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GLASS & TRANSLUCENT adf
MATERIALS
03.22
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03.22
Glass & translucent materials
Supplement
CONTENTS
04
06
INDUSTRY NEWS
COMMENT: THE FINAL CURTAIN?
06
Alex Cooke of Kingspan Light + Air looks at why polycarbonate
curtain walling solutions are being specified as an alternative to glass
across various building types
10 COMMENT: THE SKY’S THE LIMIT WITH GLASS, BUT PLAY IT SAFE!
Justin Seldis of Sunsquare looks at why glass has become the building
material of choice for architects, but also explains why it’s never been
more important to put safety and security first as designs get bigger
and more elaborate
PROJECT
15 A CLEAR VISION
The versatility of glass made it the right choice for SOM to create
curved facades with maximum transparency, in a complex mixed-use
development on one of Manhattan’s last undeveloped sites. Roseanne
Field reports
FEATURES
19 A CLEAR SET OF CHALLENGES
The glazing industry, like many others, faced unprecedented issues
15
with availability of materials and extending lead times during 2021.
David Clarke of ID Systems explains why these challenges are likely
to continue for the foreseeable future
20 INTERNAL GLAZING, SAFELY
Cath McLean of Promat UK gives a technical breakdown on why the
latest generation of fire resistant glazing allows internal glass elements
to be designed to deliver multiple performance benefits – without
compromising safety
24 SWITCH UP YOUR SPACE
Whether you favour open plan living or more defined living spaces,
most building users are fans of natural light. Susan Sinden from ESG
looks at some clever ways to allow maximum light and best use of
space, by using switchable privacy glass
25 KEEP AN EYE ON THE SKY
With climate change at the forefront of everyone’s mind, Natalie
25
Goodridge of Lamilux UK looks at how buildings and their
components – such as skylights – need to be futureproofed and
designed to withstand extreme weather events
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4 NEWS
FROM THE
Managing Editor
James Parker
jparker@netmagmedia.co.uk
Publisher
EDITOR
Anthony Parker
aparker@netmagmedia.co.uk
Editorial Co-ordinator
Shelley Collyer
Editorial Assistant
Laura Shadwell
Editorial Contributor
Roseanne Field
G
Studio Manager lass remains the material of choice for many architects in creating building envelopes which
Mikey Pooley
provide intriguing and welcoming transparency, often offsetting what might be otherwise forbidding
Production Assistants commercial buildings. With the attendant need to moderate solar gain and therefore reduce cooling, in
Georgia Musson
Kim Musson the age when climate change is at the centre of everyone’s minds, all-glass facades might not be the go-to option
Account Manager
they once were.
Sheehan Edmonds
Sales Executive However, as our fascinating project report by Roseanne Field in this special glass supplement shows, when
Steve Smith it comes to creating a tall building with a curved, transparent facade, there’s very little alternative. SOM’s
PR Executives Manhattan West project not only addresses one of the last undeveloped sites on the island using a striking
Suzanne Easter
Kim Friend scheme that centres around two towers, it also clad them in curved glass to create a sculptural new landmark in
the city.
Managing Director
Simon Reed
Advertising & The $5bn development occupies seven million square feet, and comprises six buildings, two of which are towers
Administration around 70 storeys. As well as their sleekly curved, monolithic exteriors, structural glass also enables vast, open
t 01435 863500
info@netmagmedia.co.uk lobby areas to be created, virtually free of columns, making the buildings, at ground level at least, feel like a
www.architectsdatafile.co.uk
continuation of the plaza outside.
Press Releases
editorial@netmagmedia.co.uk
SOM’s solution is a pragmatic as well as impressive one, given the scale – despite the countless square metres
Subscription circulation
enquiries
of curved glass, only 22% of the curtain wall panels needed to be bent to achieve the result. Also, the glass is
info@netmagmedia.co.uk specially coated to deal with overheating, but also potential heat loss in colder weather, obviating some of the
netMAGmedia Ltd issues of glass facades.
netMAGmedia logo_Layout 1 17/03/2013 13:19 Page 1
Cointronic House
Station Road, Heathfield
East Sussex, TN21 8DF Across the Pacific, SOM has also been active in innovating attractive glazed facades, but this time placing large
expanses of glass behind a diagrid for a 158 metre tower in Shenzhen (profiled in our news section). Here they
net MAG opted to frame views rather than provide the limitless transparency of the Manhattan West towers.
media
publishing – ver tical search
Also in the supplement, we have thought leadership from Sunsquare on the dangers of not specifying rooflights
correctly, and from Kingspan Light + Air, on why polycarbonate can provide the benefits of glass facades without
Annual subscription costs just £48 some of the complications.
for 12 issues, including post and
packing. Phone 01435 863500
for details. Individual copies of the
publication are available at £5 each Among our product features, ID Systems looks back at a challenging 2021 for the glazing industry, Lamilux
inc p & p. All rights reserved
discusses futureproofing rooflights against our changing climate, Promat describes how internal glazing meets
No part of this publication may be
reproduced or transmitted in any fire safe requirements, and ESG looks at why more clients are opting for high-tech privacy glazing in a range of
form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, including photocopying,
settings.
recording or stored in any
information retrieval system without
the express prior written consent of
the publisher. Although every effort
James Parker, Editor
is made to ensure the accuracy and
reliability of material published in
Architects Datafile, the publisher
can accept no responsibility for GLASS & TRANSLUCENT
MATERIALS
adf ON THE COVER...
