Glass is a versatile material, made by applying intense heat to sand or quartz. It is used in various industries, including construction. Glass provides a sleek, clean, modern aesthetic when used in building facades, providing architects with a wide range of design possibilities.
Glass allows for innovative designs and can be treated to improve insulation and energy efficiency. Large glass envelopes have become very common, especially in urban areas. However, there are many different types of glass and selecting the right type for a project can present a technical challenge.
Save energy with a high-performance building envelope and efficient MEP design.
Advantages of using glass as a building material
Glass is widely used in commercial buildings mainly due to its special characteristics and advantages. This section summarizes some benefits of glass as a building material.
Aesthetics
- Glass can absorb, refract or transmit light. It has the ability to make any building more stunning and modern.
- The use of glass in building facades and interiors improves the environment. Interiors feel larger and more open, with abundant natural lighting.
- The glass walls help to increase the usable area, providing more space for tenants.
Physical properties
- Glass is an excellent electrical insulator.
- Malleable glass can be blown, stretched and pressed into any shape. It is a versatile material with multiple applications, from glass in general to furniture.
- The glass is resistant to abrasion.
- The glass is resistant to high temperatures. Can be used in fireplaces, stoves and other high temperature areas where low material expansion is required.
Positive impact on occupants
- Natural lighting has a positive psychological effect, improving occupants' mood.
- Glass helps improve efficiency and work performance in offices and schools.
Weather resistance
- Glass can transmit 80% of daylight in any direction without fading, clouding or yellowing.
- Glass is weather and rust resistant without compromising its appearance and integrity.
- The smooth surface of the glass makes it dustproof, making it easy to maintain.
Sustainable and Energy Efficient
- Glass is recyclable and can be reused countless times without losing quality.
- Glass reduces the dead load of a building as it is lightweight.
- There are many energy-efficient glass products, and low-emissivity (low-e) glass is one of the most commonly used. This type of glass provides energy savings and reduced utility bills, as well as points in the LEED rating system.
Cost benefit
- The glass allows for natural lighting, reducing the production of artificial lighting needed during the day.
- Efficient glass provides energy savings, achieving synergy with efficient MEP systems. This combination can drastically reduce your utility bills.
Technical challenges in glass buildings
As a building material, glass offers several benefits that make it popular in commercial projects and even modern residential buildings. However, some factors must be considered before starting construction.
Heat transfer
Glass buildings allow for natural lighting, but this causes solar heat gain and higher cooling costs during the summer. Thanks to innovation in glass manufacturing, this can be compensated with energy-efficient fenestration.
Shine
Another issue that must be considered is the potential glare that occurs on glass surfaces. There are special coatings and techniques to reduce glass glare, and the window layout can also be optimized so that the sun is not directly visible.
Benefits of Low-E Glass
Low-e glass significantly reduces heat transfer compared to conventional glass. This type of glass improves natural lighting and the thermal performance of buildings. Low-E coatings block parts of the solar spectrum and limit the passage of ultraviolet and infrared light. However, visible light can pass through without any problem.
A low-emissivity material is one that radiates small amounts of thermal energy. When the glass in a building has this property, heat is conserved more effectively during the winter and heat gain is reduced during the summer. As a result, the HVAC system can operate more efficiently.
Conclusion
Glass buildings offer a unique architecture that cannot be achieved with other materials. However, be sure to analyze all the pros, cons and technical requirements of the glasses. With proper planning, architects and engineers can design a beautiful structure that is environmentally friendly and energy efficient. This also benefits clients, as they can develop buildings that balance natural lighting and energy efficiency.
