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Energy-efficient glass solutions

Daylight and summer heat protection

Summers are getting hotter here: long dry spells with temperatures of well over 30 degrees are no longer uncommon even at our latitudes. Climate change is also having an impact on architecture. This is because the proportion of transparent surfaces in buildings, i.e. windows or glass façades, has also been increasing steadily for years. This has to do with the fact that glass nowadays can insulate just as well as solid façade elements, but at the same time allows a lot of daylight into the building. And as we all know, natural light is not only healthy and improves performance – it also ensures that less energy is needed for artificial light.

Our goal: Comfortable rooms while protecting the climate

While maximum sunlight is welcome in winter, it can pose a challenge to the climate inside a building in the summer months. If appropriate protective measures are not taken, a heat wave can quickly lead to temperatures that make the room unpleasant to be in and jeopardise restful sleep. External sun protection solutions such as shutters and awnings offer one way to reduce temperatures. However, these are not always the right choice and can be complex, especially for large-scale glazing. Last but not least, they can dominate the view.

There is a demand for windows and glass façades that combine two, at first glance, rather contradictory characteristics: they should allow as much natural light into the building as possible, but at the same time help to prevent the interior from overheating during the warmer months. The Swiss standard SIA 180 also requires proof of sufficient summer heat protection for new buildings and energy-related renovations. This should be considered as early as possible, as early as the planning phase of a building. As a glass specialist, we would like to present solutions on the following pages that reconcile the advantages of glass as a transparent material with the requirements of modern climate management – and, importantly, that also visually meet the high demands of contemporary architecture.

SILVERSTAR solar protection glazing features wafer-thin layers of metal or metal oxide that effectively reduce heat input without hindering transparency. The complex coating systems reflect the long-wave infrared rays of the incident solar radiation, which are largely responsible for heating up interior spaces. Short-wave, visible radiation, on the other hand, can pass through unhindered to a large extent. As a result, solar protection layers reduce the influx of energy from the outside to the inside and let a lot of natural daylight into the room.

Glas Trösch offers a wide selection of solar protection glazing with individually tailored levels of light transmission (LT value) and total energy transmission (g value). In this way, the indoor climate remains pleasantly comfortable even in summer and the costs of energy used for cooling are reduced or avoided altogether.

Highly effective sun protection coatings that combine summer heat protection with varied levels of light transmission; additional thermal insulation layers also give optimum heat insulation properties in winter.

Depending on the sun protection glass, either a natural, neutral look or a brilliantly coloured appearance.

High energy-saving potential thanks to permanent summer heat protection combined with thermal insulation properties for the colder months.

The structure of SILVERSTAR solar protection glazing

With SILVERSTAR CONTROL, the incoming sunlight can be individually controlled by remote control using a blind integrated into the gap between the panes. The slats are controlled by an electric motor integrated in the header profile of the window, which is controlled by a miniature control unit or an app. The motors are extremely quiet and reliable.

The advantages of this system are clear: The visual impact of the glass façade is fully preserved. And, compared to SILVERSTAR sun protection glass, the amount of sunlight and thus also the influx of energy can be individually controlled depending on the weather conditions. This means you can go from complete glare protection or privacy protection to partial shading, all the way to an unobstructed view when the slats are fully open. SILVERSTAR CONTROL thus effectively reduces total energy transmission (g value) if required and, in conjunction with ideal thermal insulation properties, ensures an excellent energy balance.

Integrated slat system for individual energy management and optimum use of daylight; easy-care and maintenance-free compared to external blinds; effective glare protection combined with indirect lighting possible.

Consistently high-quality glass look without any aesthetic impairments.

Particularly energy-efficient solution, as the g-value can be individually regulated by slat positioning; correspondingly low heating and/or cooling energy consumption.

SILVERSTAR CONTROL design

OKALUX insulating glass with capillary inserts ensures optimum light distribution indoors and also offers extremely effective protection against sunlight and glare. The countless fine scattering elements inserted in the space between the panes provide uniform and shadow-free illumination deep into the building.

The translucent panes are also suitable for areas of the building where views are not or only partially desirable: Depending on their intended use, they can be combined with fibre-optic fleece, which provides privacy and prevents glare. The capillaries are also ideal as roof glazing for lighting sports halls, museums and atria, for example. Depending on the design, the capillary structure is also visible on both sides and creates a vibrant façade surface that gives the impression of depth. The transmission value of the capillary glazing can be individually adjusted to the respective building requirements. This reduces or eliminates the need for air conditioning on hot summer days.

Integrated capillary system for optimum light distribution deep into the room; very high light transmission combined with effective summer heat protection; for rooms that need complete or partial privacy, or for roof glazing.

The fine surface of the capillary structure creates a lively appearance and interesting plays of light and shadow.

High energy-saving potential thanks to permanent summer heat protection combined with optimum thermal insulation properties in winter.

Design of the OKALUX capillary system

We are your partner for buildings that comply with the Minergie building standard

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