Fig. 3. Typical facade project workflow

TESTING • Sample Testing • Pretreatment advice

fast calculations of structural glazing joint sizes and insulating glass seal heights, complying with international standards such as ASTM and EOTA ETAG complements the versatile project management tool.

SIKA

The BONDING EXCELLENCE Platinum Contractor For the most reliable, long-term customers we have introduced a contractor premium level, the BONDING EXCELLENCE Platinum Contractor. The company must have been showing continuity over several years in terms of correct product application, reliable quality management and close business relations. The BONDING EXCELLENCE Platinum Contractor must not compromise in quality!

Both management and workers alike are fully committed to take appropriate measures to constantly improve quality of the production process and the delivered product. Regular audits carried out by Sika are intended to check whether instructions given have been implemented in the facade projects. These audits are an integral part of the BONDING EXCELLENCE quality program. The benefits offered by Sika are advanced technical support and extended project warranties. And finally,

we are proud to recommend our BONDING EXCELLENCE Platinum contractors to specifiers and investors.

The Online Project Tools Further to our intensive training efforts we have created helpful and easy-to-use tools that enable our partners to maneuver timely and safely through the complex project workflow from design review and joint calculation to preproject test to production and quality control of the final assembly. The web based BONDING EXCELLENCE project management portal links our customers’ teams closely with our experts, even if spread across continents, and helps to manage and supervise the structural glazing project smoothly through all project phases. A kind of traffic light system visualizes the status of all individual requests whether it is for calculations, reviews, tests or training.

The popular online Sika Joint Calculator, for

Conclusion With the BONDING EXCELLENCE quality program Sika responds to new requirements of the facade industry facing an ever more challenging business environment. We try to set a new level of quality awareness for the safe and durable realization of the most beautiful and iconic buildings with structural glazing facades. The key is appropriate education and training of each individual involved in the use of our products before and during a structural glazing project and proper project management with easy-touse tools. However, this will only ensure building owners, architects, and specifiers optimal safety and long term use of their investments, if the applicators and fabricators not only understand what they are doing and why but also finally take corrective initiatives and responsibility. Quality Control must be understood as a chance and not just as a requirement by standards or Sika guidelines, filling nice spreadsheets with values, truly measured or faked. Quality Assurance is a cost factor that pays off!

Literature [1] www.ctbuh.org [2] www.sedak.com [3] Nardini V., Hilcken J.: Mistral Tower: Value of System Design, Manufacturing and Installation in Cold Bent SSG Units; Challenging Glass 6, Ghent University (2018).

[4] EOTA ETAG002-1, Structural Sealant Glazing Systems – Part 1, 2012.

[5] www.qualanod.net [6] EN 1279: 2015: Glass in building - Insulating glass units - Part 6: Factory production control and periodic tests

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

87

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Halio : smart glazing for enhanced comfort ®

Gare Maritime, Brussels, Belgium

88

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

89

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

N

atural light is a source of both physical and emotional wellbeing, with benefits ranging from more restful sleep to greater productivity. Halio® is a smart, responsive natural light management system designed to provide comfortable living and working spaces by blocking out excessive heat, reducing glare and keeping occupants permanently connected to the outside world.

Halio intelligently replaces all mechanical sun protection systems. It consists of a perfectly neutral glazing, like conventional glass, that can tint in less than three minutes from transparent to dark grey. The transition can be controlled manually or via an app. For more information, visit Halioglass.eu.

1st reference on a mixed used building, on Facade application • To provide an iconic signature to the building to reflect its innovation and desire to become a reference in the region and the country.

• To retain the building’s original metal architecture without additional elements such as blinds.

• To allow the building to be not only energy efficient but also to create everlasting comfort for the users and occupants with the most advanced natural light management system.

90

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Halio® Stay connected to the outside world!

We all need and seek out natural light, which has a positive impact on our health and wellbeing. But light needs to be carefully controlled if it is to provide us with optimal living and working conditions.

Halio smart-tinting glass system gives architects & designers new opportunities to design beautiful, light filled spaces that allow people to live and work, feeling content, productive and energized.

Halio, the world’s most advanced natural light management system, transforms interiors into modern, relaxing, connected spaces. Halio glass tints on demand to the occupant’s desired level, delivering unparalleled comfort.

Wellness and comfort Since we spend 90% of our time indoors, creating a pleasant atmosphere inside buildings is critically important. Did you know that the presence of natural light increases productivity by 15%, reduces hospital stays by 4 days a year and stimulates learning by 7 to 26%?* The biophilia hypothesis suggests that humans possess an innate tendency to seek

connections with nature. In this sense, windows are openings to the outside world: they create a simple link with nature that energises us.

Halio consists of a completely neutral glazing, like conventional glass, which can darken enough to block out up to 98% of natural light and up to 95% of solar heat - all in less than three minutes. Occupants can adjust the level of light and heat to their optimal level of comfort while maintaining a connection to the outside world.

When used in interior partitions and walls, Halio Black can transform open rooms into private spaces, blocking out up to 99.9% of the light.

© Halio International –Avondzon

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

91

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Aesthetics Sandeep Kashyap, Sales director Halio Europe and Middle East, explains: “The Halio dynamic system is a true innovation in the construction sector and will transform the future of architecture. It enables architects to design sustainable buildings with pure, harmonious lines that are free of blinds and sunshades. Halio puts the beauty of architectural glass back where it belongs at the heart of the building’s aesthetics.”

Control, connectivity and integration Halio is a smart-tinting, cloud-connected glass system that enables occupants to actively manage light via a wireless interface and control app. The system not only integrates seamlessly into building management and home automation systems, but it is always up to date and capable of adapting to changing technology.

The latest technology Halio is a complete solution, using the latest technological developments to deliver three major benefits when compared with other

© Halio International –Avondzon

92

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

active light management products: 1. Neutral appearance with a 97% colour rendering index that does not distort colours.

2. Smooth, fast transition from light to dark in less than three minutes, which can be stopped at any time.

3. Smart, flexible and connected system.

To discover the Halio experience for yourself, visit our Halio Mobile Experience Room for a custom demo. *Independent studies available upon request.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

© Halio International –Avondzon

© Halio International –Avondzon

1st reference in the Health care sector, on skylight application.

State-of-the-art building, modern design, unparalleled comfort and dynamic functionalities were key in choosing Halio. Avondzon strives to guarantee its occupants an optimal state of mental, physical and social well-being, thanks to a system that modulates precisely light, ensuring a perfect visual comfort and pleasant temperature all year long.

Halio is a joint venture between AGC, the world’s leading flat glass producer, and Kinestral Technologies, Inc., the company that designs and manufactures Halio, the smart-tinting glass system. This partnership is based on the strengths and expertise of both companies: the reputation AGC has built up in the building industry and more than a century of experience in glass technologies, and the revolutionary patented smart transition technologies developed by Kinestral.

Halio International – Avenue Jean Monnet,4 – 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve Jason.gilbard@halioglass.com www.halioglass.eu

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

93

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

The use of corrugated glass in Taipei Performing Arts Center David Gianotten OMA

94

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

C

orrugated glass has been used in a number of OMA projects, including Casa da Musica, Qatar National Library, and Taipei Performing Arts Center. The use of corrugated glass—the double curvature of which creates unanticipated light reflections to induce a pleasing kaleidoscopic effect— was primarily a design decision in each case, although the material was also chosen for its structural properties. In Casa da Musica in Porto, the material leads to visual transparency of the concert hall, connecting performances inside to the urban context. It also reflects and disperses sounds within, creating excellent acoustic properties. For the Qatar National Library in Doha, corrugated glass allows natural light to illuminate the entire library, while giving the building an inviting presence when illuminated by interior artificial light at night. For Taipei Performing Arts Center, the curved glass was chosen to reinforce the connection between performing arts, people, and the city.

Due for completion in 2020, Taipei Performing Arts Center is inspired by, and adds to the urban intensity of Taipei. Designed with the intention to preserve the vitality of the site— characterised by the continuous human flow between the Shilin Night Market and the MRT (subway) station—the Center is a compact structure comprised of a central cube with three independent theatres plugged into it.

This configuration allows the building to have multiple faces defined by protruding auditoria, and a potential public realm at the ground level.

The three theatres of the building include a 1500-seat Grand Theatre, one 800-seat Multiform Theatre, and one 800-seat Proscenium Playhouse. The central cube accommodates the stages, backstage areas, rehearsal rooms and foyers. The West Tower accommodates other back of house facilities.

Copyright OMA by Chris Stowers

The Proscenium Playhouse resembles a suspended planet docking with the cube.

Inside the auditorium, the intersection of the inner shell of the sphere and the cube forms a unique proscenium for creation of any frame imaginable. The Grand Theatre is a contemporary evolution of the large theatre spaces of the 20th century. It resists the standard shoebox design and takes a slightly asymmetrical shape. The stage level, parterre, and the balcony are united into a folded plane.

Opposite the Grand Theatre and on the same

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

95

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

level is the Multiform Theatre—a flexible space to accommodate the most experimental performances.

