Doing more with glass

How smart living and living comfort come together in the facade

Glass has always served as protection against wind and rain and to let light through in buildings, but at Pilkington Netherlands, it is taking on a new meaning. With the introduction of HomeComfortTM, the company is demonstrating that glass not only insulates or embellishes, but can also actively contribute to a smart, comfortable, and sustainable living environment. “We want to show what is possible when you no longer see glass as a passive building component, but as a functional part of smart living,” says Martijn Rietveld, Commercial Manager at Pilkington Netherlands.

Add function to glass

It's been a while now, but during the coronavirus pandemic, the importance of a pleasant living environment was felt more strongly than ever. This inspired Pilkington Netherlands to think beyond traditional applications. “A home is fundamental for its occupants: they need to feel comfortable there,” says Rietveld. “We asked ourselves: what else can we do with our product range; what functions can we add to glass?”

The answer was HomeComfort.^TM: a product line in which glass does more than just keep out wind and rain and let in light. With HeatComfortTM, Pilkington Netherlands introduces heating insulation glass that radiates pleasant, even infrared heat. This is ideal for rooms where a radiator is not desirable, such as conservatories or kitchen-diners. LuxComfort^TM combines sun protection and variable transparency in a single system, with blinds between the glass that can be operated wirelessly. This keeps the interior cooler in summer and pleasantly light in winter. Both solutions can be intelligently linked to home automation, so that temperature and light automatically adjust to the rhythm of the day.

“And there’s more to come,” Rietveld continues. “In early 2026, we will launch DynamicComfort^TM – electrochromic glass that changes tint under electrical voltage. This adaptive sun protection with high daylight transmission and subtle coloring keeps the light neutral and the space bright and inviting. And we are working on SilenceComfort^TM, glass with active sound insulation.”

From overheating to balance

All HomeComfort^TM-applications are available in double or triple glazing and comply with the TO-July legislation, which aims to prevent overheating in well-insulated homes. LuxComfort^TM reduces solar radiation by around fifteen percent, while HeatComfort^TM addresses heat loss at the source and ensures a stable indoor climate. “You need less cooling or heating,” says Rietveld. “This increases comfort and reduces energy consumption. It also reduces the need for additional energy-intensive systems such as air conditioners and heat pumps.” 

The technology therefore fits perfectly within the broader sustainability vision of makechange.^TM Pilkington Netherlands and the NSG Group: striving for glass solutions that combine energy efficiency, comfort, and aesthetics without compromising on insulation or service life.

Experience it in Gildehaus

Anyone who wants to experience what glass can add to smart living is welcome to visit the new Experience Center in Gildehaus (Germany), part of Pilkington Nederland's recently opened product location where innovations are tested and applied. Here, Pilkington Nederland showcases various HomeComfort^TM-applications in a realistic facade setting. “Architects can literally feel what it does and experience the reflection and color perception,” says Rietveld. “We demonstrate the possibilities live, provide support during the design and installation phases, and are open to ideas.
from the market.”

Sometimes these ideas come directly from visitors. “For example, we were asked if we could develop daylight simulation—glass that positively influences your mood. Suggestions like these inspire us to think further about what glass can do.”

With HomeComfort^TM Pilkington Netherlands is positioning itself as an innovative partner in smart living. “We are at the beginning of a new phase,” says Rietveld. “One in which glass plays an active role in comfort, energy, and experience—and architects are welcome to come and experience that future today.”