A brighter place for pupils

Creating the optimum learning environment for young people with special needs

When pupils have profound and multiple learning difficulties, creating a welcoming, bright and airy learning environment is even more important. VELUX Modular Skylights provided the perfect solution for the new £3.5 million Woodlands School development.

At the heart of the development is a new state of the art extension. It features a central court atrium space filled with natural light and fresh air on demand, thanks to the perfectly controllable climate provided by the VELUX Modular Skylights.

Pupils and staff move through the atrium on their way to each class and therapy session, motivated by the pleasant atmosphere.

Proven benefits of natural daylight

Research shows that a child’s ability to gather and process information vastly improves when they are taught in a bright and ventilated environment, so plenty of daylight and fresh air are crucial for learning. Activity levels are also known to increase when the quality of daylight is preserved.

Slimline design and energy efficient

This flagship school works collaboratively to identify and remove barriers to learning and achievement, which means that creating the right environment is key to their vision and mission. VELUX provided a complete design solution for the architect, Luton Borough Council, ensuring the new two-storey building was unified by a sense of space and light.

Durable and cost-effective VELUX Modular Skylights provided a striking internal aesthetic, together with a robust life expectancy.

“The client and design team are delighted with the VELUX Modular Skylight assembly which was coordinated and completed on programme with the helpful assistance of the technical design team and approved specialist subcontractor. The VELUX Modular Skylight is an extremely elegant, well designed and detailed product and one that I would have no hesitation in recommending to other architectural practices, or indeed for inclusion on our future schools projects.”

Andy Jackson, Design Team, Luton Borough Council

The new building for Woodlands School comprises:

• 12 classrooms with wider doorways and corridors

• A space for older students to learn essential daily skills

• Rebound Room with recessed trampoline

• Therapists’ Room

• Toilets

• Offices

• Nurse’s Room

• Boiler / Server Room

• Food Preparation Area

• Common and Staff Rooms

• Covered outdoor courtyard space

The new development also included new car parking, alterations to the existing building and a new multi use games area. Work commenced in August 2014 and completed in July 2015. With these substantially extended facilities, Woodlands School can now accommodate 100 additional pupils and 75 further staff over the next few years.

Rapid installation thanks to modular design

Watson & Cox Construction Ltd placed an order with Roofglaze for a smooth, easy and complete installation package. They supplied and installed the 25˚ pitch VELUX Ridgelight consisting of:

• 40 fixed modules, 1000mm width, 1800mm height

• 8 smoke venting modules with motor, 1000mm width, 1800mm height.

The Ridgelight solution guaranteed a building process that was both economical and safe. Each VELUX Modular Skylight is prefabricated as a single unit, complete with glass and motor. Roofglaze clipped each skylight into place using the galvanised VELUX mounting brackets, locking them securely in position. And thanks to the solution-specific end pieces, no on-site adjustment was needed.

From the moment they were installed, the VELUX Modular Skylights work together as a single unit, making them easy to operate by the school.

Source : roofglaze

POLFLAM is an independent European manufacturer of fire-resistant glass. The company applies its proprietary technology for the production of hydrogel.

On offer POLFLAM has glass of varied application: both indoor and outdoor, in all fire-resistance classes from EI 30 to EI 180, including curved glass.

Nonetheless, the brand’s hallmark is glass panels of exceptionally large dimensions: 2200 x 4200 mm,
and more recently even 2420 x 4620 mm – and that in the EI 60 class!

Glazed partitions to provide maximum daylight inside the building are the dominating trend in modern architecture today. Still, wherever the large-surface glazings function as curtain walls, we find ourselves limited by glass sizes available in the market. This is because large-size fire-resistant glass panels are a technology challenge for manufacturers, as high as the required fire-resistance rating.

High-rise buildings of fire-resistance class A are required to use partitions of the class as high as EI 60.
When it introduced, later in 2015, the EI 30 glass panels of exceptional size – 2200 x 4200 mm onto the European market, POLFLAM has broken down an important technology barrier.

Soon, also higher-class glass of the same format made its way into the company’s offer. Following the September testing of the EI 60 glass in aluminium joinery carried out in a notified laboratory, the company’s offer got extended to POLFLAM® EI 60 symmetrical fire-resistant glass in a record-breaking format: 2420 x 4620 mm!
Large-sized fire-resistant glass panels mean less construction members in the partition which translates into a measurable increase of the indoor light saturation index, the more that POLFLAM® glass has exceptional light transmittance factor. On top of that, there is this indisputable visual effect: the huge glass panels are truly impressive.

Breaking down technology barriers is POLFLAM’s hallmark. That means that it will not take long for us to wait for yet new solutions. The company’s R&D department has certainly not said the last word.

Source : polflam

Glazing expert Samantha Anderson from Viridian Home Comfort lists the Top 3 things homeowners need to think about when selecting glass and windows for their home.

1. Natural Light
Natural light is an essential element in creating a comfortable, healthy, light-filled home. Science has proven that natural light is linked to happiness and well-being, and glass is the channel that can bring those feelings of happiness and healthiness into your family life.

One of the wonders of natural light, is that it can make your house feel like a home. There’s nothing better than enjoying those leisurely mornings at home reading the papers while basking in the sunlight of your favourite chill out spot.

The better performing glass you use; the more natural light you can enjoy. For example, large areas of ordinary glass lose heat and don’t comply with energy regulations, leaving homeowners to face the challenge of achieving adequate natural light levels and an energy efficient home.