By positioning the Grand Theatre and the Multiform Theatre on the same level, we created the opportunity of coupling the two into the Super Theatre, which offers a 100-metre long, 40-metre stage for experimental performances that are otherwise possible only in venues not dedicated to

96

performances, such as factories. This allows conventional theatrical productions to be reimagined on a different scale. It also allows for novel and yet to be imagined forms of theatre to grow and thrive.

A public loop, which runs through the central cube and the Proscenium Playhouse, is installed in Taipei Performing Arts Center to encourage the general public—even those without a ticket—to enter the building. This public loop

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

runs through spaces of production, which are typically hidden, but equally impressive and choreographed as the performances showcased. This gesture enables theatregoers to have a more holistic theatrical experience, while engaging a wider public.

In order to create an illuminated and animated cube that contrasts the auditoria, which appear as opaque elements, it was decided that the auditoria would be clad with aluminum, and

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Copyright Kevin Mak

Copyright OMA by Chris Stowers

corrugated glass would be the façade material of the cube. Characterised by its transparency, corrugated glass reveals parts of the theatrical scenography to people outside of the building, while also concealing them through diffraction to evoke curiosity. In the same way, theatregoers and visitors inside the building can have a glimpse of the outside urban environment through the glass that at once discloses and obscures. Transparency of the building envelop creates a relationship between the theatreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inner workings and the city, and draws the existing human flow between the night market and the MRT into the theatre. The glass is tinted into a dark colour to contrast three aluminum clad auditoria that appear shiny under the sun.

The colour of the glass was determined by the pvb interlayer added between sheets of the laminated glass.

Copyright OMA

Copyright OMA by Chris Stowers

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

97

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Copyright OMA by Kevin Mak

While the use corrugated glass in Taipei Performing Arts Center was primarily a design decision, the material was also chosen for its structural properties, as in other OMA projects.

Corrugated glass has greater stiffness and structural capacity compared with sheet glass. It allows minimisation of the sizes and frequencies of structural components that support the glass, or even removal of glazing structure. This could lead to exceptional transparency. Compared with sheet glass, corrugated glass is more resistant to horizontal wind loads, which reduces the need for lateral supports. This property makes corrugated glass an excellent material in Taipei that is prone to typhoons compared with sheet glass. At the corners of the cube, which experience greater wind loads, corrugated glass planes are thickened to ensure structural strength.

Corrugated glass reinforces the relationship between the theatre and the city, creates amusing lighting in the interior, and is structurally feasible. The material is not without drawbacks, however. Distortions created by the curved material can be disturbing to those working in front of the glass. In Taipei Performing Arts Centre, corrugated glass is mainly deployed at the foyer and circulation spaces where people flow.

Perforated aluminum panels with flat glass behind are used in the West Towers that largely house offices.

The use of corrugated glass presented challenges in manufacturing and installation.

In the Taipei project, storey-high V-shaped 98

Copyright OMA

corrugated glass panels, produced by specialised curved glass firm Cricursa based in Barcelona, are used. Each panel was created by heating a flat sheet of glass laid in an oven to between 700 to 800 degrees C, which softened and sagged onto a mould to give the glass its desired shape. The size of the oven limited the height of the glass panels, which could only reach six metres maximum at the time. On site, the five-metre glass panels were connected by sealants and supported by I-beams, which are connected to the floor slabs.

Detailing between the spherical Proscenium Playhouse and the corrugated glass panels was specifically complex. The curvature of the aluminum clad sphere requires the production of corrugated glass of irregular geometries in the vertical plane. To produce

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

glass that precisely fits with the sphere, the contractor created replicas of corrugated glass panels in wood. Each wooden replica was installed around the sphere and cut in response to the curvature. Each wooden replica was then taken down and converted into a mould, eventually shipped back to Cricursa in Barcelona that created variations of the corrugated glass. Over fifty tailor-made corrugated glass panels were used in the Taipei Performing Arts Centre.

Despite complexities, our team achieved a large corrugated glass faรงade that reveals the inner workings of the theatre to a wider public.

The faรงade is a key aspect of the design that aptly captures the ambition of the theatre to be open: to both new theatrical opportunities, and new audiences.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Time to Switch Bruce William Nicol RIBA Architect Global Head of Design - Merck Window Technologies

I

f you follow the world of dynamic façades, and particularly dynamic glass, you will notice a lot of information that can be confusing at best, when it should be straight forward. Let’s try the KISS approach and Keep it Simple.

If you design a façade, what is it that you want?

Performance? Aesthetic? Value? Probably a combination of these three things. Could one thing influence another? Sure, they can all play a part in creating the architecture that we enjoy and feel comfortable with. Do different people within a design team influence the direction of these? Of course. The information available needs to be concise and to the point to help in this collaboration of thoughts.

In our current society I think it is generally true to say that we like transparency. We like to believe we are transparent in our lives. We certainly like to have the connections from one space to another, be it internal or external, that transparency brings. Of course glass is the perfect material to enable high levels of transparency in our architecture today.

Larger production capabilities have meant greater use of glass in both minimalism in framing and joint design. What about the size of the glass you intend to use? The answer depends on who you design for.

With this increased usage of glass comes a high degree of responsibility for how much energy is allowed through the façade. With the knock on effect of how much cooling will then be required to dissipate the subsequent energy build up. Many ideas, both theoretical and practical, have been proposed, and used over decades of façade design. All trying in one way or other to reduce the amount of energy hitting

the glass that we like for our transparency. This energy generally passes through the glass and causes solar heat gain. Sometimes this is desired. But as climate change becomes more of a concern in the world today and into the future, these solar heat gains need a degree of control.

So what of these ideas to control the energy coming through façades?

Initially there was very little. Excitement in the use of glass has been driven by a desire to create and play with space and light. Also tied, in varying degrees, with keeping the climate in check. Lots of glass, beautiful spaces.

The question is “does that always make for great architecture?”. We are all familiar with

great pieces of architecture opening up light and space but falling down in someways in performance. Early usage of single glazing was replaced over time by double glazing, with IGU patents stretching back over 100 years.

Double glazing begat triple glazing, now common in northern climates and energy conscious societies. Quadruple glazing and multiple cavities are already being tried with varying degrees of success. With IGU advancements, came the introduction of coatings. First, low emissivity coatings trying to stop heat escaping, then better performing solar coatings, which are wavelength selective to reduce incoming infrared light and energy.

Then, a combination of both principles started to be introduced. These coatings are mulitiple stacks of materials laid down in atomic

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

99

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

thicknesses, mainly on magnetron coating lines. On the whole they remain transparent.

Good for glass. Good for us. Some would argue however, that coatings have reached their physical limits and yet we are still not able to design, in most regions, a glass building that meets the ever tightening energy codes that are being introduced around the world.

Why is this? The codes are rightly driven by an increasing awareness into overall energy efficiency, reducing our overall dependence on fossil fuels.

To help this cause, façade design added complexity. Increased performance ideas started driving an aesthetic in architecture embracing, for example, double skins, and their big brother closed cavities. Again why?

The main principle in all this seems to use elements that somehow stop the energy of the sun hitting the inner glass and therefore dissipating heat to our interior spaces, which in turn then needs to be cooled. These elements, whether brise-soleil, louvres, blinds, etc, active or passive, tend to be solid to some degree or other. It is true that when fully activated these devices make a very good solar shade.

However they also, to a large extent, severe the transparent connectivity that the glass façade is all about.

What is important here? Answer, energy.

100

Whether it is the positive energy that gives passive heat gains when we need it, natural daylight when desired, or the energy that brings over heating, which then needs more energy to deal with it.

Keeping in mind a society that really likes transparency, what might be some of the solutions?

One growing realm in this area is dynamic glass. Given that 90% of our lives now seem to be spent inside somewhere or other dynamic glass can help keep an architectural intent and significantly help the environment we choose to live and work in.

With this in mind, many innovative designers and architects are already turning to dynamic façades. A word like ‘smart’ is often over used, but we need to consider what both ‘dynamic’ and ‘smart’ mean in a façade context.

A couple of definitions to think on:Dynamic – Characterized by constant change.

Smart – Programmed to be capable of some independent action.

So can glass be programmable and become capable of independent change? Can it also

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

constantly modify itself to suit the variations of a changing environment?

Also, what is wanted from a dynamic glass? A good performance range in both variable light transmission and g-values, good switching speeds across the full performance ranges, good colour neutral rendering, adaptive, intuitive controllability, good value? Again, probably a combination of all the above.

So in this family of dynamic glass there are currently two differing technologies. Firstly an electrochromic one and secondly a liquid crystal technology – known as eyrise™.

Of the two available technologies, only the liquid crystal eyrise™ glass can promote and develop the two leading principles for being both smart and dynamic as per the earlier definitions. … and here’s why.

Electrochromic glass combines thin films of ceramic metal oxides onto a glass substrate, that then have the capabilities to change their colour as a result of a chemical reaction which happens when an electrical current is applied.

