Sustainable glass architecture

A translucent architecture, with attention to sustainability and circularity

Solarlux has been involved in the design and functional completion of facades for more than 40 years. The knowledge and expertise it has gained in this regard was applied, for example, to the new construction of the Campus in Melle in 2016. Both during design and construction, there was already a full focus on sustainability, resulting in a virtually energy-neutral building.

All Solarlux systems are suitable for architectural facades and based on maximum transparency with movable elements. "Our systems are applicable for all kinds of building types. From villas to residential towers and public buildings," says Stefan Mäkel, Architectural Consultant at Solarlux Nederland BV. "Moreover, all our products and systems are certified along the entire value chain. We have Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) that demonstrate the sustainability of our products and are certified according to DGNB, BNB, LEED and BREEAM."

Alignment of sustainability and glass architecture

Windows are an elemental part of the building envelope, Mäkel knows. "They let in air and light and make buildings habitable." For a long time, small window openings were the norm, especially also from an economic point of view. "Today, however, our window structures are complex technical masterpieces. Architects and end users value translucent architecture, which used to be unrealizable but now also needs to be sustainable and circular. As an organization, we are happy to go along with this. Thanks to the sustainable designs of our Solarlux sites (office and production halls) as well as our clients' reference projects, we now know that lightweight buildings with transparent facades work. The orientation of the building, the construction and the choice of the right building materials and elements are decisive here."

Decisive in sustainability and functionality

Solarlux develops and manufactures large-format glass folding walls, sliding windows, balcony glazing and glass extensions in Germany. The design possibilities are enormous and all products involve customization, says Mäkel. "Depending on the building type, location and user behavior, our systems can be decisive in the sustainability and functionality of a building. The systems offer optimum sound and thermal insulation values and make use of passive solar energy. At the same time, they increase the quality of space through natural lighting and ventilation." 

Co2mfort double facade 

As an example, Mäkel cites the Solarlux Co2mfort double façade, which enables a natural indoor climate without expensive air conditioning and ventilation systems. "The Solarlux Co2mfort facade is an energy-saving solution. The system creates a double façade, combining our insulated folding/sliding systems on the thermal shell with a transparent and full-glazed pivot sliding system. For example, our Ecoline, Highline and Megaline folding walls lend themselves ideally to this application, in combination with our Proline T sliding/sliding system. With this system combination, we can realize the most energy-efficient facade. In the winter months, residents benefit from maximum thermal insulation, while in the summer they can enjoy maximum ventilation. For example, by partially or fully opening both elements." 

The double skin also results in very high sound insulation values. "This allows us to greatly reduce the noise load from outside, thus also contributing to the enjoyment of life indoors."

Solarlux supports architects from the first planning phase. For example, with BIM models, static calculations, visualizations and technical construction connections, Mäkel explains. "In addition, our project managers are happy to assist the contractors on construction, ensuring that the architectural facade designed on the front end is actually realized."

Innovations in glass systems

Currently, Solarlux is expanding its portfolio with various facade modules such as the Modular (insulated or uninsulated), which allows a high degree of prefabrication. This enables efficient facade renovations on a modular basis, Mäkel said. "Here architects and end users can choose from numerous variations, such as solar panels in the parapet, without sacrificing sustainable glass architecture. Once the buildings reach the end of their useful life, we can easily remove our glass systems using a 'reverse construction method.' They can then be reused in their entirety in another project. If reuse is not possible, aluminum and glass are carefully separated and processed into new systems. This places us very high on the R-ladder of circularity and sustainability with our products!"