Architecture

Solar cells for future-oriented façades

Thin-film solar cells can be easily integrated into glass façades. They produce power even without direct exposure to sunlight and may also be used to create shade.

Solar cells for future-oriented façades - Solar cells for future-oriented façades

Glass supports take maximum loads and offer optimum transparency

The HI-TEC-GLAS Gruenenplan GmbH company has started manufacturing compound glass pillars in spring 2008. They carry extraordinary loads and may be used widely in glass architecture. Newly-developed compound glass tubes made of borosilicate glass already caused quite a stir at the glasstec 2002 exhibition. Since then nothing was heard of this “world’s first” in the sector for quite some time. In May this year, the HI-TEC-GLAS Gruenenplan GmbH company launched manufacturing load-bearing glass pillars in a professional manner.
Glass supports take maximum loads and offer optimum transparency - Glass supports take maximum loads and offer optimum transparency

Preventing Window Size Reductions in New Buildings

Thanks to their involved commitment the German Flat Glass Manufacturers’ Association and the Association of Window and Façade Manufacturers (Bundesverband Flachglas e.V. / BVF and Verband der Fenster- und Fassadenhersteller e.V. /VFF respectively) are preventing window panes and glass facades having to be made smaller in new buildings in Germany in future.
Preventing Window Size Reductions in New Buildings - Preventing Window Size Reductions in New Buildings

A Symbiosis of Metal and Glass

By laminating metal meshes in multilayer glass MeshArt opens up interesting possibilities in both architecture and interior design.
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Keeping out the sun with switchable glazing

Installing electrochrome solar control glazing provides for controlling heat and light reaching a building from outside.
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New scientific test method for self-cleaning glass

A new method has been developed under a European research project, testing the effectiveness of self-cleaning glass. The results show that industrial glass with hydrophilic titanium dioxide coating stays clean for longer periods of time.
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Multi-functional glass facade

The planning and construction of innovative office and administrative buildings is today decisively determined by the requirement of maximum energy efficiency. In this connection the focus is on the development of architecturally attractive objects and facilities which combine minimum primary energy requirements with maximum user benefits and convenience.
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