As a result, many homeowners choose to use smaller windows to achieve the required star rating, ultimately reducing the level of natural light coming into the home.

To overcome this, we advise consumers to choose a high performance glass as this allows them achieve a larger glass area and increased natural light levels, while still maintaining a comfortable home that’s cool in summer and warm in winter.

For example, Viridian’s high performance double glazed product LightBridge™ is a window that behaves like a “window” when it comes to light but behaves more like a “wall” when it comes to insulation. Using a glass that provides better insulation over ordinary glass offers homeowners the opportunity to increase the glazed area of their home but still achieve a six-star rating and enhanced natural light levels. A win all round.

2. Insulation
When we talk about feeling physically and emotionally comfortable it’s hard to get past temperature – if you feel too hot or too cold then you’re not comfortable. Glass has a huge impact on the livability and comfort of your home. For example, many consumers may not realise that ordinary glass windows are an energy leak. A typical, adequately-insulated building that uses ordinary glass can lose up to 40 per cent of heat through the windows in winter. The same windows allow up to 87 per cent of solar heat gain during summer.

Homeowners who want greater control over the comfort and temperature of their home have a number of options. They can choose an entry-level energy efficiency glass product such as Viridian’s SmartGlass™ which improves insulation over ordinary glass by around a third. Or they can go a step further and choose a higher performing glass such as Viridian’s LightBridge which can more than double this improvement in insulation performance.

It goes without saying that your home is a place you should enjoy spending time in and temperature plays a huge role in that. You can’t relax in a chilly sitting room or create a culinary masterpiece in an overheated kitchen. Your window’s insulation performance will help control your home’s temperature and ultimately how your home feels.

3. Acoustics

We know that there is an increasing number of Australians now living in high density urban areas, so people are looking for long term ways to prevent outside noise disrupting home life.

The Viridian team developed ComfortHushTM to specifically address this issue. ComfortHush can reduce noise levels entering a home by up to 34 per cent compared to ordinary 3mm glass.

It offers up to a 6 decibel reduction in sound transmission compared to ordinary glass, which is the equivalent of moving a house roughly double the distance from the noise source.

Viridian’s LightBridge can also be upgraded to offer enhanced noise control giving homeowners the opportunity to create a comfortable, peaceful living space that provides sanctuary from the outside world.

Acoustic performance glass is especially helpful for families. As a parent, I think one of the key advantages is that it allows you to sit back and enjoy your cup of tea and read your book while keeping an eye on the kids playing outside-without being disturbed by the noise of their backyard cricket commentary.

Also, imagine no longer having to listen to your over enthusiastic neighbour mowing his lawn at 7am every Saturday. Acoustic performance glass makes it easy to relax at home, you can simply close the window and disconnect from the outside world and recharge in peace and quiet.

For more on Viridian’s range of glass products for your home visit at http://www.viridian.com.au

Source : glasstalks

The Rail Nirman Nilayam at Hyderabad, constructed by the South Central Railways, is the first project of the Indian Railways that has been registered for GRIHA compliance.

Recipient of GRIHA’s 3 Star rating and winner of IGBC’s LEED-Gold certification, it will go down in the echelons of history as Indian Railways’ first Green Building. Several factors come into play to give a building its ‘green’ status, not the least among which, is glass. In this project too, glass for green buildings makes it presence felt, loud and clear with Saint-Gobain’s glazing solutions designed to ensure a role model in sustainability.

Spread over 7800 sqm with a built-up area of 4405 sqm, the Rail Nirman Nilayam has achieved a 36.5% reduction in energy consumption as compared to the GRIHA benchmark. How glass for green buildings assumes importance is gauged by the fact that the project was designed with 40 per cent glazing area, with two cutouts to give more lighting, leading to a considerable reduction in energy demand. The optimal design of lighting helped to save power to up to 20% when compared to buildings of a similar nature. Ar.Prabhakar of Sankalp Designer Group, Hyderabad, incorporated several features that went a long way in reducing energy consumption, like efficient water management, efficient use of resources during construction, installing solar modules, a solar generating grid, rainwater harvesting as well as decreasing the destruction of the surrounding ecology.

Saint-Gobain’s EVO glass was used to glaze this first Green Building of the Indian Railways. It is a solar control glass that is energy-efficient and has thermal insulation properties in a single glazing application. It helps to maintain clear vision both during the day as well as in the night.

SGG EVO is especially designed to be a glass for green buildings. It has been ensured to be in conformance with the requirements of green buildings and ECBC (BEE) regulations. It has come to be relied on by buildings that are going in for the LEED/IGBC rating and TERI-GRIHA rating. It comes in lighter hues and at the Rail Nirman Nilayam, SGG EVO Green Aura (ET 425), was used, much in line with its ‘green’ building status.

Every time the Rail Nirman Nilayam at Hyderabad is spoken about, it will be mentioned as Indian Railways’ first Green Building in the same breath. In much the same way, every time green buildings are spoken about, the role of glass will gets its due credit. As we move towards a sustainable world, let’s pledge to ensure energy-efficiency in the materials we use, so every building that we make, will be a green one.

Source : architecture.in.saint-gobain-glass

Adhesion performance between silicone elastomers and thermoplastics can now be improved

The Silopren LSR 27×9 liquid silicone rubber family will be launched by Momentive Performance Materials Inc. at K 2016, the 20 ^th International Trade Fair for Rubber and Plastics. This new self-bonding material is capable of addressing the growing demands for hard-soft designs, and decreasing assembly steps. It also enables attaining the bonding between silicone and thermoplastics, and fulfills several complex design requirements.