Liquid crystal glass, or eyrise™, is a mechanical rotation of crystals within a glass sandwich, again this transition happens when a current is applied.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

There is one big crucial difference between these two technologies when it comes to what happens when that current is applied. The eyrise™ glass transition happens immediately and can be programmed, dimmed so to speak.

Working uniformly across an IGU no matter what size or shape. Whilst all electrochromic solutions take up to 30 minutes to fully transition to their darker state and are size dependent. Larger units taking longer to change.

Both technologies change light transmission and both have variable g-values to differing degrees.

Again eyrise™ glass can subtly change to suit the ever changing environmental conditions.

Important if performance is a driver. Energy efficiency exactly when needed and in real time. Eyrise™ technology can also fine tune immediately. Both in lighter and darker states, in either direction, at any given moment in time. An electrochromic glass does not have this flexibility of control.

So due to the inherent flexibility of control, eyrise™ glass leads the way in these ideas of independent action and constant change.

What of colour? Because of the tungsten oxide metals used for the coatings on electrochromic glass they will usualy have an inherent blue

hue. Tungsten oxide based electrochomic products are blue because this is the color of the tungsten oxide in its oxidation state (absorbs light in the yellow/red and allows blue to transmit). The technologies can be less blue if the counter electrode is complementary and absorbs a different color in the visible light spectrum at the same time, but this just results in varying ‘shades’ of blue – say a more gray blue rather than a very ‘blue’ blue – but still the predominant color is ‘blue’ when you have a tungsten oxide based coating on the glass.

Apart from strong blue tones taking precedent as an electrochromic glass starts to darken, critically the colour rendering index figures drop. This means that surfaces, including food stuffs and skin tones can start to be affected by the hue in the glass. Hence in a dark state some surface will look unnatural.

Eyrise™ liquid crystals can be prepared in almost any colour. All these variations within eyrise™ glass have a high colour neutrality in the darker states as well as also the light state. It can be noticed that some colours are better than others in the colour rendering. In discussions with consultants, and testing on live projects, eyrise™ as an offered solution has been seen

to control colour rendering within rigourous specified performance figures for internal spaces eg. galleries, where electrochromic glass has not been able to meet the colour rendering index figures.

A recent study by environmental engineers at Elementa, the London based office of the Integral group, called ‘Out of the Blue’ will shortly be available. This study investigated in depth, through industry based data, the issues of colour on occupants and what differing dynamic glass products can achieve. It is a highly recommended read.

Overall, dynamic glass acceptance by the market is driven by performance, switching speed, colour neutrality and value. The product that will combine all of these aspects will generalize the use of dynamic glass in façades all around the globe. That’s why eyrise™ becomes more attractive today within the architectural design community.

How are these units to be controlled and connected? Already eyrise™ dynamic glass interfaces data from sensors and integrates with BMS hardware to allow swift responses when needed.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

101

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

At the end of 2018, eyrise™ glass was installed in a large project in Oslo. The Orkla City project designed by NSW architects with façade contractors Staticus. During visits to the project this summer, it was noticeable that the building occupants were going about their business in a very comfortable, west facing, environment without any discomfort from solar heat gains, or glare. More interestingly the people occupying and using the space were extremely surprised when the manual override was employed and the glass was made to lighten and draken in real time. Immediate questions were asked “What’s happening?”. “We didn’t know the glass was capable of this”. Nice to hear when the glass had been doing exactly what it should be doing, on a daily basis, for the last 9 months through both winter and summer. That is, subtly adjusting to the optimal conditions required. No one seemed to have noticed. Success for eyrise™ dynamic glass.

Controllability and user interface will be the drivers for any glass that wants to be dynamic for façades to work efficiently. Eyrise™ solution allows for unique controllability to suit occupiers and owners specific needs. It is currently the only dynamic glass with this full range of operational variations and future possibilities. Some would say eyrise™ is the only technology that can lead change.

102

Like high performance coatings of the glass world today, an electrochromic glass has limitations in where the technology may go.

Eyrise™ glass on the other hand, is rapidly starting to make a mark in façade design.

Don’t forget that this is the technology behind every smart phone and tablet we use today.

Remember when we all got our hands on the first smart phones, and look at where we are right now with today’s smart devices. How quickly that technology has developed. This is exactly the world where Eyrise™ glass is coming from.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

Eyrise™ liquid crystal glass has the ability to further develop and enhance the existing product range of truly dynamic glass. Thus enabling high performance energy efficient façades to remain at the forefront of the architectural intent. All this whilst keeping the desired transparency we crave in todays society. Presently eyrise™ glass is already makes this happen. With the design world quickly adapting the principles of eyrise™, great changes in dynamic façade designs are swiftly coming.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Spring forward wi th IGS in March 2020 • THE PHAROAHS ARE COMING • WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE KINGDOM • THE NEXT GENERATION OF INDUSTRY LEADERS

Plus all your usual favouri tes • EXECUTIVE BOARDROOM COMMENTARY • WORLD EXCLUSIVE ARTICLES • INTERVIEWS WITH PEOPLE OF ACHIEVEMENT

We have i t here, all your problems are over IGS SPRING 2020 - NOTHING MORE, NOTHING LESS....

NOT HING ELSE! intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

103

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Enhancing the Energy Efficiency of Building Facades Markus Plettau Global Façade Segment Leader Dow High Performance Building

A

s is well documented, buildings are responsible for approximately 40% of energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions in the EU, making them the single largest energy consumer in Europe. Any product innovation, system improvement or technique for smarter building that helps architects to design more high performing, sustainable structures will contribute to a reduction in that figure. This will not only help the environment and save money for building owners and users but will also help improve the quality of life and living comfort for us all. With energy efficiency and sustainability being core values for architects, consultants and specifiers, informed decision making on material solutions and balancing the financial impact of the building objectives and design with the desired level of overall performance can be a challenging prospect. This is especially prevalent given the forthcoming Energy 104

Performance of Buildings Directive which will require all new buildings to be nearly zeroenergy by 31st December 2020.¹ Design and energy efficiency A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

This is never more true than when considering the various components of a façade design including the insulating glass, and how they can perform as a total system to improve energy performance. Looking at a high performing insulating glass, the centre of the glass pane typically exhibits good thermal insulation properties. This is because heat flow favours the path of least resistance which will result in notable inconsistencies and further weakness in the thermal bridge at the edge of the envelope and the edges of the glazing in particular. So when insulation is better at the centre of the glass pane, the relative contribution of the losses at the glass edge will be higher. This can even result in non-compliance with certain

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

industry specifications, such as is the case with Passive House standards.

It is true to say that the better the thermal performance of glazing, the bigger the individual contribution of the secondary sealant to the overall IGU thermal performance. The use of a specifically engineered silicone for secondary sealing of a high performance, enhanced IGU can therefore strongly contribute to better overall energy efficiency of a glass façade.

Enhancing the weak point – the glass edge The first ‘warm’ edge silicone based on existing Dow technology, DOWSIL™ 3364 Warm Edge IG Sealant has a thermal conductivity of 0,19 W/mK and can improve the edge of a high performing IGU system even further when used together with a warm edge spacer bar.

A recent innovation and patented technology

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Typical window condensation

that was attained thanks to its conformance to ETAG 002 and its ability to offer in the region of 50% lower thermal conductivity compared to conventional structural sealants for insulating glass, DOWSIL™ 3364 offers better energy efficiency, with the potential for the overall performance (Ucw) of a façade to be increased by up to 5%. The surface temperature of the glass can be increased by up to +1°C which translates into warmer buildings and better living comfort for building occupants.

Applications DOWSIL™ 3364 Warm Edge IG Sealant can be particularly beneficial when used in unitized facades, toggle U profile system designs and complex building geometries that include the use of exposed pure glass corners. It is also suitable for structural glazing and mechanically fixed designs - its benefits can be realized in pure glass designs which are favoured to improve building aesthetics.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

105

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

SWISSPACER Ultimate option is approximately 15 percent better.

Heat flow favours the path of least resistance and will be more significant at the glazing edge

In terms of condensation, it is particularly impressive to note that when compared to the conventional Polyurethane sealant and stainless steel spacer bar, the combination of DOWSIL™ 3364 Warm Edge EG Sealant and SWISSPACER Ultimate results in a temperature on the inside of the glass that is 2 degrees higher. In a normal climate (room temperature 20°C and relative humidity 50%), condensation forms with this set-up only from an outside temperature of -49°C.

Making the difference with warm silicone and warm edge spacer A high performing IGU comprises double or triple glazing, gas filling and enhanced components that have higher U-values and a thermally efficient, warm edge spacer bar.

However, warm edge spacers can have different levels of thermal conductivity which varies between 0,14W/mK as one of the lowest and some between 0,2 and 0,3 W/mK or higher.

Dow has looked at one of the best-in-class warm edge spacers with regards to thermal performance.

