The facade as an energy system

The perfect intermediary between outdoor and indoor climate 

Insulation of the facade keeps the heat in better, increasing living comfort and significantly reducing energy bills. The house gets an extra coat, so to speak, that also helps against overheating in the summer. "By also providing the balconies with an extra shell, these advantages are taken to an even higher level," says Ivar Homma, Managing Director of Solarlux. "Moreover, residents can benefit from extra living and living space in the early, high and late seasons."

"The task of saving energy in construction is enormous," Homma knows. "For example, as a result of the new BENG requirements and the Green Deal approach, which aims to significantly reduce building emissions. Our new Proline T and Proline T Mega balcony glazings respond to this perfectly, because a double facade can be realized very easily." 

The single-glazed balcony glazing creates what is known as a "second skin facade," with the wide cavity space serving as an insulation buffer. "In combination with the movable glass panels, ventilation is also ensured. The transparent double facade is the perfect intermediary between outdoor and indoor climate and uses the air warmed by the sun as part of an energy-saving concept."

From rigid facade to dynamic energy system

Solarlux knows from its own experience what advantages a second skin facade can bring. The specialist in flexible glass facade solutions already equipped its own building in Nijverdal with a second skin facade 10 years ago, Homma explains. "It was a pilot in cooperation with TU Delft, which we are still very enthusiastic about and which has provided us with an enormous amount of knowledge and insight. Whereas a building envelope is normally very static, we can make our façade move very dynamically with the weather conditions. If it is 0°C outside, both the outer and inner shell are closed. If the temperature rises to 10°C and the sun shines, the gap between the single glass panes heats up quickly and we bring in the 'free heat' by opening the inner walls. And is it 30°C outside? Then we open the outer shell completely to prevent heat congestion. In this way, we can achieve maximum energy and comfort results with minimal effort."

Large dimensions, high wind loads

Solarlux's headquarters boasts energy label A+++, with 65.5% share of renewable energy. The building is equipped with the all-glass SL 25 XXL sliding-door system, which has since been succeeded by the Proline T and Proline T Mega. These systems were recently
awarded the 2023 Iconic Award - Innovative Architecture and suitable for any type of balcony, says Homma. 

"With the systems, heights as high as 3 meters can be bridged. Also in high-rise projects. Developed for glass thicknesses of 6 to 12 mm, Proline T lends itself perfectly to the application of thermally toughened glass, where a heat-soak treatment greatly reduces the risk of glass breakage. For those who require larger glass thicknesses, we also offer Proline T Mega, which is suitable for glass thicknesses from 12 to 18 mm. For example, a 15 mm tempered pane can be used in this system, which can cope with extremely high wind loads. It is also possible to install a double tempered pane with 4 foils, creating a laminated tempered pane. This overcomes the risk of falling glass parts in the event of glass breakage." 

An improved and patented locking system guarantees optimum stability. "The moment the wings are opened, they remain very stable in place. Even in the event of high winds." In combination with additional seals, soundproofing of up to 31 dB is possible (confirmed by an independent, external agency). With this, Solarlux also meets the high noise requirements in inner-city projects.

Solarlux now has several renovation projects underway, why the Proline T and Proline T Mega balcony glazing systems are combined with existing or new fencing. But it is also possible to replace traditional balcony railings with a Solarlux Modular system with Proline T, says Homma. "By building the systems together in advance, operations, lead times and failure costs on construction are minimized. In addition, Modular cleverly responds to the ventilation and noise requirements for residential buildings. An integrated Alara-Lukagro grille provides permanent ventilation of the outdoor space, while noise is efficiently kept out."