Industrial, automotive, medical device and consumer electronics manufacturers are exploring improved adhesion technology between silicone elastomers and specific engineering plastics including co-polyesters, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polycarbonate (PC) in order to enhance performance characteristics such as functionality, durability, protection and waterproofing. The new self-bonding LSR technology developed by Momentive provides a primerless solution that helps to blend two materials through a two-shot over-molding process in order to obtain a hard-soft design and also a cost-effective manufacturing process of high part-quantities in a single integrated molding process. Surface treatment on the substrates is not required for Silopren LSR 27×9 liquid silicone rubber, which reportedly provides short cycle times and a single step curing that will result in enhancing design freedom and productivity.

“Momentive continues to lead the market in developing silicone elastomer solutions that enable design complexity and manufacturing efficiency. Our newest offering advances adhesion technology for molded parts that have been previously unavailable in the market,” comments Holger Albrecht, Vice President, Elastomers, at Momentive.

Source : plasticstoday

At Wendel, we recognize that solar control is crucial to the successful daylighting of a space.

For Lakeview Public School we sought to control glare and solar heat gain while still providing transparency and views.  We were intrigued by the ClearShade glass unit’s ability to evenly diffuse light without glare while also creating dynamic views through its patterned inserts.  Its ability to prevent glare allowed us to save cost by eliminating the need for shading devices where Panelite was used.  After seeing the ClearShade installed, I was impressed by the quantity and soft diffuse quality of daylight penetrating through the space, eliminating the need for artificial lighting during the day.“

DAYLIGHTING

By specifying ClearShade IGU, which redirects and diffuses daylight rather than blocking it in order to control solar heat, Wendel was able to achieve high-quality, uniform daylighting in the school’s corridors and greatly reduce the need for artificial lighting. Not only does the school save energy, the abundance of natural daylight provides for a higher quality experience of the space. The importance of daylighting and views is well documented and is rewarded as a sustainability measure in LEED EQc8.1: Daylight and Views – Daylight.

“The use of naturally lighted spaces is a valuable strategy for achieving energy savings and earning U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED credits. Beyond energy savings, careful use of daylighting can contribute to occupant well-being and productivity. Consequently, architects and engineers are encouraged to improve their ability to apply daylighting strategies to building design solutions.” (From Consulting-Specifying Engineer magazine)

Viewed at close range, the white color and three diameters of the ClearShade honeycomb insert are visible.

From farther away, the detail of the ClearShade honeycomb insert fades and it becomes more transparent. The honeycomb diffuses and redirects visible light to provide ample natural daylight to the interior.

Analysis of daylighting levels conducted with Radiance, a software tool developed by Lawrence Berkeley Lab for building energy analysis. At top, glare and hotspots occur with a standard clear glass IGU. At bottom, the ClearShade IGU provides diffuse, ample daylight without glare or hotspots.

Read more about Lawrence Berkeley’s lab’s selection of ClearShade as a promising energy-saving technology and its integration into their suite of building performance analysis software here.

DIRECTIONAL TRANSPARENCY AND VIEWS

While the technical requirements were met, the dynamic views and the visual engagement between inside and outside activities was even more successful than anticipated. From outside, viewers perceive movement and changes in light within the building. From inside, viewers have a broad overview of the grounds and all the activity that occurs throughout the schoolday, from playground activity to impromptu soccer games. No other solar shading devices provide this level of solar heat control while allowing such natural, engaging views at the same time. The open cell design of the ClearShade honeycomb insert eliminates the need for tinted or darkened glass, or for visually obtrusive shades.

PANELITE PRODUCT USED AT LAKEVIEW PUBLIC SCHOOL

ClearShade CS-U-TTWR3-1020-1000

Outboard Lite: ¼” clear tempered glass w/ low-e on surface 2

ClearShade insert: Random Mix (3 cell diameters), color: TrueWhite

Inboard Lite: ¼” clear tempered glass

Scope:  201 panels total, 39 unique layouts, 2165 sf

ClearShade IGU performance data including VLT, U-Value and SHGC . 7mm cell data approximates the random cell core used in this project. (Click to view larger.)

View Daylighting, views and solar shading at Lakeview Public School

Source : panelite

Aludecor proudly presents It’s #Sparkling Series that will add a glittering touch to any #architectural idea. http://bit.ly/1Uhr6zO 

Throughout the architecture history, we have been concerning the facade treatment for a much pleasant visual impact to the public. But what pushes its own boundary now, is how do we make the facade more than just a static vertical architectural element. What if a facade functions more than just an envelope of a building? What if a facade responds to climate, technology, sunlight, or even natural element such as wind? What if a facade can constantly react to the surrounding and forms a pattern of movement by itself? What if, a “dynamic facade” proposal that could respond to the environment and minimize the energy consumption?

The façade is a part of the urban fabric that builds up the city. It is a crucial component, especially considering public or commercial buildings or even offices on important avenues and streets. The visual impact of any structure for a layman is mostly associated with the structures greatness, its aesthetics, its uniqueness, and how captivating it is apart from the amount invested in it by the companies. To top it up, people are becoming increasingly aware of their surrounding environment and prefer ideas and designs that are sustainable and environment friendly.