It was confirmed in a recent joint study commissioned by Dow and SWISSPACER, that a combination of the sealant and spacer bar can improve the Ucw value of a façade by more than 15 percent – without changing the façade design². Carried out by the renowned

106

engineering firm Bauwerk (Rosenheim), different façade designs were studied using a conventional Polyurethane sealant, a standard silicone sealant, and DOWSIL™ 3364 Warm Edge IG Sealant. Each technology was combined with a stainless steel spacer bar or SWISSPACER Ultimate. DOWSIL™ 3364 in combination with the SWISSPACER Ultimate in a piece of triple glazing (40 mm) as part of an aluminium façade design (100 mm profile depth, element size: 1x2 m) achieved a Ucw value of 0.846 W/m2K. This represents a heat transmission coefficient that is over 13 percent lower in comparison with the use of a stainless steel spacer, which achieved a Ucw value of 0.976 W/m2K. This compares to a conventional Polyurethane sealant and the stainless steel spacer bar, configured to the same façade design that achieved a Ucw value of only 1.002 W/m2K. The overall energy performance of the high-end DOWSIL™ 3364/

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

Enhanced energy efficiency without design change With today’s design codes becoming more and more severe and current technologies used in facades slowly reaching their limits, improvements in U-values are more difficult to obtain and are relatively smaller. Making small changes to the choice of secondary edge silicones can bring energy improvements that imply no design change, as the design stress in tension and in shear are similar to conventional silicones used for structural secondary sealing. This means that enhanced energy performance can be cost efficient and that system optimization can help to achieve system efficiency contributing to lower façade U values. This of course, leads to a positive impact on overall sustainability and CO emissions. ² DOWSIL™ 3364 Warm Edge IG Sealant is also a certified component of the Passive House Institute, efficiency class phA. Long lasting weather and air-tight seals in facades Another notable contributor to energy efficient facades is air-tightness in curtain wall construction, ventilated facades and window installation. Gaps and openings in vertical applications such as curtain walls, floor slab and roof connections need to be closed to avoid convectional heat losses through air leakage and avoid entry points for moisture. Sealing of such gaps can be difficult due to uneven or sharp angles and corners and difficult access points. The DOWSIL™ Membrane Façade System offers a choice of two high performance EPDM membranes for interior and exterior use with high and low moisture permeability according to their specific application, which act as a vapour control layer according to EN 13984. This membrane technology is able to sustain structural and thermal building

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

movement and protects against inclement weather conditions to support a smooth and secure closure of the building envelope.

DOWSIL™ Membranes should be installed using DOWSIL™ 300 Adhesive, a one component Silicon Hybrid Adhesive which securely bonds the membranes to the building structure, enabling quick and easy installation.

Simulations from Dow / SWISSPACER Joint Study Aluminium profile (ift guideline) 100 mm, triple glazed 40 mm

Schüco FW50+SG profile, triple glazed 40 mm, with toggle system Simulation model (detail) with SWISSPACER Ultimate (isothermal lines at 0°C externally)

Simulation model (detail) with SWISSPACER Ultimate (isothermal lines at 0°C externally)

Um = 1.2 W/m²K bmW/m²K = 60.0/ bm mm= /50.0 Ug mm = 0.7 Um =/ 1.1 / UgW/m²K = 0.7 W/m²K

DOWSIL™ Membranes

Stainless steel spacer bar

5 mm Silicone (0.35) 5 mm DOWSIL 3364 (0.19)

SWISSPACER Ultimate

Ψg

Tmin(0°/20°)**

Ucw*

Ψg

Tmin(0°/20°)**

Ucw*

[W/mK]

[°C]

[W/m²K]

[W/mK]

[°C]

[W/m²K]

2x 0.10 2x 0,093

13.5 / -12.9 13.8 / -14.5

1,051 1,016

2x 0,069 2x 0,058

15.2 / -24.6 15.6 / -28.6

0,966 0,915

** left outside temperature and 20°C temperature; ** left value: value:Temperature Temperatureat atthe theedge edgeof ofthe theglass glasswith with0°C 0 °C outside temperature and 20 room °C room temperature; right value: value: lowest temperature without withoutcondensation condensationatatthe theedge edgeofofthe theglass glass right lowest outside outside temperature *not m,screws screwsand andother otherfixings fixingsnot notconsidered considered. Ucwvalue was * notrounded roundedUcw Ucwfor foran anelement elementsize size1.00 1.00 xx 2.00 m, calculated by assuming that the toggle pockets make up about a third of the length at the edge of the glass Integrated in the triple glazing of an aluminium façade design, DOWSIL™ 3364 in combination with the SWISSPACER Ultimate achieved a value of 0.846 W/m2K. Inwith comparison a conventional sealant the stainCaption: Schüco façade system FW50+SG glass with anchor (elementPU size: 1.0and x 2.0 m) and less steel spacer bar, overall energetic performance of the high-end solution is over 15 percent better.

3364 in combination with the SWISSPACER triple glazing (40the mm): When using DOWSILTM © SWISSPACER Ultimate, the design reaches a Ucw value of 0.915 W/m2K. When using a conventional silicone sealant and stainless steel spacer bar, the Ucw value amounts to 1.051 W/m2K – a difference Schüco FW50+SG profile, triple glazed 40 mm, with toggle system of 13 percent.

Schüco FW50+SG profile, triple glazed 40 mm, with toggle system © SWISSPACER

Areas of use DOWSIL™ Membranes are produced using high quality (NORDEL™) EPDM polymer from Dow which contribute to their durability, flexibility, tear-resistance and importantly, helps to ensure their compatibility with DOWSIL™ high performance sealants, commonly used in commercial facades. Two different membrane grades for interior and exterior are available: DOWSIL™ Membrane Dual and DOWSIL™ Membrane Outside, differentiated by their water vapour resistance.

Complexity of membrane technology continues to evolve to address future challenges and regulation. Dow will continue their program of innovation to address such challenges for the advancement of high performance building design. dow.com/warm-edge dow.com/membranes

Simulation model (detail) with SWISSPACER Ultimate (isothermal lines at 0°C externally)

Simulation model (detail) with SWISSPACER Ultimate (isothermal lines at 0°C externally)

Um = 1.2 W/m²K bmW/m²K = 60.0 mm / Ugmm = 0.7 Um =/1.2 / bm = 60.0 / UgW/m²K = 0.7 W/m²K

Stainless steel spacer bar

5 mm Silicone (0.35) 5 mm DOWSIL 3364 (0.19)

SWISSPACER Ultimate

Ψg

Tmin(0°/20°)**

Ucw*

Ψg

Tmin(0°/20°)**

Ucw*

[W/mK]

[°C]

[W/m²K]

[W/mK]

[°C]

[W/m²K]

2x 0.10 2x 0,093

13.5 / -12.9 13.8 / -14.5

1,051 1,016

2x 0,069 2x 0,058

15.2 / -24.6 15.6 / -28.6

0,966 0,915

¹Regulations may vary by city, state, country, or geographic region, and change over time.

Please contact the Dow Customer Service Group in your region for any additional, relevant regulatory information.

** left outside temperature °C°C room temperature; ** left value: value:Temperature Temperatureat atthe theedge edgeof ofthe theglass glasswith with0 0°C°C outside temperatureand and2020 room temperature; right outside temperature right value: value: lowest outside temperature without withoutcondensation condensationatatthe theedge edgeofofthe theglass glass *not 2.00m, m,screws screwsand andother otherfixings fixingsnot notconsidered. considered.Ucwvalue Ucwvalue was *not rounded roundedUcw Ucwfor foran anelement elementsize size1.00 1.00 x 2.00 was calculated calculatedby byassuming assumingthat that the the toggle togglepockets pocketsmake makeup upabout aboutaathird thirdof ofthe thelength lengthat at the the edge edgeof of the the glass glass

https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/energyefficiency/energy-performance-of-buildings/ overview

Caption: Schüco façade system FW50+SG with glass anchor size: 1.0 x 2.0 m) and Schüco façade system FW50+SG with glass anchor (element size: 1.0 x 2.0 m)(element and triple glazing (40 mm): When TM using DOWSILTM 3364mm): in combination with the SWISSPACER Ultimate, the design reaches UcwSWISSPACER value of 0.915 W/ 3364 in combination withathe triple glazing (40 When using DOWSIL m2K. When the usingdesign a conventional silicone steel 2spacer bar, the Ucw avalue amounts to 1.051 valueand of stainless 0.915 W/m K. When using conventional silicone Ultimate, reaches a Ucwsealant W/m2K – a difference of 13 percent.

Saint-Gobain Brand sealant and stainless steel spacer bar,Athe Ucw value amounts to 1.051 W/m2K – a difference © SWISSPACER of 13 percent. © SWISSPACER

² The Dow/SWISSPACER survey may be found at https://www.dow.com/en-us/news/glazingedge-at-the-highest-level-study-shows-highend-solution.html

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

107

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Bioenergy Facade 2.0 Dr.-Ing. Jan Wurm Figure 1: Visualization of the principle functions of the bioenergy faรงade in an urban context (Copyright: Arup).

