Why is Glass so Trendy in Commercial Buildings?

Glass is a versatile material. Glass can absorb, refract or transmit light. It has the ability to make any building more luxurious and modern. The use of glass in the facade and interior of the building adds to the atmosphere. Interiors appear larger and more open with abundant natural lighting.
Glass allows for innovative design, and can be used to improve insulation and energy efficiency. However, there are many different types of glass, and selecting the right type for a project can present a technical challenge.

Benefits of using glass as a building material

Glass is widely used in commercial buildings, mainly because of its special characteristics and benefits. This section summarizes some of the benefits of glass as a building material.

Physical Properties

• Glass is an excellent electrical insulator.
• Malleable glass can be blown, drawn and pressed into any shape. It is a versatile material with many applications ranging from general glazing to furniture.
• Glass is resistant to abrasion.
• Glass is resistant to high temperatures. It can be used in fireplaces, cooking tops and other high temperature areas where less material expansion is required.

Positive Impact on Occupants

• Natural lighting has a positive psychological effect, improving the mood of occupants.
• Glass helps improve work efficiency and performance in offices and schools.

Weather Resistance

• Glass can transmit 80% of daylight in any direction without weathering, clouding or yellowing.
• Glass is resistant to weather and corrosion 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 many times without losing quality.
• The light weight of the glass reduces the weight of the building.
• There are many energy efficient glass products, and low emissivity glass (Low-E) is one of the most widely used. This type of glass receives points under the LEED rating system for energy savings and lower utility bills. 

Aesthetics

• Glass can absorb, refract or transmit light. It has the ability to make any building more luxurious and modern.
• The use of glass in the facade and interior of the building adds to the atmosphere. Interiors appear larger and more open with abundant natural lighting.
• Glass walls help increase the floor area, providing more space for tenants.

Effective Cost

• The glass allows natural light in, reducing the artificial light output needed during the day.
• Efficient glass provides energy savings, achieving synergy with efficient MEP systems. This combination can significantly reduce your utility bills.

Technical challenges in glass buildings

As a building material, glass offers many benefits that make it popular in commercial projects and even modern residential buildings. However, some factors should be considered before starting construction.

Heat Transfer

Glass buildings allow natural light inside, but this increases solar heat during the summer and has higher cooling costs. Thanks to innovation in glass manufacturing, this can be offset with energy efficient fenestrations.

Glass Glare

Another issue that must be considered is the potential glare that occurs with glass surfaces. Glass has special coatings and techniques to reduce glare, and window layouts can also be adapted so that the sun is not directly reflected.

Benefits of Low-E Glass

Low emissivity glass significantly reduces heat transfer compared to conventional glass. This type of glass improves natural lighting and thermal performance in buildings. Low-E coatings block parts of the solar spectrum, and they limit the passage of ultraviolet and infrared light. However, visible light can pass through without any problems.

A low-emission material is one that radiates a small amount of thermal energy. When a building's glass has this property, heat is more effectively preserved 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. With proper planning, architects and engineers can design a beautiful structure that is eco-friendly and energy efficient. It also benefits customers, as they can develop buildings that balance natural lighting and energy efficiency.