With the use of material and technology in a given set of boundaries and conditions, the contemporary architecture surfaces are classified into “dynamic” and “static”. The building envelope acts like a skin, an intermediate between the interior and the exterior. This skin has evolved over time, with the help of the engineered solutions; the purpose of dynamic facades is to assist in the progress of Sustainable and Responsive architecture. The dynamic facades act as filters between the indoors and the outdoors, facilitating the users providing appropriate shade, sunlight, ventilation and a visual union with the world in motion outside. It is not a new idea, but it is only recently that architects have started utilizing this technology in their structures and designs.

“Through fully integrated design strategies, today’s facade can provide responsive and performative envelopes that both contextually and conceptually react to their local surroundings, whilst simultaneously determining interior conditions,” said Ben Van Berkel, the co-founder of UNStudio (2014). That is undeniable truth that facade in today’s architecture is getting just as complex as the building structure. There are already many dynamic facade treatment examples in this industry that have proven its workability.

The love and fascination with technology and experimentation has become a prevalent and extensive part in the architectural discourse in these times. This has resulted in endless possibilities in the designs and usage of dynamic and kinetic architecture. The environment is the key factor that impacts the design of the façades; the amount of layering and the material choice, all is dependent on these external forces. In order to let you all further understand the overall idea about dynamic facade, these are several types of dynamic facade we could put in category.

User-Control Dynamic Facade

First type is the “user-control dynamic facade”, the Kiefer Technic Showroom by Ernst Gieselbrecht + Partner, a built project located in Steiermark, Austria (2007). “The way the dynamic facade works is through electronic controls within the building that can individually control each of the 54 motors within the facade. It is a simple technology which does not include any type of responsive system and responds only to the use input from the building occupants.” The facade itself is functioning as a shading device but given the users to control the angle of the panel, and amount of light transmitted into the interior space.

Kiefer Technic Showroom – Courtesy of Ernst Giselbrecht + Partner

Light Projection Dynamic Facade

The second type of dynamic facade lighting projection based. There is a built project in Cheonan, Korea which fits in this category. Galleria Centercity by UNStudio (2010). UNStudio has set up a good example for us that utilize the light back projection, we are able to tell the zones of different resolution as well as detail. “The strategy for the building enclosure consists of creating an optical illusion. The facades feature two layers of customized aluminium extrusion profiles on top of a back layer of composite aluminium cladding. The vertical profiles of the top layer are straight; but those of the back layer are angled. This results in a wave-like appearance, which changes with the viewpoint of the spectator (Moire effect).” said UNStudio.

Galleria Centercity | UNStudio. Photography: Kim Jong-Kwan

Light Control Dynamic Facade
Jean Nouvel’s L’Institut du Monde Arabe (Paris, France) was built in 1987 and is one of the oldest examples that incorporate the idea of Dynamic Façades. The South façade is inspired from the Arab geometry of ‘Mashrabiya’. Its 27,000 diaphragms, organized in 113 panels, operate on the principle of a camera lens and are controlled via central computer to moderate light levels on the south façade. The lens’ polygonal openings echo the said Arabian geometries. The structure is frozen now, and doesn’t really work and has become a question mark in the use of kinetic strategies in architecture.

Institut du Monde Arabe – Mousharabieh – Photo via Flickr – User: Serge Melki

Again inspired from the ‘Mashrabiya’ is The Abu Dhabi Investment Council Headquarters, Al-Bahr Towers, designed by Aedas architects and Arup engineers. It consists of a shading system of PTFE clad Mashrabiyas. On Arup’s Website they state that, ‘the system is predicted to reduce the solar energy entering the building by 20% and is one of a number of innovative measures to improve environmental performance and limit energy use.’  They also claim that the design has resulted in 40% saving in carbon emissions. This restores our faith in the use of dynamic facades in our designs.

Al Bahar Towers Responsive Facade | Aedas

Wind Responsive Dynamic Facade

Besides the three types of dynamic facade I have mentioned earlier, the “wind responsive dynamic facade” comes in as our third type of dynamic facade in the category. Wind as a natural element itself is strong enough to provide a dynamic pattern of motion without wasting any energy. Brisbane Domestic Terminal Carpark in Australia (2011) has installed 250,000 aluminium plates to create this wind-powered facade. “Viewed from the exterior, the car park’s entire eastern side will appear to ripple fluidly as the wind activates 250,000 suspended aluminium panels. As it responds to the ever-changing patterns of the wind, the façade will create a direct interface between the built and natural environments,” said UAP Workshop (2011). The facade itself constantly stays in moving motion as the wind blows.

Brisbane Domestic Terminal Carpark in Australia | UAP

Seasonal Green Dynamic Facade

Last but not least, a facade which integrating the greeneries to make the facade responsive to the 4 seasons is also been categorized as one of the dynamic facade. House in Travessa Do Patrocinio in Lisbon, Portugal (2012) shows a facade can be dynamic without high-technology system. Luis Rebelo de Andrade has dressed-up the 4 story height facade with vegetation, creating a vertical garden, filled with around 4500 plants from 25 different Iberian and Mediterranean varieties which occupies 100 square meters. “Therefore, this project is in fact a mini lung and an example of sustainability for the city of Lisbon, keeping the principles of a living typical habitat and a relationship with the outside, assuming a revitalizing urban role.”

House in Travessa Do Patrocinio in Lisbon | Luis Rebelo de Andrade

Although as much as interesting the facade could be, eventually it comes down to the costing question. “To be able to maintain such conditions. the energy need to operare these complex devices translates into ever higher running costs due to the ascendant trend in the price of energy.” said Sinziana Rasca. One does think, using kinetic dynamic façades we are saving manual labor of getting up and closing window shades or opening them, but is it worth it? Aesthetically speaking, the dynamic facades are inviting and interesting for the individuals walking by, the people, the users. They might even add some life to the built urban environment, but in the long run are they actually as energy efficient as promised? Are they sustainable enough? The amount of cost spent on just the manufacture and assembly of the systems, is there actually a profit in terms of energy consumed? Do they break even?