A

s the urban population increases and resources become scarcer, so does the pressure on utility providers to supply people in urban agglomerations with clean energy, food and water. As a result, the building is increasingly designed not as a consumer of resources, but as a producer within dispersed, smart supply districts and networks. Therefore, technologies for demanddriven decentralized generation, storage and distribution of primarily energy, but also water and food are subject of ongoing research and 108

Figure 2: Detail view of rising air bubbles of the Uplift bioreactor developed and tested in the FABIG project (Copyright: Arup/Ulrich Rossmann)

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

development. The bioenergy façade, which generates heat and biomass at the interface of urban material flows of energy, water and carbon can therefore play a key role in future sustainable supply scenarios (Figure 1).

Bioenergy Facade An essential component of the technology is the flat panel photobiorector (PBR), which, as part of a closed system, uses the biochemical processes of photosynthesis to generate controlled high-quality algal biomass and thereby adsorbing CO2. Since the microalgae are cultivated in an aqueous nutrient solution, the solar thermal effect simultaneously generates heat that provides the hot water and heating for the building. As

the microalgae are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lipids, antioxidants, vitamins and enzymes, they are used as valuable additives in the food or pharmaceutical industry. The high yield of the reactors is due to the so-called uplift technology, in which pressurized air is periodically injected at the bottom edge of the element, leading to rising air bubbles and corresponding turbulence in the reactor chamber, which stimulate the growth of the algae (Figure 2).

The BIQ, the world’s first building with an integrated bioenergy facade, was realized in 2013 as part of the IBA in Hamburg. 129 bioreactors with a total collector area of 200m² were installed as external louvers on

the southwest and southeast facades. The facade was developed by Colt International, Arup Deutschland and Strategic Science Consult (SSC) as part of a research project sponsored by ZukunftBau and has been operated by SSC since its completion (Figure 3). Within the scope of a two-year monitoring, the operational processes were optimized in close feedback with the residents. The main aspects identified for the further development and dissemination of the technology were the increase in architectural flexibility on the façade, the standardisation of the system and the improved cost-effectiveness of the technology. These aspects were addressed by the collaborative research project “Facades made of algae - photobioreactors made of glass

Figure 3: Facade of the BIQ Hamburg with 129 bioreactors, which was realized in 2013 part of the International Building Exhibition (IBA) as a first pilot project for the bioenergy facade (Copyright: Colt International, Arup Deutschland, SSC GmbH)

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

109

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

(FABIG)” coordinated by the Technical University of Dresden. The façade system developed and tested as part of the project was presented to the public at glasstec 2018 in Düsseldorf. The exhibition demonstrator showed six 1.35m wide and 3m high façade elements (Figure 4).

Architectural design flexibility At the BIQ in Hamburg the photobioreactors were designed as vertical lamellas with a width of 70cm and a height of 2.5m. The glass panels are framed on all sides by anodised aluminium extrusions. An increase of panel sizes was not possible from an economic point of view due to the high dynamic loads from the uplift technology and the constant hydrostatic pressure of the water column.

In order to enable greater flexibility in the width and height of the reactor of the FABIG project, the glass skins are supported at intermediate

Figure 4: FABIG installation at glasstec 2018 with six 1.35m wide and 3m high façade elements (Copyright: TU Dresden)

Figure 5: View of FABIG element facade during test operation at ADCO (Copyright: Arup/Ulrich Rossmann)

110

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

locations by linear structural bonded connections to transfer the static and dynamic loads. At intervals of approx. 330 mm, the approx.

40 mm wide bond lines form so-called flow channels in which the air bubbles rise and swirl the surrounding medium. These connections exposed to permanent tensile stresses couple the outer and inner panes of the glazing.

As part of the research at the TU Dresden, a two-component silicone structural adhesive was selected from ten adhesive systems that went through an extensive testing regime. The tests were based on DIN EN 15434 supplemented by the specific requirements of the reactor in relation to mechanical, chemical and climatic requirements. The bonding of the 1.35m wide and 3m high elements was carried out by FABIG project partner ADCO Technik.

Figure 6: Multi-layer and modular build-up of the faรงade system (Copyright: Arup)

Figure 7: Visualization of facade section with the three basic configurations of the modular system (Copyright: Arup)

The internal bonding decouples the element width from the static loads, so that theoretically panels could be as wide as a jumbo sized float glass. The appearance of the bonded element corresponds to that of established SSG glazing (Figure 5). By designing out the capping frame around the edges of the element, flush faรงade solutions can also be realised.

A systemized solution An important aspect in the further development of the faรงade system was to be able to integrate the bioreactors into propriety curtain walling systems without having to go through projectspecific design and approval procedures. The modular system developed by Arup and Pazdera on the basis of a multi-skin faรงade build-up allows a wide range of possible applications. The system development was based on the standard width of 1.35m for office buildings.

The inner skin forms the thermal envelope, which can be designed either as insulating glazing unit or as an insulating opaque panel.

This facade layer fulfils all the usual requirements of building regulations with regard to thermal insulation, fire protection, airtightness, rain tightness, impact resistance and containment.

The bioreactor represents the outer facade layer.

If required, solar shading can be integrated into the space between the two layers.

Figure 8: Proposed building services concept for the integration of the bioenergy faรงade and use of solar thermal heat

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

111

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Figure 9: CFD analysis of the reactor chamber to optimize the geometry and structure using OpenFOAM - Representation of phase fraction of the air (left) and pressure in the reactor (right) approx. 2 seconds after injection of air blast.

The system thus allows the following three basic configurations (see Figure 7): • The bioreactor can be experienced from inside and outside (1) • The bioreactor can only be experienced from the outside (2) • The element is designed without a bioreactor, but with a transparent or opaque filling element (3) Cost effectiveness An essential criterion for the increase in economic efficiency was to minimize the reactor chamber and the glass thicknesses and to improve the efficiency in operation. Arup used CFD simulations to investigate the flows inside the collector and their effect on biomass generation. In addition to the investigation of the geometry, an extended investigation of the operational parameters with regard to the air supply was carried out. As a result, it was found that halving the flow rate with the same air volume does not change the horizontal velocity and thus has no influence on the biomass efficiency, which lead to a significant reduction in the energy demand. The reactor 112

space could be reduced to 10mm compared to 17mm employed at the BIQ pilot. Due to the thereby reduced dynamic stresses, the panes of the laminated safety glass can be dimensioned as 2x8mm heat-strengthened glass. Different glass qualities, glass coatings and gas fillings were evaluated among more than 30 glass build-ups. Extra clear glass in combination with a 12mm argon filled cavity and a special Low-E coating on the inside led to the highest annual yields in operation.

In addition, thermal building simulations were carried out to investigate and optimise the solar heat that can be effectively extracted from the algae medium - multiple variants of the facade constructions, system temperatures and locations were modelled. In addition to the bioreactor facade, a multivalent heat pump for the use of solar thermal heat, environmental heat and waste heat from required chillers is of central importance to increase the energy efficiency in operation. Due to the relatively high heat and hot water demand, hotels can make best use of the bioenergy façade.

In addition, the more favourable demand

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

structure of hotel use can also increase the specific yields of the bioenergy façade by approx. 25 %.

Outlook The research project FABIG has improved the bioenergy facade in key aspects and adapted it to the requirements of the market.

By integrating the reactors into a standardised curtain wall system, designer and developer now have a configurable and flexible primary or secondary façade system at their disposal that can be used economically. In a model in which a partner like SSC operates the facade to ensure continuous operation with the highest possible yields, a major step has been taken in the direction of scaling the technology in order to enable decentralised supply systems on an urban level.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Extraordinary Laminated Glass Projects with Kurarayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SentryGlasÂŽ ionoplast interlayer

From strength to impregnable Christoph Troska, Global Architectural Marketing Manager Kuraray

A

rchitectural glass is an integral part of the built environment. It offers transparency, providing building occupants a view and biophilic connection to the outside, or it can be tinted or coated to help reduce solar heat gain. Glass promotes daylighting strategies, which can, in turn, reduce a reliance on electric lighting and greenhouse gas emissions. Skylights, especially bring natural light into dark atrium spaces, making for a more comfortable and appealing building interior. Because glass is a brittle material, it can break and fall out of an opening. To prevent this from happening, plastic interlayers have been used to bond two or more pieces of glass together so that if breakage should occur, the broken glass adheres to the interlayer and the broken unit remains intact until a replacement can be made.

Laminated glass interlayers bond glass of all sizes and types to create greater safety, and in particular, to minimize the chance of cutting or piercing injuries after breakage. For many years,

Photo:Š Rainer Hardtke

the only interlayer on the market was polyvinyl butyral (PVB). This flexible polymer interlayer was originally developed for automotive windshields in the 1930s. It was a spectacular invention that combined flexibility with long term performance. In addition, the interlayer contained an ultraviolet filter that blocked up to 99% UV radiation. Though not important from a visibility perspective, blocking UV helped to reduce fading of fabrics and plastics inside a vehicle.

Architectural laminates with PVB are specified for safety, security, and sound control.