the claims or opinions made by Building on architects SOM’s tradition of innovative
03.22
contributors, manufacturers or
advertisers. Editorial contributors engineering, the design for Shenzhen Rural
to this journal may have made a Commercial Bank’s 158 metre tall, 33-storey
payment towards the reproduction
costs of material used to illustrate headquarters incorporates a distinctive external
their products. The manufacturer diagrid that significantly reduces solar gain.
of the paper used within our
publication is a Chain-of-Custody Cover Image © Seth Powers Photography
certified supplier operating within For the full report, go to page 5.
environmental systems certified to
both ISO 14001 and EMAS in order ADF03_Glass Supp_2022 Covers.indd 1 28/02/2022 12:20
to ensure sustainable production.
Printed in England
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NEWS 5
Images © Seth Powers Photography
GLASS WALLING
SOM’s ‘Breathing’ Shenzhen Tower
Building on Skidmore, Owings & Merrill’s that ‘cascade’ down small translucent deck blur distinctions between indoor and
(SOM) tradition of innovative engineering, filaments, lines the lobby’s transparent outdoor spaces.
the design for Shenzhen Rural Commercial glass walls. On hot days, these water Two vertical atria span the height of the
Bank’s new 158 metre tall, 33-storey features provide an evaporative cooling tower. On each floor, employees can use
headquarters incorporates a distinctive effect for the entire building. Suspended louvres to open and close vents, accessing
external diagrid that significantly reduces lighting fixtures mimic droplets of rain fresh air from the atria. This allows the
solar gain. Inside, responsive solar shading and the lobby’s marble walls shift from a building to “breathe” when Shenzhen’s
technology and natural airflow enhance textured to honed finish to ‘evoke’ water’s climate is pleasant, filling the entire building
staff wellbeing. effect on stone. with fresh air. By functioning like airways in
The tower’s facade is defined by an Earth, water and air figure prominently a body and cycling fresh air throughout the
external diagrid, which serves as both the in the building features, from the building, these features generate significant
building’s structure as well as an important multistory rain curtain to the striated savings in environmental and energy
solar shading element. At its base, the marble cladding, and the natural efficiency. This system prioritizes tenant
diagrid widens to create framed openings ventilation system. Reflecting pools, grey comfort and wellbeing to a degree typically
and views to the surrounding park and granite paving and seating areas, as well unheard of in office environments. Interior
South China Sea. Inside, responsive solar as an array of trees and ground cover spaces are defined by a minimal glass
shading technology and natural airflow define the main entrance spaces and perimeter wall and a daylight-responsive
enhance staff wellbeing. small gardens at the base of the tower. shading system, with a communicating
Drawing upon principles from Feng Shui, This tactile experience at ground level stairway running the height of the tower,
in which water and wealth are intrinsically transitions and becomes more fostering connectivity and collaboration
linked, the lobby is encircled by a reflecting atmospheric as one progresses up the among coworkers.
pool and features a rippling wall of water tower to the open floor plans and “floating” The Shenzhen Rural Commercial Bank
adjacent to the main entrance. A 15 metre diagrid above. At the crown of the Headquarters is LEED Platinum and is
high “rain curtain,” with droplets of water tower, operable walls and an outdoor targeting China Green Star certification.
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6
COMMENT
The final curtain?
Alex Cooke of Kingspan Light + Air looks at why polycarbonate curtain walling
solutions are being specified as an alternative to glass across various building types
G
littering glazed buildings are a popular sight in many of our are not only beneficial during transportation and installation but
towns and cities. Whether they house offices, homes, shops, also when it is in use, safeguarding against extreme weather, falling
healthcare, education facilities or public spaces, curtain wall branches and vandalism. It is also often formulated to retain its
facades are a popular design choice for projects looking to increase translucency for the lifetime of the product, ensuring it does not
internal daylight levels, offer external or even internal views, and degrade, discolour, or lose its excellent light transmission properties.
present a clean, contemporary overall aesthetic. However, glass- Typically a fraction of the weight of glass, it offers clear structural
based systems can present challenges both onsite and during benefits whilst being easy to handle and install, improving onsite
operation and therefore may not be suitable for every building. safety and speed of build.
Polycarbonate may offer a viable alternative that resolves Of course, without consideration, high levels of light transmission
these dilemmas. can lead to issues with solar heat gain or visual glare. To resolve
this, polycarbonate products can be manufactured using prismatic
Why polycarbonate? layers to diffuse incoming light, creating a uniform illumination
Used in everything from car parts and bicycle helmets to riot that avoids hot spots and enhances visual acuity. Formulations are
shields and bullet-proof glass, polycarbonate is one of the most also available with additives that reflect infrared (IR) radiation and
widely used engineered materials in the world. However, it is coloured tints can also be added to give architects more
when it is applied to glazing that its architectural design potential is design options.
really illustrated to the full. Polycarbonate is also one of the few materials that can be
Polycarbonate is celebrated for its extreme impact resistance completely recycled at end of life and remanufactured to
and long-lasting durability. As a glazing product, these properties create a range of new products with no loss of material quality.