The debates are there, but with the developing technology we need to agree the cost have gone down over the past year. But then I am forced to question the cost and energy that goes into maintaining these complex structures. The mind is boggled, but this still doesn’t stop us architects from designing innovative buildings and experimenting.

Source : arch2o

If your high-end commercial or residential design calls for an elevated level of connectivity, equal ease of access and an imaginative use of space, consider Klein’s easy-mounting frameless sliding glass corner doors.

Interior doors that swing require extra space to accommodate their function. And even traditional sliding doors can’t be placed on a corner without a floor track or vertical supports.

See how the easy-mounting EXTENDO Corner was used to successfully partition this minimalist workplace application in Frederick, Maryland.

This video demonstrates a corner application composed of two systems: Extendo 2 doors on the left + Rollglass on the right side… with perfect 45º finishes.

Non-Conventional Bathroom Entrances
For spaces that require an elegant bathroom entrance, such as minimalist homes or luxury boutique hotels, frameless sliding corner doors can easily be combined with telescoping glass panels or fixed glass panels to maximize the openness of the living place. Due to the recessed installation and the frameless system, these non-conventional door enclosures and telescopic glass and fixed panels give your clients and their guests creative new ways of entering bath environments.

All of Klein’s systems are created to hold whatever type of glass is needed to ensure the proper degree of privacy, including monolithic and laminated which allows the glass panels to be decorated.

A Suite Within a Suite
When planning for workplaces, bedrooms, closets or other areas that require a high level of privacy, an elegant corner entryway can be created within a larger suite by combining walls with corner doors. This stunning glass cube partitions the room without dividing it visually.

These corner doors provide unlimited applications for creating partitions for workplaces walk-in closets, or bathrooms, adding beauty and comfort to your home or commercial project.

Corner doors can also be a great way to reimagine entrances to the bedroom. Whether used in homes or hotels, sliding glass corner doors can be integrated into a glass cube or applied on drywall, making your application truly unique. And the obvious benefits of a large corner opening will inspire your clients, especially those who are looking for a unique design for their most demanding visitors.

The ambient, synchronized UNIKMATIC offers another option for a bi-parting corner that opens at 90 degrees.

ADA and LEED-Friendly
Klein’s easy-mounting frameless glass corner doors empower your most creative response to market trends by providing space-saving design that brings in natural light. Due to their day-lighting and ADA capabilities, all Klein glass corner doors, fixed panels and sliding panels, can help you meet LEED project requirements.

Added Amenities
For clients who prefer a non-glass material, the SLID wooden/metal bi-parting doorsprovide an easy-mounting minimalist design for residential and commercial applications, offering the same ease of access and imaginative use of space.

And finally, in a touch of effortless convenience, the self-closing systems mean that the door will never be left open, even if an occupant forgets to close it all the way.

Meeting the challenge of minimalist residential and commercial design is what drives you. Give yourself the tools to exceed expectations: Klein sliding glass corner doors. Don’t just rethink corners – enliven them.

ABOUT KLEIN USA
Klein USA, Inc. is a global leader in high-quality sliding glass door systems uniquely designed to provide the A&D industry with the most innovative solutions, enhancing both space and light sharing.  Use of Klein’s frameless glass corner doors imparts a clean, modern look to any commercial, residential, or hospitality application.

Source : klein-usa

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As many as 1,124 green buildings from Maharashtra have been registered with the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), taking the state at the top position in the green building footprint in the country.

The significant contribution by the state takes India’s registered green building foot-print to 3.86 billion square feet, the second best globally after the United States, IGBC said in a statement issued here.

According to the recent data on state-wise green buildings released by IGBC, part of CII, Maharashtra is followed by Tamil Nadu (355), Karnataka (354), Uttar Pradesh (351), Telangana (253), Delhi (197) and Haryana (194).

With the 3.86 billion square feet of green building foot-print across the country, India has managed CO2 reduction by 50 million tons, ensured energy saving worth 50,000 GW per hour and water savings to 170 gigalitres.

IGBC has set up an ambitious target to facilitate 10 billion sqft of registered green building footprint by 2022.

To realise its target of expanding green buildings foot-print in India, IGBC, during the 14th edition of Green Building Congress 2016 from October 5-8, will be adding 6 more rating systems, which will have specific IGBC green building guidelines for every type of building, as well as infrastructure project in the country.

These include IGBC EB rating, which facilitates conversion of existing building into green building. Presently there are 14 IGBC green building rating systems.

Source : businesstoday

Trying to restore historical buildings while maintaining the character of the past is a common challenge designers and contractors often face today.

Whether it is a skyscraper office tower or just a small, local storefront, the importance of preserving and honoring the past for future generations is a common theme these days. Renovating the Judicial Office Building for the Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA) in the center of Montgomery was an especially challenging but rewarding experience for all those involved. The renovated high-rise addition was built around the former Alabama Judicial Building to preserve much of the historic structure, such as the ceremonial courtroom, as well as the overall architecture of the former building.