Applications for laminated glass included shower doors, interior partitions, skylights, canopies, railings, doors and windows that required intrusion resistance. Most all of the laminated glass was framed, and special instructions were given to installers to confirm sealant compatibility and provide weep holes to void standing moisture or water that accumulated in the glazing channel. The reason for these recommendations had to do with the interlayer itself, which reacted unfavorably to incompatible sealants and could potentially delaminate if subjected to excessive moisture or standing water.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

113

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Twenty years ago, a stiff, structural interlayer was introduced to the marketplace. It was a DuPont interlayer called SentryGlas® (now a Kuraray product). The interlayer was an ionomer-based polymer that did not contain plasticizers. It is 100 times stiffer than standard PVB and five times more tear resistant.

Originally introduced as an impact interlayer for systems designed to perform in severe weather, SentryGlas® quickly became the vehicle for unframed, structural highly transparent glass projects.

Apple Flagship stores put SentryGlas® laminates on the retail map. Who would have thought it possible? Glass stair treads with imbedded titanium clips laminated in between glass plies were part of the attachment design to connect the tread to the side wall panels. The Apple Flagship store on Spring Street in New York City not only featured this unusual and eye-catching staircase, but also featured multiple plies of laminated glass in a second story walkway bridge. The interlayer enabled thinner glass in multi-ply laminates and demonstrated the unique ability of the interlayer to bond to metal inserts.

Photo:© sedak GmbH & Co. KG · René Mueller

Photo© Kuraray

Apple didn’t stop there. Working in collaboration with Eckersley O’Callaghan (now EOC Engineers), the SentryGlas® interlayer was specified for the glass box on Fifth Avenue in New York. An all-glass structure welcomes shoppers to an underground retail area that is accessed via a spiral staircase. All laminated, all utilizing Kuraray’s stiff, structural ionoplast interlayer.

According to Adrian Betanzos, Senior Design Manager at Apple, … “None of the high performance, complex and challenging glass projects on walls, stairs and/or roofs at Apple would have been possible without the use of the ionoplast interlayer - and we are looking forward to seeing the next product development from Kuraray to take it to its limits.”

A second early adopter of the ionoplast interlayer for its structural benefits was Pilkington Architectural for use in its Planar™ bolted glass system. When laminated glass was required for façade and skylight projects, SentryGlas® interlayer offered the Pilkington design team several benefits. First, it enabled thinner, lighter laminated glass constructions 114

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

Photo© Tom Goodman, Inc.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Photo© M.Ludvik Engineering

Skywalk at the King Power MahanakhonTower in Bangkok.

The list of extraordinary SentryGlas® projects includes the retractable laminated boxes attached to the Observation Deck of the Willis Tower in Chicago, the Skywalk at the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Zhangjiajie glass suspension bridge in China, and the laminated glass slide at the U.S. Bank Tower in Los Angeles. Renovations at Seattle’s Space Needle and Toronto’s CN Tower have also incorporated innovative glass designs with ionoplast interlayer. Along with these unusual projects, laminated glass lites installed in retail storefronts, such as Apple, Microsoft, and H&M demonstrate the ability of architectural glass fabricators to produce large sizes of laminated glass lites that satisfy load resistance and deflection requirements due to the stiffness of the interlayer.

In North America, the use of laminated glass in glass railings has grown dramatically since 2015 due to a change in the International Building Code that requires heat strengthened or tempered laminated glass. While the interlayer type is not specified by the building code, many glass railing suppliers have opted to incorporate ionoplast interlayers for their structural and performance benefits. Glass railing projects in sports stadiums, shopping malls, airports, pools, rooftop venues and retail

due to the stiffness of the interlayer. Second, the interlayer offered better open-edge durability in exterior applications. Third, the interlayer was ultra-clear, an excellent complement to Pilkington’s low iron glass that was part of the system.

According to Pilkington’s Head of Sales Phil Savage, “Pilkington has always been a leader in glass and glass systems innovation. The technology advancements in both glass and structural interlayer have enabled the design and application of glass and structural glass systems to continue to develop and expand. There are many examples of a successful Planar™ SentryGlas Systems installation worldwide,

such as the monumental glass skylight at the American Dream Mall in New Jersey, USA and 82-foot tall cable wall façade at 10 Hudson Yards, supplied by W&W Glass.”

And the Projects Keep on Coming …..

In 2005, Top of the Rock was opened to the public. This observation deck on the 70th floor of Rockefeller Plaza, gives spectacular 360 views of the New York skyline. The cantilevered multi-ply laminated glass panels incorporated SentryGlas® interlayers for improved postbreakage safety, as well as the best possible open edge durability. Since this project was completed, similar observation decks have opened up around the world, including the Edge at 30 Hudson Yards in New York, Seoul Sky at the Lotte World Tower in Seoul and the

Photo:© L. Bargagli/Kuraray

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

115

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Photo: © Eckersley O’Callaghan

stores are becoming standard fare, replacing monolithic tempered glass.

Photo: © Professor Haim Dotan

Unlike PVB interlayers, SentryGlas® is only available in ultra-clear or translucent. In its standard formulation, the UV blocker is present, although the interlayer can be supplied without the UV blocker when greater UV transmission is desired to promote the health of plants, insects, and mammals. An example of this requirement is the skylight at the Tropenhaus Botanical Garden in Berlin, where overhead laminates contained SentryGlas® interlayers that did not contain the UV blocking additive yet enhanced the strength and postbreakage resistance of the glass. SentryGlas® is also available in a solid translucent white color that is popular in glass canopies and decorative applications.

The Trosifol Design Awards In celebration of the 20th birthday of SentryGlas®, Kuraray hosted a design competition in 2018. Over fifty entries were submitted in three categories, Innovation, Resilience, and Aesthetics. As with most design competitions, there were many interesting and noteworthy projects. In the end, the first 116

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Photo © by courtesy of Teng Yuan Institute

Yuan Design Institute, this project features a special ribbed glass laminated with ionoplast interlayers to provide the necessary structural strength

Photo: © Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Tourism Management Co., Ltd.

prize in the Innovation category went to EOC Engineers for the Steve Jobs Theater Pavilion in Cupertino, California. This project, designed

by Foster & Partners, is the world’s biggest structure supported exclusively by glass. The seven meter high glass cylinder delivering this support is made up of panels comprised of four plies of 12mm thick glass laminated with SentryGlas® interlayers.

The first prize in the Resilience category went to glass fabricator He’nan Fuxin Glass for the

Zhangjiajie Glass bridge. Engineered by Haim Dotan, this bridge was the world’s longest and highest glass bottomed bridge at the time of its opening in 2016. The bridge incorporates laminated glass panels that are 50mm thick made of three plies of 16mm glass and SentryGlas® interlayers.

The first prize in the Aethetics category went to glass fabricator Guangdong South Bright Glass Technologies Company for the Guilin Wanda Travel Center. Designed by the Teng

What’s Next?

In 2019, Kuraray introduced SentryGlas® Xtra™, an ionoplast interlayer that offers designers similar structural benefits, but effectively reduces the appearance of haze in thick, multi-ply laminates. In addition, rolls of SentryGlas® are available in wide widths to work with large glass sizes. The Trosifol® PVB interlayers portfolio includes a stiff PVB that offers structural design benefits below 30 ˚ C and can be combined with Trosifol® colors.

With two structural products to choose from, applications are bound to grow worldwide.

There are aesthetic reasons for the growth of structural glass. Glass is a popular material. Its transparency enables a connection with the outdoors, and even on the inside of buildings, it opens up a space from a visual perspective.

While structural interlayers provide engineering benefits, there remain challenges to meet other design goals, like improved acoustics, birdfriendly glazing, and energy efficiency.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

117

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

118

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

TRIBUNAL DE PARIS PARIS, FRANCE ARCHITECT: Renzo Piano Building Workshop, architects CLIENT: Etablissement Public du Palais de Justice de Paris + Bouygues Bâtiment CONTRACTOR: Bouygues Bâtiment SCOPE OF WORK: design & engineering, manufacturing and installation of around 29,000 m2 of curtain wall and 3,800 m2 of stick system façade for an overall area of 32,800 m2.

KEY FACTS & FIGURES • Height: 160 m • 38 stories tall • Office tower with extremely clear-glass façade • Maximum transparency, energy efficiency and occupant comfort • 4,670 prefabricated façade elements • 24,500 m2 double-skin façade • 4,500 m2 single-skin façade • Blast protective façade • 1,600 m2 integrated photovoltaic, sun-shading modules • 80 different aluminum moulds • 451 t of steel • HQE (Haute Qualité Environnementale) certification • BBC (Bâtiment Basse Consommation) label • CTBUH ‘Best Tall Building Award’ Europe 2018 Award of Excellence

A

new concept of courthouse completely enveloped in hightransparency glass skin Located in the eco-district Clichy-Batignolles, on the northern edge of Paris, the new Tribunal de Paris is the largest law court complex in Europe offering over 100,000 m2 of internal floor area and hosting more than 90 courtrooms. The landmark building - aligned on the north-south axis to the adjacent Martin Luther King Park - brings under one roof various courtrooms and judicial offices which till now have been scattered throughout the city.