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8 COMMENT
This makes it an ideal material to choose for projects seeking to be components can be recycled at end of life.
more sustainable. These polycarbonate wall systems have proven success in
Thanks to these properties, we are seeing it commonly used in the USA, where they have been used on projects in sectors such
standard daylighting products such as rooflights. However, modern as education, public sector, sport and leisure, offices, and even
vertical wall lig ht solutions are now emerging in the market, industrial buildings. Below is one example, from education.
showing how polycarbonate can be used to create real architectural
impact in the form of sleek, modern designs. Case study: Eagle Centre Public Charter School,
Washington DC
What comprises a unitised translucent polycarbonate Home to more than 900 students, the Eagle Centre is the first
wall system? early childhood public charter school in Washington DC. Its
Unitised translucent polycarbonate wall systems have been design aimed to create an intellectually stimulating environment
designed specifically for buildings where providing daylighting with excellent sustainable credentials. Meanwhile, the urban city
without glare or reduced thermal performance is key. They consist location also meant physical security was crucial, and vandalism
of double-skin, dense-cell polycarbonate insulated panels that are prevention was a key concern.
joined by a mechanically interlocking aluminium structure that Shinberg Levinas Architectural Design specified over 1,200 m2 of
eliminates the need for wet seals and adhesives. These units are Kingspan UniQuad 120 unitised translucent curtain walling system
designed to provide excellent light transmission of up to 33% and for the project. The facades were designed without any exposed
U-values as low as 0.49 W/m2K. They can also be supplied with aluminium connectors and included blue and white panels to reflect
additional acoustic or thermal performance enhancing insulation the school colours. The outside panels were matte finished for
where required. added security and daytime privacy.
These systems can be used to create a variety of glazing features, “We picked a system that would give them the daylight they
such as clerestory bands along the top of a space, to create wanted without having to use windows. The UniQuad 120 provides
sightlines or intermittent/targeted views, or even for full ‘light-box’ an interesting effect inside, durable material, and a great aesthetic,”
style applications. The panels are scalable and able to span long explained project architect Carlos Talero. Additionally, the panels’
distances between supports with minimal visible substructure and a Removable Skin Technology (RST) allows the exterior panel to be
wide range of skin colours and combinations. This gives architects replaced as needed in the event of vandalism.
complete creative freedom to design unique and striking facades, The project received LEED Gold, with the UniQuad 120
especially when used in conjunction with backlighting, adding supporting the achievement of points for both daylighting and glare
drama and presence even if the building is not in use. control. Its excellent airtightness and weatherproofing were also
Due to the way they are fixed, these systems can also benefit key benefits for the project, protecting the internal environments
from Removable Skin Technology (RST). This enables just the outer from draughts and water ingress.
skin of the system to be removed and replaced, providing easy
future renovation or repairs throughout the building’s lifecycle. As Alex Cooke is managing director at Kingspan Light + Air UK
it is mostly made from polycarbonate and aluminium, the system and Ireland
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COMMENT
The sky’s the limit with
glass, but play it safe!
Justin Seldis of Sunsquare looks at why glass has become the building material of
choice for architects, but also explains why it’s never been more important to put safety
and security first as designs get bigger and more elaborate
G
lass remains ‘on trend.’ Natural light and ventilation have
become increasingly important to all buildings over the last
20 years, and that’s why glass is now everywhere you look.
Architects are always keen to use elements from nature where
they can, and glass lets them do this. It’s a fantastic, natural,
recyclable material that also brings a host of benefits to any
building, big or small.
Since the pandemic started, the popularity of glass has only
accelerated, and there’s been a huge surge in demand for skylights
and walk-on indoor panels. This is because people are re-evaluating
the functionality of their homes as they spend far more time in
them. Aside from the aesthetic benefits, skylights are helping people
to transform their homes – bringing in natural sunlight, providing
access to rooftops, and allowing for a fresh flow of air to create
comfortable living and working environments. Genuinely ‘thermally
broken’ skylights are also helping to keep rooms warmer, drier
and more energy efficient all year round, saving people money on
energy bills and reducing their carbon footprint.
The benefits of glass are clear, and the rise in its popularity has
led to increasingly bigger and more elaborate specifications. The
good news is that architects can ‘dream big’ with glazing, and
there is a great deal you can do with it – in fact, the sky’s the limit!
However, they must ensure they’re selecting skylights that meet the
highest quality, safety, and efficiency criteria. This is, after all, glass
hanging over people’s heads.
Bigger, more elaborate designs
As glass continues to be a more prominent feature in buildings,
architects are dreaming up ever more extravagant ways to use it. It’s
all about size – they’re looking for bigger panes of glass, covering
larger areas of buildings. However, the bigger the pane, the thicker
it needs to be – otherwise there’s more chance of it ‘ponding’ due
to gravity. This is when a dip forms in the glass, allowing water to
collect. For architects, this is a big design consideration, and robust
calculations need to be made to minimise any possibility of bowing.