The existing historic courthouse became a hallowed piece of history in the Civil Rights Movement when Martin Luther King spoke on the front steps. This magnificent project celebrates the historic State of Alabama Judicial Building and offers spectacular views of Montgomery’s downtown, the riverfront, and the state capitol building from its landscaped terraces and private executive balconies. It offers covered executive parking, 24/7 security, advanced electrical systems and state-of-the-art climate controls. Its interior is comprised of fine finishes, including wood, limestone, granite, marble, and stainless steel. Paying homage to tradition, the Honor Court even features five life size bronze statues of past Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justices.

The Retirement System of Alabama (RSA) Judicial Office Building is located just west of the State Capitol. The site contains an existing structure and a new 531,000 square foot office building which is the latest edition to the family of RSA buildings present in downtown Montgomery, Alabama.

Led by Bailey and Harris Construction, renovation of the new RSA Judicial Office Building began in 2008 and was completed in July of 2011. Named to celebrate the historic State of Alabama Judicial Building which has resided on the property since 1926, this $99 million project fully restored the existing building and encompassed it within a grand 50-foot tall structurally-glazed grand entrance topped by the twelve story skyscraper. The restored portions of the project have been adapted for premium executive office space and a multi-purpose conference center which features the original Supreme Court chamber and lobby.

Photo credit: www.2wrarch.com

The RSA wanted to make a classic statement from the very beginning which meant shining a window into the world of historic Alabama. When it came time to execute the “big window” to the courthouse, nationally-acclaimed structural glass supplier W&W Glass was selected to make it happen.

The professionals at W&W Glass needed to make the new building the jewel of the existing Montgomery Courthouse complex. The architect 2WR Holmes Wilkins worked with W&W Glass to solidify the right design solution for this feature area. Using structural glass materials supplied by W&W Glass and fabricated in the United Kingdom by Pilkington, the project was glazed by Juba Aluminum Products with the Pilkington Planar™ system for the entryway curtain walls. The product used is a “point supported” glazing system in which the face glass is supported by stainless steel fittings that bolt the facade glass back to suspended tempered monolithic glass fins to provide the necessary structural support instead of having metal framing behind each piece of glass like traditional curtain wall. This allows an unobstructed view through the wall, looking both inside and out. Because of the vast opening size, the space frame piers visible through the Pilkington Planar wall were needed to support the building structure. The wall was glazed using insulated glass with high performance low-e coatings to minimize energy costs. Visitors are awed by the dramatic four-story lobby/atrium with its high limestone walls, grand staircase, and elevators covered in polished granite, glass, and stainless steel.

Photo credit: www.bailey-harris.com

For more information on this project and all the projects completed and underway by the W&W Glass, go to wwglass.com and look under the portfolio section.

W&W Glass, LLC is a family owned business with a 70-year history in the metal and glass industry, one of the largest metal and glass companies in the New York metropolitan area and the largest supplier of structural glass systems in the country. We have over two decades of experience in the design and installation of various building enclosure systems, including stick-built curtain walls, pre-glazed unitized curtain walls, Pilkington Planar™ structural glass facades, and custom metal and glass enclosure systems. We install all of our work with our own dedicated union labor force. W&W is consistently the largest employer of glaziers in the NY metropolitan area.

Source : wwglass

Stunning curved sliding patio doors and windows, supplied by Balconette, introduce light and take full advantage of panoramic sea views at this award-winning, Art Deco-inspired seafront house at East Lothian on the north-east Scottish coast.

Glazingshopee.com awarded the contract to set up In-house Materials performance testing laboratory for Glass Façade Kolkatta.

This in house laboratory would be fully functional by February 2017 & will have international equipments for testing of major raw materials. It will also have cyclical testing equipments for Sliding Rollers, Locks & Corner Cleats for Sliding Windows & Friction stay testing for casement Windows. 

As per Mr. Saurav Guha (MD) of Glass Facades major challenge in Eastern Region is not satisfactory labs prevails them to trust on supplier. With his experience he says if materials performance testing is in house then they can focus on Local Outsourcing of major products & get it in house tested so Customers have satisfactory results on site.

This lab would also help Glass Façade in ensuring Architects, Clients & various companies visit to this testing facility & will help them boost their Sales in Windows & Façade market.

This would be first kind of Lab Installed by any contractor in India to ensure smooth functioning of product on site.

Glazingshopee.com would ensure Glass facades in procuring & commission of this laboratory before February 2017

SWISSPACER has launched a new spacer bar  SWISSPACER Triple is a world first – the only warm edge spacer bar designed specifically for triple glazing.

SWISSPACER Triple gives outstanding energy efficiency and eliminates the need for two single spacer bars. Its centre groove holds the middle pane of glass in place. This allows sealed unit makers to use slimmer 2mm or 3mm middle panes, reducing the overall weight of the sealed unit. Triple glazed units with SWISSPACER Triple are lighter, more durable and easier to install. Available in 25mm, 33mm and 37mm bars, SWISSPACER Triple offers the same excellent thermal performance as its flagship product, Ultimate.

SWISSPACER Triple only requires two layers of butyl seal, which reduces the risk of sealed unit failure caused by gas loss and moisture penetration. It also improves aesthetics with perfect parallel lines and eliminates the ‘wavy’ butyl line along the centre pane, which is common with traditional triple glazed units. SWISSPACER Triple can be processed by hand or on existing machinery for double glazed units. This makes it ideal for all sized sealed unit makers and for those who want to start producing triple glazed units.

SWISSPACER Triple has been used in ‘CLIMATOP EASY’, a new high performance triple glazed unit by Saint-Gobain Building Glass Europe. Thanks to SWISSPACER Triple, this innovative unit has an ultra-slim 2mm centre pane to reduce overall weight.