This architectural masterpiece is made up of three elements: respectively the pedestal containing the courtrooms, the ‘bastion’ housing the detention cells and three blocks forming the tower and housing around 1,300 offices. Architecturally the bold design involves four stacked volumes of decreasing size: on top of the narrow and long podium are stacked three parallelepipeds of decreasing size and detached from one another by a cantilevered structure. This tiered system creates a composition of large, landscaped roof terraces - respectively on the 8th, 19th and 28th floors - softening the shape of the building and offering relaxing outdoor space.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

119

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

The main feature of this high-rise, slim (35 m wide) building is represented by its extreme luminosity determined by the architectural envelope, covering the entire building, and providing the highest level of natural light and transparency to the interiors. On the one hand this feature symbolizes the transparency of justice, on the other hand the abundance of light and luminosity creates a relaxing internal working space and establishes a close relationship with the external environment.

The complex façade plays an important role in bringing brightness and well-being to the interior with its high level of solar glare control, reduced by 34 per cent by Permasteelisa’s double-glazed façades. To further enhance its contribution to the internal comfort and increase protection and safety, the envelope also boasts outstanding energy performance, sound insulation as well as explosion-proof public areas.

To further increase its low level of energy consumption the iconic building’s curtain wall incorporates cutting-edge technological features such as natural ventilation, high thermal insulation and extensive use of integrated photovoltaic panels which also bring the façade to life with special reflection.

The sustainable façade along with additional eco-friendly features - such as rainwater harvesting, heat recovery and automatic control - guarantees the outstanding energy performance of the building whose energy consumption has been reduced to 75 kWh per square metre per year. Tribunal de Paris has HQE (Haute Qualité Environnementale) certification and is also BBC (Bâtiment Basse Consommation) labelled.

Permasteelisa France and Permasteelisa Italy - both member of the Permasteelisa Group - worked in synergy and with a consolidated approach able to combine local expertise with global resources meeting the tight execution schedule for completing the project. Besides timing, the variety of customized façades had to face each a particular challenge.

The podium, which is open to the public, features five different types of Blast Protective Façade, the avant-garde technology developed by the Permasteelisa Group’s Innovation & Solutions Department. With a combination of unitized curtain wall systems and stick

120

systems this explosion-proof envelope had to be resistant but, at the same time, thin and transparent, very well lighted and flooded with natural light. Blast enhancement has been integrated preserving the architectural scope and the major façade requirements for energy efficiency, comfort and safety. The façade of the entrance hall consists of 13.5 m tall slender mullion featuring extra-large in size elements glazed at the base with bright silver doublelayer, insulated and acoustic glass which offers special reflections and a coating with high thermal insulation.

The skyscraper’s west and east side, from their most important surfaces, look at Montmartre and the Eiffel Tower respectively, while the narrow south and north façades, with a smaller surface, look at the center of the city and at Clichy and Mont-Valérien. A bespoke double-skin façade, incorporating photovoltaic modules - designed as sun protection - wraps the tower’s east and west sides for an overall area of 24,500 m2. The individual façade elements are 1,350 mm wide and between 3,250 mm and 4,467 mm high while weights range from 250 kg to 507 kg. The outer panes are made of laminated low-iron glass with a silver coating, the inner panes - operable for natural ventilation - are made of insulating glass with a special coating for solar control. The efforts of all the parties involved were mustered to meet a wide range of technological challenges such as combining the values of the thermal transmittance with the specific fire protection regulations reflecting, at the same time, the aesthetic intent of the architect. The integration of the photovoltaic, sun-shading modules had to guarantee high transparency and wind resistance and required applying for a statutory Demande d’Appréciation Technique d’Expérimentation (ATEx) pursuant to French law - a form of certification for the development of innovative processes and products.

The north and south sides are covered with 4,500 m2 of single-skin façade with aluminum fins for sun protection. Facing the Boulevard Périphérique busy ring road, the envelope’s challenge of the north side lied in the engineering of operable panels meeting the high sound insulations requirements of 42 dB+ctr.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

121

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

Image: Grace Farms Photo: Iwan Baan Courtesy of: Roschmann Group

122

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES IN GLASS ENGINEERING

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

123

PAUL BASTIANEN

Run glass,

run!

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve

got some catching up to do 124

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

PAUL BASTIANEN

Paul Bastianen

S

mart, the buzz word on the tip of everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tongues , but how smart is smart? From smart windows to smart cars, smart buildings and smart glass, technological innovations are driving developments across numerous industries. But is the Glass industry keeping up? According to Mr. Arthur Ulens (previous CEO of AGCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Glaverbel), in his opening speech at GPD a few years ago, new products emerge in the glass industry every 15 years, arguably with no change in the speed of innovation and uptake (particularly in the west) - to date. This sentiment was echoed by Mr. Jorma Vitkala during his farewell speech at GPD 2019, who called for increased speed with regards to innovations in glass, a necessity for future intelligent buildings.

Numerous benefits have been cited with regard to the optimization of furnaces (now 25% cullet) including: decreased energy usage, reduction in the fusion losses, increased furnace life and decreased carbon footprint. These have gone some way to appease current EU standards to reduce aluminium oxide content. However, they have left glass more vulnerable to acids and alkalis. Accordingly, innovations in surface treatment for glass will become increasingly necessary to achieve durability and reduce maintenance. This notion can in fact be applied to all building materials, certainly if a project is aiming for BREEAM accolades of the highest standards.

Looking to the future of glass development, we need to take into account the changing landscape of building, construction and housing, while remaining aware of significant challenges in the coming decades. As of today, 50% of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population live in cities, a figure that is expected to rise to 70% by 2050.

This dramatic increase in urbanization has significant ramifications for the glass industry.

A worldwide surge towards sustainability, a rise in international environmental agreements and the drive to reduce the use of fossil fuels and nitrogen emissions means the glass industry needs to adapt. Glass, as a building material can ride the coat-tails of this green revolution; with its propensity to be recycled and adaptability in design with developments in plasma coatings and printing technologies, the potential growth of the industry is enormous.

Although technological developments have had a disruptive influence in many sectors in recent years, the implementation of technology has typically been slower in construction.

This sector is traditionally on the conservative side and has implemented step-by-step changes, but has mainly retained tried and tested techniques and methods. However, increased competition, the demand for shorter construction times and startling technological progress are forcing construction companies to change. Now more than ever, construction sites are implementing digital systems and automation to increase their productivity and meet the needs of customers.

The future of construction (basic trend report Richard van Hooijdonk)

3D printing technology is progressively offering a solution to the growing demand for housing, and robots and drones are taking over dangerous tasks and appear to be cheap

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

125

PAUL BASTIANEN

and efficient alternatives to human labor.

In addition, new AI-based platforms make paperless organization possible for architectural designs and ideas. By using a decentralized database as a blockchain, the entire building process is more transparent and the risk of fraud is minimized. Moreover, modern architects keep sustainability at the core of their designs - driving technological advances in complementary sectors.

A few decades ago robots were introduced to the automotive industry and they have proven to be reliable, efficient and cost-effective. In fact, they have revolutionized the industry. Now, a new generation of robots are entering other industries, including construction. For example, Markus Giftthaler, an engineer from Switzerland, created a masonry robot. The robot is called In Situ Fabricator1 and is designed to work semi-autonomously in complex building environments. It is considered the first machine in the world capable of building designs that are not “standard”.

Unmanned aircraft (UAVs) or drones have been around for a long time. Because they are efficient, low cost and very flexible, you see them in a diverse range of sectors and construction is no exception. Goldman Sachs predict that drones will be implemented on a larger scale in construction, over and above other industries in the coming years.

The global construction sector has often been alluded to as inefficient. According to the Green Building Council in the United Kingdom, nearly 15 percent of materials delivered to a construction site are wasted. This leads to significant financial losses. However, with the right tools and machines, these losses can be minimized. For a construction company it is important to know how much material they need on a site, but this is often difficult due to the enormous quantities of materials that are supplied. Drones provide a viable solution as construction workers are able to check their site and assess how much material is stored.

3D printing, sometimes referred to as additive production, is also disrupting the status quo.

Thanks to recent innovations in this field, the applications in various sectors are becoming more extensive, including in the construction sector: According to UN estimates, there will be a shortage of housing for nearly three billion people by 2030. 3D printing technology offers a 126

Inspection done by drones

possible solution for this as it is often faster and cheaper than conventional building processes.

In Dubai, there are plans to build the world’s first 3D-printed skyscraper. This initiative is part of their ambitious goal of 3D printing a quarter of all buildings by 2030.

From autonomous equipment to Building Information Modeling (BIM), Artificial intelligence (AI) is also playing an important role in the transformation of the construction sector.

Using GPS, radar and drones, autonomous equipment can navigate through the built environment and function without human intervention. As part of a Smart Construction Project in 2013, Komatsu launched intelligent bulldozers that were void of any human ‘backseat driving’. Smart Construction also enables employees to generate 3D maps of their building site and accurately simulate future building plans and activities.