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Architects are continuously testing the boundaries of what (instead of sturdy, insulated aluminium frames), or lower-cost
glass can do – not only with size, but also shape and function. ‘toughened’ glass that can present a serious risk of injury if they
Nowadays, we’re seeing requests for interesting, eye-catching break – which they do. Laminated glass is the safest you can get,
shapes, like circles or triangles, and enhanced security features such and aside from making it extremely hard to penetrate for burglars,
as fire-rated glass and tamper-proof or even bullet-proof glass. and blocking out harmful UV rays, it holds together even when
Walk-on panels are incredibly popular, both indoor and out, and broken, helping keeping the people below safe.
opening panels are helping people maximise roof space in ways Specifiers also need to watch out for misleading marketing
they couldn’t before. We’re even seeing a sudden trend for glass claims. Common ones include understated, miscalculated
boxes which can open fully so you can walk straight out of them. U-values or the use of the term ‘thermally managed.’ For an
Now that we’re all living more ‘digitally,’ architects are effective barrier between indoor and outdoor temperatures,
also requesting smart glazing. This is new for the skylight specifiers need to seek out properly ‘thermally broken’ products.
industry, but there are smart switches now available, giving Without this, thermal bridging can occur, and this can cause
people complete digital control. They can now ask Siri or Alexa to irreparable damage, compromising a rooflight’s overall safety
operate their skylight, or they can use an app and programme it to and effectiveness.
automatically open or close based on weather conditions, humidity
or inside temperature. A stamp of approval
Despite the lack of mandatory standards there are still companies
Specifying quality out there putting quality and safety first. Credible manufacturers
While the opportunities are endless with skylight design, quality are seeking their own third-party accreditation, providing
and safety remain a core necessity. Specifiers are often surprised to customers with the quality assurance they deserve. For example,
find there are no mandatory standards for flat-roof skylights in the Sunsquare is working with quality assurance leader the BSI, to set
UK, and while there are regulations for individual components, like a standard for flat-roof skylights in the UK to make sure products
glass, there’s nothing covering the assembled product. This means are regularly and rigorously tested for air permeability, weather
specifiers need to be able to recognise genuine quality products and tightness and wind resistance to ensure ultimate durability and
performance – people living or working underneath depend on it. performance levels.
Unfortunately, the ‘regulation gap’ means there are sub-standard
products out there. For example, ill-fitting wooden upstands Justin Seldis is managing director of Sunsquare
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15
MANHATTAN WEST
NEW YORK CITY
A clear vision
The versatility of glass made it the right choice for SOM to create curved facades with
maximum transparency, in a complex mixed-use development on one of Manhattan’s
last undeveloped sites. Roseanne Field reports
M
anhattan’s West Side Yard, a rail
yard located on the ‘Far West
Side’ of the island, had been the
subject of various speculative development
discussions since the 1950s. A portion
of the site was bought by development
company Brookfield Properties in the
1980s, who gradually acquired the rest of
the site over subsequent years, covering an
area between Ninth and Tenth Avenues, and
West 31st and West 33rd Streets.
Despite the site’s clear potential, it wasn’t
until 2005 when New York’s City Council
approved a ‘rezoning’ – changing the ‘use’
of the land and thereby what restrictions it
falls under –– that developing on it became
a real possibility. A plan was therefore
submitted by Brookfield for a mixed use
scheme which would work within the
site’s designated ‘air rights,’ creating a
‘neighbourhood’ here, on what was “one
of the most underdeveloped sites remaining
in Manhattan.”
The developer had a good relationship
with the masterplan’s architects
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)
from previous projects, and the practice
has “a very long history and expertise in © Jakob Dahlin
designing tall buildings and planning new
neighbourhoods,” explains SOM principal
Julia Murphy. She adds: “The project was a of buildable land, and the active railroad
perfect fit for us”, detailing how it’s enabled tracks underneath,” Murphy explains. “The
them to rethink several consecutive blocks vision was to create a vibrant new place
of the city. It encompasses a handful of new offering everything from workspaces to
buildings around a plaza that will connect hospitality and residences, with vast public
to the landscaped route known as the High space and retail on the ground to bring
Line via a new elevated pedestrian link people into the site.”
in 2023. By 2008 the practice had completed an
The practice knew from the outset early iteration of the masterplan, but the
that the project wasn’t going to be majority of the development stopped when
straightforward. “It was always going to the financial crisis hit. Construction of the
be very complex, given its scale, the lack pedestrian platform over the railroad tracks
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© Miller Hare Limited
© SOM © SOM
To give the building continued however, before SOM picked the
masterplan design back up again in 2010.
Side, it’s described as a “gateway” by SOM,
connecting the district to Hudson Yards to
a unified, monolithic The $5bn development occupies the west and Penn Station to the east.
expression, the practice seven million square feet of space and
comprises six buildings including One Structural considerations
used a tinted outer glass and Two Manhattan West, twin glazed The second major challenge was to solve
substrate towers both housing offices and 303 metres
and 67 stories/285 metres and 69 stories
the complex engineering challenges that
came with building over active railroad
respectively). There’s also the Pendry, a tracks. This wouldn’t have been possible,
164-room hotel; The Eugene, an 844-unit says Van Holsbeke, without the firms’
residential tower; and Five Manhattan collective experience, it being one of the
West and The Lofts, two former industrial most complex projects undertaken in New
buildings repurposed as offices. As well as York City in recent memory.” The practice’s
the masterplan, SOM designed three of the designers, engineers, and planners had to
buildings, and engineered four of them. The collaborate closely to come up with the best
buildings are located around a central plaza solution for the site.