John Cooper, SWISSPACER Head of Marketing & Sales (UK & Ireland) says: “SWISSPACER Triple is the first of its kind. It’s a game-changer for triple glazed units. Until now, sealed unit makers have had to use two spacer bar in triple glazed units, but you only need to use one SWISSPACER Triple!

“SWISSPACER Triple has the same outstanding thermal performance as Ultimate, and lets manufacturers use a slimmer middle pane for a lighter sealed unit that’s durable, long-lasting, easier to manufacture and easier to install. We believe this significant innovation will help reduce the time and cost of producing triple glazed units. We’re very excited to launch SWISSPACER Triple and we’re sure it will be a huge success.”

Call John Cooper on 07795 688 061 and follow @Ultimate_Spacer.

Source : swisspacer

“Roto Patio Alversa”: New universal hardware for minimum effort in Parallel Sliding and Tilt&Slide systems

Implemented business strategy / In-house development, manufacturing and delivery / Worldwide market launch on 15th November 2016 / Universal platform / One central locking system, one handle and one modular sliding system / Lower costs thanks to combined systems / Four variants / Quick, secure, certified

Parallel Sliding and Tilt&Slide systems: “Milestone” in terms of customer benefits

Leinfelden-Echterdingen – (rp) The goal of achieving a superior position in terms of customer benefits is a clear priority, particularly when it comes to product policy. A “fundamental prerequisite” for this is full independence in development, manufacturing and delivery. This is ultimately the only way to fully exploit the potential of technologies, including in terms of reacting quicker and more flexibly to changing market and customer requirements. Building on this strategic basis, Roto is announcing a “new era” for the “Sliding” product group: From 15th November 2016 onwards, the window and door technology specialist will be offering “Universal hardware for minimum effort in Parallel Sliding and Tilt&Slide systems” worldwide with the launch of “Patio Alversa”. This range fulfils the crucial in-house criteria and represents a “milestone” in terms of customer benefits.

This innovation ensures the required level of independence, as it will gradually replace the current range of additional products purchased (“Patio S / PS / Z”). As emphasised by Marketing Director Udo Pauly, this product change is not targeted at Roto’s existing industry partners, but is purely the “logical consequence” of its own business strategy. In addition, Roto will of course continue to be a reliable partner for companies that process the existing “Sliding” systems, and guarantees a smooth transition to the “significantly improved” new generation.

A first for the industry and other characteristic features

The most important customer benefit of “Patio Alversa” is that it reduces manufacturing, storage and logistics costs to a minimum on a lasting basis. This is achieved thanks to the combination of universal central locking system, universal handle and modular sliding system, which is implemented in all four variants on offer. This platform concept can be summarised by the catchy slogan “Minimal. Universal”.

The use of the same central locking system across all the different versions is a first for the industry. The “NT” (plastic, timber) and “AL” (aluminium) components, which have been “tried and tested a million times”, are available for this. These are said to ensure quick processing in the production line and do not require changes in production plants or installation processes. They – and indeed the entire system – have also significantly reduced the number of different parts, thereby simplifying storage.

The same applies to the “universal handle”, which is a special feature of the range. The use of the “Line” and “Swing” series, which are available in all popular colours, further reduces the effort required for administration by simplifying the master data process. This advantage is a further defining feature of the whole product line.

The third characteristic feature of “Patio Alversa” is the modular sliding system. This combines elements from the “NT” or “AL” hardware product range such as espagnolettes and corner drives with components specific to “Patio” such as bogies, scissors-sliders and track sets. The compatible assemblies and standardised work steps enable quick and easy installation. Individual components can be exchanged flexibly, enabling window fabricators to quickly switch between different Parallel Sliding and Tilt&Slide systems and their different ventilation functions when producing windows. For the first time, this includes the ability to combine a Parallel Sliding system with tilt ventilation.

Another aspect in which this innovation earns the “universal” attribute is its range of applications. It is suitable – whether as a window or as a balcony door – for creating doorways to terraces and balconies or for use in conservatories and glass extensions or in offices, studies and kitchens. If required, integrated security components such as strikers and lockable handles ensure efficient, custom burglary inhibition. With its Parallel Sliding variants, Roto also emphasises ease of operation. Much like conventional Tilt&Turn windows, they are based on intuitive handle operation, quiet functioning thanks to the special opening and closing mechanism and optimised run-in and run-out characteristics provided by special damping elements. In addition, the use of the same handles for sliding systems and windows provides a standardised appearance.

Ingenious product family and controlled comfort ventilation

The “Patio Alversa” range consists of four solutions. Brief profiles of these at a glance:

The “KS” variant is a Tilt&Slide system with tilt ventilation. It covers sash rebate widths (SRW) of between 600 mm and 1250 mm and sash rebate heights (SRH) of between 600 mm and 2350 mm, for sash weights of up to 100 kg. For sash weights of up to 160 kg, the corresponding data is: SRW between 600 mm and 1650 mm and SRH between 600 mm and 2700 mm.

The “PS” variant stands for a Parallel Sliding system with or without night ventilation. For sash weights of up to 160 kg, the possible dimensions are between 720 mm and 1650 mm (SRW) and between 600 mm and 2350 mm (SRH). For sashes with a maximum weight of 200 kg, the corresponding values are: between 1170 mm and 2000 mm and between 600 mm and 2700 mm respectively.

