Fire retardant glass specialist can also handle large areas

AGC Glass Europe is the European branch of AGC Glass, the world's largest producer of flat glass. For 40 years, the European leader in flat glass has been a specialist in fire-retardant glass marketed under the name Pyrobel. There is a suitable type for every application.

Fire-resistant glass product manager Jan Liebeton said, "All Pyrobel types consist of different thinner glass layers and thin fire-resistant intermediate layers. As a result, we offer a unique combination of light, transparency and fire protection." Which Pyrobel type is chosen depends on the application. Is a small or large size required? Are there additional requirements for injury and fall-through safety? AGC Glass also often makes a combination of soundproof, burglarproof and insulating glass.

Pyrobel glass comes in all possible fire resistance classes: E (stops flames, smoke and gas, heat conduction is still possible), EW (stops flames, smoke and gas, heat radiation limited to max. 15 kw/m2) and EI (stops flames, smoke and gas heat conduction is blocked). Up to even 180 minutes of fire resistance. Pyrobel T can perhaps be called AGC Glass' flagship product. 

Liebeton: "For the exterior facade, in addition to certain building physics requirements, appearance is also important. There is often a need for large-sized glass that goes perfectly with the non-fire-retardant glass in the facade. Thanks to Pyrobel-T, this is possible."

If it has to be really big

Unlike the other Pyrobel types (which have a maximum size of 2 x 3 meters), Pyrobel T glass can be supplied up to 2 x 4.5 meters. "We really thought from the architect's point of view," says Liebeton. "With Pyrobel T, we provide an integral solution. For projects where there is a need for large windows, for example for shopping centers, airports, or sports complexes, but also for commercial spaces above which apartments are being built. These larger windows provide unity and a sense of spaciousness that many architects are looking for."

What AGC Glass is capable of, the company is demonstrating par excellence in Amsterdam IJburg. 

Here stands building Sluishuis. This particular housing project slopes over the water. The 42 angled windows must therefore meet high requirements. They have to be fire resistant and walkable. Pyrobel EI60 meets these requirements. Liebeton: "You can simply lie down on this fire-resistant glass and look out over the water, even jumping is possible. It was a very special project, where the experience we have in house was used and the wide possibilities with glass are clearly visible." 

In Rotterdam, AGC also contributed to a unique project. Here, the Floating Office Rotterdam was built, a virtually circular building. QbiQ supplied fire-resistant, transparent facades and the glass partitions for this. "Our glass was used for the fire-resistant partition walls. They meet the Cradle to Cradle Certificate Silver and thus fully contribute to the sustainability ambition for this building. We are the only glass supplier certified in this way. This is increasingly important to minimize the environmental impact of construction."