lined with 225,000 ft² of retail space. This solution had to allow the buildings
Creating an overall vision for the site and public space to exist – and be
was the first hurdle to overcome, explains constructed – over the live railroad tracks
SOM principal Kim Van Holsbeke. “The without disrupting their operation. They
first challenge was creating a holistic vision designed a 2.6 acre building platform to
for a new neighbourhood where none sit over the tracks, and planned various
really existed before,” he says. “The area construction phases. Van Holsbeke
was mostly empty parking lots, approach illustrates the tolerances they were
roads to the Lincoln Tunnel, and some working within: “One Manhattan West,
isolated industrial buildings, all in the for example, had only about 130 feet
midst of railroad infrastructure. We had between the northernmost track and 33rd
to envision what its new identity would Street – an office tower generally requires
be.” Not only is the development crucial about 150 feet to have appropriate lease
for the revitalisation of the Far West spans, so we had to design the building on
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© SOM
© Jakob Dahlin © Jakob Dahlin
a foundation that was considerably smaller connectivity between the indoor lobby and
than its footprint.” The building’s central surrounding public space.”
core was anchored on the city’s bedrock, The overall aim with the two towers
but perimeter columns on the south side was to “create an abstract composition,
couldn’t be, so the building was designed with two volumes in the New York City
with the perimeter columns on all four sides skyline that create a dynamic relation with
sloping down into the central core above each other and their surroundings,” Van
the lobby. This consequently allowed for a Holsbeke explains. Each tower features
column-free lobby which has been clad in one curved elevation, overlooking bustling
vein-cut travertine marble. parts of the island – One Manhattan
At Two Manhattan West, only one half West’s facing Penn Station to the east,
of the central core could reach solid and Two facing Midtown traffic heading
ground, so SOM designed two ‘mega- south. “Together, the two buildings form
columns’ at the perimeter, inserted into a gateway to Midtown West and into
spaces between the train tracks to create the public space of the Manhattan West
what the architects call a “table top” development,” says Van Holsbeke.
supporting the tower above. Glass’ physical characteristics made it
the right material for creating these forms,
Invisible enclosures explains Van Holsbeke: “To create these
With a “vast open lobby space” being monolithic, sculptural buildings, with
created for both towers, glass enables a a very tight skin and that softly curved
column-free perimeter at One Manhattan massing, glass has the bendability that most
West to be an “almost invisible enclosure materials do not have,” he says. “It also
that blurs the line between the lobby and helped us create these very transparent,
the plaza,” explains Van Holsbeke. The triple-height lobbies that visually seem to
perimeter columns of Two Manhattan West dissolve at ground level, so you can see
are minimal, spaced 60 feet apart, “creating into the buildings and from one part of
large window portals that are filled in the public space to another. It offers a
with a glass cable wall system,” he says. permeable connection to the central plaza.”
“This system itself creates a strong visual SOM principal Christoph Timm reaffirms
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this, saying glass has a versatility other for the Pendry was also thoroughly tested
materials don’t – making it the perfect before they settled on the final curtain
choice for achieving the sculptural quality wall design. The tinted glass substrate used
they were after. “Glass was the only on the hotel also assists with minimising
enclosure material that could make this overheating, and subtle flat, operable vents
possible,” he says. “The vision and spandrel were installed. “They don’t distract from
zones on the facade have few differences in the facade’s beauty,” assures Timm.
appearance.” This also has the added It was also decided from early on in the
benefit of allowing plenty of natural project that One and Two Manhattan West
daylight and maximising views for the would target LEED Gold certification,
users of the buildings. which Van Holsbeke describes as
Glass also formed a key feature of the an “aggressive goal. We had to
design of the adjacent Pendry hotel, where thoughtfully design and plan the
it has been used alongside granite to form enclosure, systems, materials, and
an undulating facade which, says Van construction,” he says.
Holsbeke, gives the building a distinct The project as a whole was “planned
identity and “subtly indicates the building’s holistically”, Van Holsbeke continues.
role.” The “repeating, sinuous character” “We were taking essentially a brownfield
helps it stand out, adds Timm. site and adding density and extensive
The designers’ thought process behind landscaping. Outdoor space, access to
this facade was a contemporary take on nature, for all the building’s users and
the bay window – a “perfect” element for a anyone entering the site, were essential to
boutique hotel in Manhattan, says Timm. the vision,” he says. The outdoor space was
“It allows the interior spaces to visually not only important for the development,
connect with the surroundings – such as but its connection to the wider area. “We’re
the Empire State Building – to help guests starting to see that already with the elevated
feel the essence of New York, while also pedestrian connection to the High Line
bringing in more natural light.” The curved we’ve designed.”
floor to ceiling windows in each room The public space as a whole forms
give hotel guests views they wouldn’t have a series of “urban corridors” running
© SOM
had with a flatter facade, as well as giving along West 31st and West 33rd Streets.
the practice a chance to create floorplates Manhattan West’s central plaza then
that are a little different from the norm. picks up where West 32nd Street ends, at
Glass’ versatility made Externally, granite spandrels balance the
glazing and “emphasise the curves of the
Penn Station on Seventh Avenue. “Together,
these urban connections
it the perfect choice for exterior,” Timm adds. redefine the streetscape and help bring a
achieving the sculptural Although it appears as though the
glass facade curves continuously, this is
new destination to life,” Van Holsbeke
says. This has been bolstered by other
quality the architects something of an illusion, as “strategic improvements locally, including concourse
were after geometric design” meant only 22% of
the curtain wall panels required bending
upgrades at Penn Station and the
transformation of the James A. Farley post
on the hotel’s facade. “To further reduce office building into Moynihan Train Hall,
unnecessary complexity and enable the use which SOM also designed.