The “PS Air” variant refers to a Parallel Sliding system with tilt ventilation. At a maximum sash weight of 160 kg, the range of dimensions is between 720 mm and 1650 mm (SRW) and between 600 mm and 2350 mm (SRH).

The “PS Air Com” variant combines a Parallel Sliding system with tilt ventilation, which can be conveniently controlled using the window handle. This enables sashes with weights of up to 200 kg (SRW: between 1170 mm and 2000 mm; SRH: between 600 mm and 2700 mm) to be closed with minimal effort. For sash weights of up to 160 kg, dimensions of between 720 mm and 2000 mm (SRW) and between 600 mm and 2700 mm (SRH) are possible.

Practical benefits for installation and certified market readiness

According to Roto, the technical details of the series as a whole include the use of standard Tilt&Turn profiles made from timber, plastic or aluminium and the use of four identical corner drives for centred/variable espagnolettes. The ability to simply clip the scissors-slider into the stay-connecting profile further contributes to the quick and easy installation. The ease with which the height of the bogies can be adjusted has multiple benefits in practice. With its negative range of -2 to +6 mm, it dispenses with the need to move the roller track for lightweight sashes, prevents damage to sashes, as its thread cannot be overwound or unwound, and makes lifting or releasing the sash unnecessary. The substantial retracting distance in turn enables deeper profiles to be used, e.g. for heavy heat-protection windows with triple glazing, and also makes it possible to use exterior handles.

“Patio Alversa” has all relevant certifications in time for its market launch. Roto lists the following certifications in particular: DIN EN 13126-17 (Hardware for Tilt&Slide windows and balcony doors), EN 1670 (Corrosion resistance), EN 1627-1630 (Burglar inhibition), EN 12211/12210 (Resistance to wind load), EN 1027/12208 (Driving rain impermeability), EN 1026/12207 (Air permeability), QM 347 and certificate of compliance. Quote from Udo Pauly: “The comprehensive testing, which our products passed with flying colours, provides our customers with assurance that these innovations are completely market-ready, right from the very beginning.”

The required accompanying materials are of course ready for the launch: The media package for window professionals contains a catalogue, a technical brochure, installation instructions, installation video and connection to the “Roto Con” hardware configurator.

Source : roto-frank

Today, modern windows close virtually air-tight. And that makes regular, need-based, natural ventilation is all the more important. But while many things are a matter of course and run automatically elsewhere, we still ventilate our rooms at home and at the office manually. That is neither convenient nor efficient.

In combination with intelligent sensors, time switches or BUS systems, our concealed electric Roto E-Tec Drive tilt ventilation system integrated completely in the window hardware enablesfully automatic tilting and locking of windows. It is extremely convenient, reduces heating costs and prevents the formation of mould.

• Regular ventilation intervals can be programmed and create a pleasant room climate through need-based air exchange
• Steplessly adjustable tilt-depth
• Reliable, quiet motor operation
• Suitable for universal use in timber, PVC and aluminium windows
• Completely concealed in window frame
• Optimised for low fanlight windows
• Direct access to the all-round locking window hardware
• The window can be operated manually at any time
• Easier installation as well as convenient implementation and operation, the drive can provide optical and acoustical feedback about its state

Suitable for:

• Tilt-First or Tilt-Only windows made of the frame materials timber, PVC and aluminium
• Sash rebate width: 690 – 1400 mm
• Sash rebate height: 290 – 2500 mm
• Sash weights up to 100 kg

Source : roto-frank

AIS Ecosense is a unique range of high-performance glass in natural shades available as Enhance (Solar Control)Exceed (Solar Control Low-E), Essence (Low-E) and Edge (solar control glass & thermal insulation – Low E).

Ecosense is the most advanced way to achieve that delicate balance between the outdoors and the indoors, aesthetics and economics, function and finesse. Developed to suit the unique climatic conditions of the Indian subcontinent, Ecosense meets the needs of the Indian consumers who traditionally require more cooling than heating and want to prevent solar radiation from coming in.

It is the perfect amalgamation of energy efficiency and optimum day-lighting, where architects can actualize a state of mind that captures intelligence in every sense – architectural sense, aesthetic sense, economic sense, energy efficiency sense and environment sense.

A natural choice for all environment-friendly architecture, Ecosense is now widely used on exterior facades to keep indoor spaces brighter and cooler. The Enhance, Exceed Essence and Edge ranges are designed to deliver superior performance that allows architects and builders to set a higher standard of green architecture by:

• Allowing optimum light to pass through windows/facade while absorbing and reflecting away a large degree of the near range Infrared heat.
• Keeping indoor spaces brighter and cooler.

The Ecosense Enhance Solar Control range includes:

• Clear series: Dawn, Snow, Aura, Spring, Nectar
• Blue series: Cove, Orchid Blue, Bay, Marine, Indigo
• Green series: Pine, Jade, Coral, Meadow, Lime

The Ecosense Exceed Solar Control Low-E range includes:

• Brook Series: Clear Brook, Blue Brook, Green Brook
• Vision Series: Clearvision, Bluevision, Greenvision
• Lite Plus Series:Clearlite Plus, Bluelite Plus, Greenlite Plus
• Radiance Plus Series: Clear Radiance Plus, Blue Radiance Plus, Green Radiance Plus

The Ecosense Essence Low-E range includes:

• Clear Essence
• Green Essence
• Blue Essence

The Ecosense Edge Solar control Glass & Thermal Insulation – Low-E range includes:

• Clear Edge (Natura)
• Blue Edge (Electra)
• Green Edge (Chroma)

Source : aisglass