With finite geographical space and the rising urbanization mentioned previously, the horizontal city growth of the 17th century has been replaced with vertical growth. “The only way is up” means that cities and buildings need to adapt to accommodate rising urban demographics with smart technologies potentially playing a vital role in transitioning smoothly to this new era.

Most cities now are striving for the coveted title of ‘Smart City’. However this is a highly ambitious and not easily obtainable rubric.

According to Technical Code, a smart city is “an innovative city that uses information and communication technology and other means to improve the quality of life of its inhabitants.”

Globally, smart cities are being developed

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

with this concept at the forefront of their design thinking. We can differentiate 3 types of smart city developments which include ‘Brownfields’ (revamping existing cities such as Kuala Lumpur), ‘Greenfields’ (developed from the ground up such as Iskandar Malaysia in Johor), and Smart Plans that contain intelligent elements (such as the introduction of smart traffic lights in Cyberjaya, Malaysia).

Current building materials require constant maintenance. The production and transport thereof is often expensive and most are anything but environmentally friendly. To solve these problems, more and more companies are willing to invest in the testing of biological construction materials. Organic materials such as skin, bone or bark offer significant advantages over non-living materials, especially in terms of durability and self-healing ability.

Biological approaches to waste reduction and energy consumption have aroused huge commercial interest. Many researchers are now experimenting with the administration of living organisms and bacteria into components used to produce ‘green’ concrete.

Modular construction, sometimes referred to as off-site construction or prefab construction, is currently revolutionizing the sector due to its cost-effectiveness, time-saving benefits and high quality. Evidence of its viability for large scale projects are already apparent - 461 Dean, a 32-storey residential tower in New York and the AC Hotel in Oklahoma City with its 142 rooms are projects that prove that modular construction is not only viable, but efficient and cost-effective.

PAUL BASTIANEN

Nowadays, sustainable design and green architecture are just as important as the right industrial concrete mixer. It is therefore not surprising that more and more leading construction companies worldwide are embracing this philosophy.

But, what must glass do to meet the demands of the future, to fit into the smart city landscape and to keep up with innovation in parallel industries?: • daylight entry, room lighting with the aim of comfort and health. This requires dynamic, automatic shade and light bending systems.

• sun protection, thermal comfort, avoidance of thermal stress.

• using solar heat as a heat source (reducing cooling costs in summer) • Traditional functions such as soundproofing, aeration, unobstructed views and high-light entry.

Currently, switchable glass is showing promising developments. From initial systems that

utilized electro-free coatings and transmission variations by means of an electrochemical reaction to technologies that were recently introduced to the market employing liquid crystal polymers - the glass industry is starting to cater to and for the smart revolution. Despite progress, both switchable glass systems have their disadvantages, mostly with regard to the complex and costly installation techniques required in the facade.

The future of glass is one that calls for constant innovation. Systems with coatings that darken during sun tanning, that maintain sun-resistant properties and the development of transparent coatings that work like PV solar cells, turning any glass surface into an electrical energy source are key technologies that need to be developed further to compete with alternative building materials.

Arguably, the greatest progress in glass technology can be seen in China where glass processors have developed unique processes

for interior applications. Plasma coatings and printing technology means that the glass is highly adaptable in its design and could potentially replace other materials such as stone and wood. The fundamental properties of glass: lighter in weight, more durable and easily maintained adds to the viability of glass as a primary building material in this context.

The glass industry faces major challenges in the coming decades. Innovation and development should be the foundation of those driving the market. Historically, developments have been concentrated in automotive glass which accounts for a higher percentage of global sales at 50% while architectural glass covers 20% and interior glass 10%. However, with the rise of smart cities and technological innovations in the construction sector, architectural glass has the potential to grow exponentially if, and only if, the speed of innovation is improved to match the need of architects and engineers whose increasing focus is on sustainability and intelligent buildings.

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

127

AUTHORS DETAILS I G S S P E C I A L G L A S S S U P P E R 2 019 W I N T E R I S S U E JORMA VITKALA Glass Performance Days (GPD) Immediate Past-Chairman of GDP Vehmaistenkatu 5, 33730 Tampere, Finland Jorma.vitkala@gpd.fi +358 40 553 2042 www.gpd.fi ANDREW KITCHING Guthrie Douglas Managing Director 12 Heathcote Way, Royal Leamington Spa, Warwick CV34 6TH, United Kingdom projects@guthriedouglas.com +44(0)1926 310850 www.guthriedouglas.com CHARLENE CLEAR BREEAM Head of Products & Services BRE Watford Bucknalls Lane Watford, Herts, WD25 9XX enquiries@bregroup.com +44 (0)333 321 8811 www.breeam.com KJETIL THORSEN Snøhetta Founding Partner Oslo office Akershusstranda 21, Skur 39, N-0150 Oslo, Norway contact@snohetta.com +47 24 15 60 60 www.snohetta.com STEPHEN KATZ Gensler Senior Associate 11 East Madison Street Suite 300 Chicago Illinois 60602 USA stephen_katz@gensler.com +1 312 577 6518 www.gensler.com

128

KENT JACKSON SOM NY Partner 14 Wall St 25th Flr, New York, NY 10005, United States Contact form on website +1 212 298 9300 www.som.com

NEESHA GOPAL Meinhardt Façade Director 10 Aldersgate St, London EC1A 4HJ, United Kingdom neesha.gopal@mfacade.com +41 (0) 20 7831 7969 www.meinhardt.co.uk

MARKUS PLETTAU DOW Global Façade Segment Leader Rheingaustraße 34, 65201 Wiesbaden, Germany markus.plettau@dow.com +49 163 858 0 266 www.dow.com

YASEMIN KOLOGLU SOM NY Design Director 14 Wall St 25th Flr, New York, NY 10005, United States Contact form on website +1 212 298 9300 www.som.com

DR. WERNER WAGNER Sika Services AG Market Field Manager Facade and Fenestration Tüffenwies 16, 8048 Zürich, Switzerland wagner.werner@ch.sika.com +41 58 4364040 www.sika.com

DR.-ING. JAN WURM ARUP University Director Foresight + Research + Innovation Joachimsthaler Str. 41, 10623 Berlin, Germany Jan.wurm@arup.com +49 30 8859100 www.arup.com

BENOIT DOMERQ HALIO Glass General Manager Europe & Middle East Avenue Jean Monnet 4 1348 Louvian-la-Neuve Belgium benoit.domercq@eu.agc.com +44 7912 243915 www.halioglass.eu

CHRISTOPH TROSKA Kuraray Global Architectural Marketing Manager Philipp-Reis-Straße 4, 65795 Hattersheim am Main, Germany trosifol@kuraray.eu +49 69 30585300 www.kuraray.com

DAVID GIANOTTEN OMA Managing Partner Weena-Zuid 158 3012 NC, Rotterdam Netherlands office@oma.com +31 10 243 82 00 www.oma.com

PAUL BASTIANEN Independent Consultant p.bastianen@planet.nl +31 643 888 728

FOKKE MOEREL MVRDV Partner Achterklooster 7 3011 RA Rotterdam NL Post Box 63136 3002 JC Rotterdam NL office@mvrdv.com +31 (0)10 477 2860 www.mvrdv.nl CHRIS LEPINE Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) Associate Director 10 Bowling Green Ln, Farringdon, London EC1R 0BQ, United Kingdom projects@zaha-hadid.com +44 20 7253 5147 www.zaha-hadid.com LEON ROST Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) Partner BIG CPH Kløverbladsgade 56 2500 Valby, Copenhagen Denmark big@big.dk +45 7221 7227 www.big.dk

intelligent glass solutions | winter 2019

BRUCE NICOL Merck Window Technologies Global Head of Design Merck Window Technologies B.V De Run 5432, 5504 DE Veldhoven, Netherlands bruce.nicol@merckgroup.com +31 6286 32087 www.merckgroup.com

Dynamic Liquid Crystal Windows

EXPERIENCE LIGHTWELLNESS Instant solar shading windows

© 2018 Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved. Merck, the vibrant M, Eyrise and Licrivision are trademarks of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Detailed information on trademarks is available via publicly accessible resources.

eyrise.com

BEAUTY IN PERFECTION GROUTING SOLUTIONS FOR GLASS BALUSTRADES

Inspired by the beauty of Mother Nature, glass balustrades emanate elegance with their unobstructed and transparent structure. The freedom of design provided by our system incites feelings of openness and of being on top of the world. Our SikaForce® GG grouting system ensures uniform stress distribution. Moreover, its intrinsic flexibility safeguards that glass panels are capable of withstanding the highest static and impact loads.

BENEFITS ́ Safe and durable glass grouting solutions ́ Suitable for laminated safety glass

Sika Services AG FFI Facade · Fenestration · Insulating Glass Tueffenwies 16 · CH-8048 Zurich · Switzerland Tel. +41 (0)58 436 40 40 · Fax +41 (0)58 436 55 30 www.sika.com/ses

́ Fast installation ́ Approved by notified bodies