of a low-environmental impact bending Manhattan West had its formal opening
process, just three radii were utilised to in late September 2021, after just over
generate the curves of the bent panels,” a decade of work. The majority of the
Timm explains. To give the building a development had been completed prior
“unified, monolithic expression” – as well to the pandemic, and the elements that
as provide environmental benefits – the weren’t – Two Manhattan West, the Pendry,
practice used a tinted outer glass substrate, and retail podium and plaza – remained
“minimising the visual delta between the on schedule thanks to Brookfield’s quick
convex and concave surfaces,” Timm says. response and organisation establishing
Working with such high volumes of glass necessary safety protocols to allow work
meant potential overheating, cooling, and to continue.
acoustics were all issues to be considered. So far, says Murphy, the response
A coating was used on the glass to control has “certainly been positive. The
heat loss and gain, though the practice development is very much designed and
faced the added challenge of ensuring this planned with people in mind – as a place
was bendable for the Pendry and the curved that makes public space its centrepiece.
elements of One and Two Manhattan West. It will serve New Yorkers and visitors
© SOM
The acoustic transmittance of the glass year-round.” g
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A clear set of challenges
The glazing industry, like many others, faced unprecedented issues with availability of
materials and extending lead times during 2021. David Clarke of ID Systems explains
why these challenges are likely to continue for the foreseeable future
T
he Covid-19 pandemic saw an of the pandemic on the glazing supply chain
unforeseen surge in all home was only really felt 12 to 18 months after
improvement products as people it began, a similar timeframe for recovery
were at home more and spent less on things is likely.
like holidays and new cars. What will complicate matters is that the
When the pandemic hit the UK in March return to normality will likely be hugely
2020 nobody could have predicted this fragmented. While certain products from
demand, indeed most of the retail glazing some suppliers may be available quicker,
sector shut down expecting a nationwide other systems and suppliers may be
slowdown. Why would anyone want new impacted for a longer period – particularly
windows during a lockdown? The opposite those from smaller scale fabricators or for
happened and demand was higher than more niche products.
ever. At a time when most in the supply The fragmented outlook is also further
chain prepared for less work, demand complicated by larger companies ‘hedging’
shot up. their supplies of components over the past
six to 12 months. These larger companies
Glass shortages with the capability to stock-hold reserves of
There are critical glass shortages across the Beyond the glass and even components will be best placed to provide
entire supply chain. While the double and
triple glass unit manufacturers are ready to
the aluminium frames, stability, however that could come at the
expense of smaller suppliers – particularly
make the glass, their stock comes from the there has also been a those who rely on third-parties to fabricate
global glass processors – supplying float
glass in various thicknesses. These top-level
shortage of component and install on their behalf.
suppliers have been hit, especially in 2021, materials including plastics Communication
by the container shortage and shipping Now more than ever, communication
price issues. having an effect on PVCu windows of between architect and supplier is crucial.
This issue has affected the whole world, course, but also critically in the polyamide Factoring in likely product availability
but the fact that most of the major float thermal breaks used in every aluminium even at the initial design stage is a question
glass plants in the UK have closed over door and window. well worth asking and may influence
the past decade has certainly left us more specification and even design of projects.
susceptible to global supply chain issues Thermal breaks Going further up the supply chain is
than other countries. Polyamide thermal breaks that also an option, identifying companies that
prevent cold bridging between inner fabricate, supply and install products is a
Component shortage and outer aluminium window and door useful step because not only does it take
Beyond the glass and even the aluminium frames, are in short supply. This shortage out some of the uncertainty, it also means
frames, there has also been a shortage of comes as a result of a reduced production the information you receive regarding
component materials including plastics. of a critical raw material Adiponitrile availability is likely to be more timely
Top-end producers of the raw-materials (ADN), that is impacting a huge number of and accurate.
that make the plastics in the glazing industries globally. While there has been a surge in
industry were locked down at the start The shortage extends back before the demand for residential and domestic
of the pandemic – particularly in China. pandemic, and while alternative plastics are projects, it is still best practice to identify
In addition, the global move towards being introduced this is another issue that those tried and tested suppliers whose
alternatives to plastic for consumer goods the glazing industry is facing. experience and capabilities are not only
has also impacted the wholesale production best placed to support your designs and
as those top-level producers begin to 2022 & beyond manage the progress of your project, but
diversify their product range. The outlook for 2022 and beyond is more are also ideally placed to offer advice and
Laminated glass, required under Building positive, however while the raw material ideas for alternate solutions should the
Regulations for security in new build supply is beginning to return to something need arise.
homes, is in high demand, and the plastic that more closely resembles ‘normal,’ the
interlayer needed for this glass type is time scales for this to filter through to finish David Clarke is marketing manager of
in short supply. This plastics shortage is products is long. Just as the initial impact ID Systems
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Internal glazing, safely
Cath McLean of Promat UK gives a technical breakdown on why the latest generation
of fire resistant glazing allows internal glass elements to be designed to deliver multiple
performance benefits – without compromising safety
C
reating safe buildings is an absolute
priority and strictly governed by
the Building Regulations in all four
UK nations. However, internal spaces still
need to be comfortable, energy efficient,
fit for purpose and aesthetically pleasing
to be most practical, sustainable, popular
with users and – in commercial terms – a
valuable asset on which a healthy return
can be yielded.
This is where today’s fire glass products
and fully tested fire rated glazing systems
can help; ensuring architects and specifiers
do not have to compromise on design goals
while meeting the required passive fire
protection standard. This reduces the risk
of the finished installation – whether a glass
partition, screen or many other types of
interior feature – falling short in terms of
meeting the client brief.
Frameless and slim-frame internal
glazing, typically butt-jointed to maximise
light transmission, is a defining feature of
contemporary interior design. Despite this
trend running in parallel with a continuous
toughening of fire safety standards,
innovation in glazing technology has
ensured that architects can still achieve their
design intent.
Specified for a reason
There is no margin for error with fire
rated glazing. To have complete assurance understanding of how to combine them can partition, for example, will enhance the
on the fire resistant glazing specification’s give interior spaces greater flexibility and sound reduction performance. So too would
performance, the design must be supported perhaps, new purpose. opting for a double glazed unit which
by credible evidence that it will perform as utilises an intumescent fire-resistant gel
promised. This is why a fully tested system Better acoustic performance within the cavity.
approach has major advantages. Acoustic insulation is a key specification
When a design is agreed, it is important goal in many commercial and public spaces. Added thermal benefits
to remember that any deviation from the Fire rated glazing already offers a higher Certain applications may need the design to
assembly, such as substituting just one acoustic rating than standard glazing due to achieve a higher level of thermal insulation
element with a supposed like-for-like the way it is manufactured. Promat Pyrosec as well as fire resistance. For example,
product, could undermine performance. 16 glass, for example, has a thickness of vision panels between a warehouse and
This would mean no certainty of the 17.3 mm which gives it an acoustic rating office areas overlooking production/
system’s ability to meet the specified fire of 39 dB Rw (compared with 30 dB Rw for operational spaces, or where the fire rated
rating in the event of a fire. a ‘standard’ 16.8 mm acoustic glass). glass is on the outside of the building to
But this need not be a barrier to tailoring But the acoustic rating can be improved prevent fire spread from one building
the glazing design to suit the building even further with enhancements to the to another.
requirements. The multi-functionality glass specification. Adding a PVB layer in Here, the specification could be adapted
of advanced glass products and an a single glazed application such as a glass to become a fire rated double glazed unit,
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the fire rated glazing specification is easily Another project required a two-hour fire
achievable, primarily by creating a double rating in combination with blast resistance
glazed unit which features a performance for a major transport hub.
solar control product on the external face.
This was the requirement for a recent Understanding glazing’s potential
mixed use development on Kensington & limitations
High Street in London. Glazing for this high The key to developing an effective fire
profile building was specified to balance resistant glazing specification that meets
a 60-minute EI60 fire rating with solar other performance goals is to understand
control in very colour neutral double glazed how to combine different products, the
units, which allow daylight maximisation maximum sizes possible and framing
(Lt 64) and achieve a solar factor of 35%. arrangements, along with any limitations
that could prevent targets being achieved.
Enhanced security & safety This is why it is crucial to consider how
with either an intumescent fire resistant gel Impact resistance, blast resistance and other the glazing will help achieve the design
cavity, or an argon filled cavity. A sealed design goals can also be incorporated into intent at the earliest stage as the resulting
unit comprising 6 mm glass, a 15 mm argon a fire resistant glazing specification. This is specification could impact on the aesthetics,
filled cavity and fire resistant glass, for one of the most common types of enquiry size and orientation of a glass feature – and
example can offer a Ug value of 1.0 W/m2K from architects given how glazing must even add functionality to a space that had
in combination with an EI60 fire rating. often protect people, and high value and not been previously realised.
sensitive assets in many commercial and The key is to think in bespoke terms
Internal climate & solar control public environments. about the glazing. Doing so will enable
The role that today’s glass products can By combining different products, many you to capitalise on the opportunity to
play in preventing summertime overheating different performance goals can be achieved create high quality internal environments
and providing a stable internal climate in this area as two recent architectural which offer assured protection in the
is becoming increasingly important and specifications demonstrate. The first was for event of a fire and provide a high level of
valued, particularly given the recent a data centre where a 120-minute fire rating client satisfaction.
introduction of Approved Document O to was required along with a BS EN 356 P6B
address this issue in domestic properties. rating to protect key areas of the building Cath McLean is segment manager – glass at
Adding solar control functionality within in the event of a fire or security threat. Promat UK
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Switch up your space
Whether you favour open plan living or more defined living spaces, most building users
are fans of natural light. Susan Sinden from ESG looks at some clever ways to allow
maximum light and best use of space, by using switchable privacy glass
S
ince the start of the pandemic,
many organisations are taking
the opportunity to downsize their
premises in favour of smaller, more flexible
spaces. At the same time, more people are
working from home and need to find a
longer-term workspace within their homes.
Undoubtedly the challenge for interior
designers will, in the future, need to help
us achieve the correct balance between
defining workspaces and making the best
use of the available space. One way to
tackle this puzzle is with clever use of the
increasingly popular technical glass known
as ‘switchable’ or ‘privacy’ glass.
As ‘privacy’ suggests, this innovative Switchable glass can be used to great to consider using glass, not only for
glass product can be used to screen distinct effect in areas such as bathrooms, ensuites, shelving and splashbacks. Although open
areas for specific purposes to provide bedrooms and dressing rooms where plan living is still increasing in popularity,
privacy and, in a work context in particular, privacy is essential. In conversion projects, there are times when it is desirable to
confidentiality. However, as the ‘switchable’ vast floor spaces in buildings such as contain the sounds made by kitchen
part implies, the screening effect doesn’t former warehouses and mills can present appliances and the smells from cooking.
have to be permanent. It can literally be a particular challenge when it comes to
switched on and off. natural light. Much as we may love open In conclusion
plan living, most of us still like to sleep The post pandemic trend towards working
How does it work? in a separate bedroom. One solution from home, especially at the kitchen table,
Switchable glass is created by laminating is to create a mezzanine for bedrooms. has also increased the need for more defined
two panes of glass together, using a LCD Using switchable glass, these areas can be and screened-off areas. Switchable glass
interlayer. When an electrical current is created to provide a permanent solution, partitions are ideal to help to keep the feel
passed through the interlayer, it allows light but with a changeable appearance. The of space and open plan, while providing a
to pass through, creating an optically clear plan will often be to place bedrooms on more defined space to work or study.
glass pane. If the current is switched off, the the upper level with access to a window. Even more helpful to concentration and
glass becomes instantly opaque, creating an This would inevitably reduce the amount productivity can be a quiet space. Because
innovative room divider, or entire walls of of natural light for the living space below, switchable glass is created using interlayer
an internal room. so an obvious solution is to construct technology, it can also incorporate other
In a commercial setting, switchable the inward facing wall of the bedroom characteristics, such as sound attenuation.
privacy glass has many applications, or bathroom out of glass panels, so that A bespoke product, incorporating both
including the viewing windows in light can continue to spill through. The privacy and sound proofing may yet
hospital or consulting room doors, retail drawback with this would be the potential revolutionise the way in which we work
display windows and even high security lack of privacy, were it not for the use of and plan our spaces – both at home and in
settings, where it is often mixed with switchable glass. the office.
intruder resistant options, to foil would- If the bedroom or bathroom mezzanine Speaking to your glass processor at the
be perpetrators. It can now be used in wall is made from switchable glass, it can planning stages of your project can help
otherwise open plan offices, for breakout be switched on to allow light through when enormously. The advances in technology
areas, meeting rooms and boardrooms. desired, but switched off to provide privacy now mean that your glass expert can
when needed – all at the touch of a button. often suggest one cost-effective bespoke
As a home feature Further advances in glass processing mean product which will answer a whole range of
In a domestic setting, switchable privacy that stair treads, balustrades and mezzanine challenges. Switchable glass is definitely one
glass is fast becoming a favourite with walkways can also be constructed from option to explore.
interior designers, as it allows light to flood glass products, to allow even more daylight
through from one living space to another, into the property’s interior. Susan Sinden is commercial manager
but also provides privacy on demand. The kitchen is often a key area in which at ESG
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Keep an eye on the sky
With climate change at the forefront of everyone’s mind, Natalie Goodridge of Lamilux
UK looks at how buildings and their components – such as skylights – need to be
futureproofed and designed to withstand extreme weather events
R
esidential, industrial and commercial
buildings must all adapt to an
increasing change in weather
conditions. Due to climate change,
extreme weather conditions such as heat
waves, stronger storms and colder winters
are becoming more frequent. It is also
important to remember that although solar
gains may be considered desirable during
winter, this can result in overheating of the
building during the warmer periods and a
subsequent increase in the building’s energy
usage to cool the internal space.
The use of skylights within the overall
building design enable greater use of natural
daylight and are becoming increasingly
important in architecture. On flat roofs,
skylights such as rooflight domes, barrel
vault rooflights and flat glass skylights are
specified to introduce both natural daylight
and ventilation into buildings. The benefits
of well-designed daylight and ventilation
levels to the internal environment of a
building are well documented and include
improved productivity and performance
within education and workplace settings.
In order to futureproof against climate
change, water tightness, air tightness,
resistance to wind loads and thermal
performance are all important factors to
consider when specifying rooflights or roof
glazing for your project.
Water & driving rain Air tightness skylights, however rooflight companies such
Water and driving rain tightness is an High performing thermal insulation as Lamilux choose to prove the achieved
important criteria to consider when within the exterior walls is of no use airtightness, and therefore test the glass
specifying rooflights for the future. Tests to the building if the skylights or other skylights following the window standard.
confirming this requirement are described in building components and their connections The same applies to glass roofs which are
EN 12208. This standard classifies windows are extremely permeable to air. There tested using the facade standard.
and facades according to their resistance to are special test standards for individual
pressure, the method and the duration of building elements such as windows to Wind load
the test. In addition to the application of determine and classify their air tightness. Strong winds will introduce stresses to the
water on all sides and at different angles, EN 12207 describes a test procedure components of buildings, and can cause
the pressure difference inside/outside is also in which the air volumes related to the them to weaken over time. In addition to
tested in order to simulate the impact of area and perimeter of the product are the geographical location, building shape
wind. To simulate possible scenarios with determined in various positive and negative and height, other influences such as the
storms and heavy rain as realistically as pressure stages. The products are then type and distance of surrounding buildings
possible, standing water is sucked in on categorised into Classes 1 to 4, with Class also play a major role. Skylights and their
weather seals or on profiles deformed under 4 representing the highest air tightness. The fastenings must therefore be sufficiently
wind load. standard does not apply exclusively to glass resistant to wind loads with performance
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